HIV Testing

The City of Columbia is committed to providing public health services that prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries and illness, assure the quality and accessibility of health services, monitor the health of the population, provide social services and promote and protect civil rights.

HIV Testing Questions and Answers

HIV testing can be both stressful and frightening. We hope to make your test experience as easy as possible. We present this information to answer some common questions and concerns.

We are a regional HIV testing center. It is NOT NECESSARY to be a resident of Boone County.

Why should I be tested?

Relief and knowledge - Should your test show no sign of HIV infection, you will be relieved and will have had an opportunity to learn how to stay HIV free. If the test is positive, you can act on that knowledge to protect your health by taking advantage of new effective therapies, and by preventing the spread of HIV to others.
Women: If you are pregnant and HIV positive you may be able to prevent the infection of your baby by taking special medication during your pregnancy.
Risks for HIV include unprotected sexual relations (without a condom); and use of shared syringes (needles or "works") for injecting drugs or shared equipment for tattooing and piercing.
If you feel you may be at risk for HIV infection, get the test.

Who does the testing?

both testing and counseling are conducted by professionals with specific training to perform this test
they will be able to answer any questions you have, or refer you to those who can provide further assistance

What kind of test is it?

A small amount of blood is drawn, and sent to the State Public Health Laboratory, where it is tested for antibodies to HIV.
Positive tests are double checked and then tested again using a different type of test, to assure accuracy.
It takes about eight days to receive results, which are provided in person, by appointment.
Another oral test method is available which is just as accurate but requires about twelve days to receive results.
We now have two fast result tests available: OraQuick, and Clearview HIV Stat-Pak. These produce an HIV test result in 20 minutes. They can not be done anonymously.

How soon can I be tested and know that it will find an infection, if there is one?

As it may take 3-12 weeks for HIV antibodies to be detectable in the blood, a test done three months after the last risk activity is considered highly accurate, detecting up to 95% of positive cases.
To be sure, a test done six months after the risk may be necessary.

...And the “Quick” test?

The OraQuick finger stick test can provide accurate negative test results, and preliminary positive results in only 20 minutes. The Clearview Stat-Pak test provides results in only 15 minutes. Both fast result tests require a confirming blood test for positive results.
See: Other HIV test methods

Won't people know that I'm having an HIV test if I go to the Health Department?

Absolutely not . . . the Health Department runs a wide range of clinics and health activities of all kinds.
No one else can know the reason you are here.
HIV testing appointments are made using first names only.

What is a "confidential" test?

As with any medical test, name and address are necessary and a form of ID is requested.
The blood sample is identified by number only, when sent to the State Laboratory.
Only positive test result information is sent to the Bureau of STD/HIV Prevention, Missouri Dept. of Health.
Statistical data is used to predict infection trends and provide justification for HIV prevention and care programs.
Insurance companies, employers and other government agencies DO NOT have access to testing and counseling information and results.

What about "anonymous" tests?

Anonymous testing does not require the disclosure of one's name and locating information.
An anonymous appointment may be made using a fictitious first name and results are given using the unique HIV test number provided at the time of testing.
OraQuick and OraQuick Advance can not be performed anonymously.
Anonymous testing can also not be performed in outreach situations.

What if I lose my test number?

While it is best to retain your number card, you may receive your results using a picture ID which includes your birth date.
Those testing anonymously can not receive the result without the test number card.

Are test copies available?

Copies of HIV and STD test results to be provided directly to those tested also with a release signed and positive ID.
Copies of confidential test results may be mailed to physicians on the written request of the person tested.
This request must be written at the Health Department, only by the person tested and only with that person positively identified.

Is there a cost?

No. . . there is no charge for HIV testing, provided by the Columbia/ Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services.

What if the test is positive for HIV...what happens then?

The Health Department counselor will inform you of the result and help you to cope with this news.
You will be assured privacy and support to receive the result and counseled on the accuracy, medical and legal significance of an HIV diagnosis.
As there is now highly effective treatment for HIV, much of the counseling is usually focused on helping the positive person take the next necessary steps to receive follow up medical care and social support for treatment and healthy living with HIV. Referrals to Care Coordination Services, RAIN and other supportive services are offered.

What about other STDs?

A syphilis test can be done at the time of blood testing for HIV.
Also, women who are pregnant may have a Hepatitis B test.
Anyone with a particular risk for Hepatitis C such as having a history of IV drug use, or having received a transfusion before 1994, can have a Hepatitis C screening test done.
Other STD tests and treatments are available at this Health Department, without appointment, during our low cost STD clinic every Tuesday evening between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.

To schedule a test, please contact us.

To learn more about HIV, please visit our external website directory.