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Where can I get tested for HIV in King County? |
Public Health STD Clinic
Ninth and Jefferson Building -- NOTE: New location as of Monday, July 13, 2009. Details about this new location (PDF)
908 Jefferson St, 11th Floor
Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-744-3590
Map and driving directions
Use Metro's Trip Planner to determine which bus route(s) nearest you will take you to the STD Clinic.
Walk-in clinic for STD evaluation/treatment and HIV testing
Registration opens at 7:45 am.
If you need to be seen later than 4 p.m. please talk to our staff to make sure we are still accepting patients for the day.
Fees are based on income using a sliding scale. NO PERSON WILL BE DENIED SERVICE BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY. Patients may be charged a minimum fee of $15. Fees will be discussed with the provider you see.
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To help speed your visit with the Public Health STD Clinic, you may download and print the following documents (PDF format,) fill them out, sign where appropriate then bring them with you:
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Other Community Health Centers in Seattle and King County.
Private healthcare providers. Any private provider can provide testing for a fee. Insurance may cover the costs.
Gay City Health Project
511 E Pike St. [ MAP ]
Seattle, WA
Free HIV (rapid and RNA testing available) and syphilis* testing for men who have sex with men:
Appointments are available by calling 206-860-6969. Walk-ins can also be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Gay City cannot test for other STDs or treat STDs. If you need a referral to places that do, call the HIV/AIDS Program 206-296-4649.
Center for MultiCultural Health
105-14th Avenue, Suite 2C
Seattle, WA 98122
Free and anonymous HIV testing focused on Black/African American males.
Drop in hours:
Appointments are available by calling 206-461-6910 ext 217 or by emailing eduardo@cschc.org
Earn $20 for testing if you are a Black/African American male.
Planned Parenthood
Call 1-800-230-7526 for appointment nearest you or visit their website at www.plannedparenthood.org
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Why should I get tested for HIV? |
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Why HIV Testing is Important for YOU. (Fact sheet in various languages) |
This fact sheet is formatted to be printed as a two sided flyer in color or black and white on letter size paper (8½" x 11"). It is available in Adobe PDF format in these languages:
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What types of tests can I get? |
There are two main types of HIV tests. The most standard HIV tests look for HIV antibodies. A second kind of test, called an RNA test, looks for the actual virus. (See below)
All HIV tests are over 99% accurate. However, all positive HIV tests must be confirmed with a second test (called the Western Blot). It can take from a few days to about a week to get these second results.
Antibody tests
Most people get an antibody test by giving a small blood sample (called a "blood draw"). Results from this test are usually available within a week. The blood sample can also be used to test for syphilis at the same time.
Rapid HIV tests are antibody tests that can give results in about 20 minutes. Rapid tests use oral fluid or blood from a vein or finger stick to check for HIV antibodies. A positive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed with a follow-up test, which can take up to 2 weeks. Rapid tests may be slightly less accurate than standard antibody tests, but provide quick results.
Another antibody test option is home testing. You can buy a kit at most local drug stores. You prick your finger with a special device, place a drop of blood on a card, and then mail the card to a lab for testing. Later, you phone in for the results using a unique ID number, not your name. If your results are positive, you will be told how to get a confirmation test and access local treatment and support services. The only home test approved for use in the United States is called Home Access. Beware of other brands sold in stores or on the Internet.
RNA tests
RNA testing requires a blood sample. Finger stick or rapid versions are not yet available. The big advantage of RNA testing over antibody testing is the shorter window period (the time between infection and when testing can be done). RNA tests are available at the Public Health STD Clinic at Harborview for men who have sex with other men. Other individuals at high risk for HIV will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Gay City offers RNA testing as well, but only for men who have sex with other men. RNA testing is also available through most private doctors for a fee.
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RNA/PCR/NAAT Test
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Antibody Test
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| What the test looks for | actual virus | antibodies to HIV |
| Window period | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 months |
| Options for testing | blood, no rapid | blood, oral, rapid |
| Wait time for results | 1-3 weeks | 1 week; 20 minutes for rapid |
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How long should I wait after a possible risk to get tested? |
No matter what kind of HIV test you use, there is a short period of time right after infection when the tests won't be able to detect signs of HIV, even if you are infected. This is called a "window period." If you get tested too soon (during the window period), your results may be wrong. How long you must wait depends on the type of test you take.
For antibody testing:
When HIV enters the blood, the body reacts by making cells called antibodies. Most people will create enough antibodies within just 4 weeks after infection though another test is recommended after 3 – 6 months to be sure. In very rare cases, it can take 6 months. Therefore, it's best to test one month after a possible exposure, and again at 3 – 6 months.
For RNA testing:
Most people will get accurate results 1 week after infection, although it may take up to 2 weeks. To be absolutely sure, you should wait 2 weeks before getting an RNA test.
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What if I test positive? |
It's a good idea to think ahead about getting your results. Do you think you'll need extra support? If so, arrange to call a friend, partner or family member after you get your results. That person might even be willing to go with you to your appointment.
If you do test positive, here are some tips on what to do next:
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Where can I learn more about STDs? |
You can find great information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at: