At CCWS’ Reading office we offer three forms of HIV testing: traditional blood test, oral fluid test and rapid test. Your prevention counselor will help you to weigh the pros and cons of each test, and assist you in selecting the best testing option for your individual needs.

• Traditional Blood Test – When you have a traditional HIV test, after you have completed your prevention counseling session, a tube of blood will be drawn. The blood will be sent to a state contracted lab for screening and, if warranted, confirmatory testing. You will be asked to return in two weeks for your test results.
• Oral Fluid Test – The Orasure® test uses an oral specimen collection pad that you place between your cheek and your gum. The swab is a specially patented device designed to absorb an oral fluid, know as mucosal transudate. After you have completed your prevention counseling session, you will be asked to provide an oral sample and place it in a vial. The vial will be sent to a state lab for screening and, if warranted, confirmatory testing. You will be asked to return in two weeks for your test results.
• Rapid Test – The OraQuick Advance® test is commonly referred to as the rapid test because it can be processed onsite in approximately 20 minutes. If you elect to have a rapid test, a drop of blood will be taken from your finger and placed in a testing solution along with a testing device. The test will be processed in our in-house lab while you participate in a prevention counseling session. Because the rapid test is considered to be a screening test (like the EIA), any reactive results require further confirmation via blood draw or oral fluid.

For further information on the Orasure or OraQuick Advance tests you can visit the Orasure Technologies website at www.orasure.com.

QUESTIONS?

For further information about our HIV testing services, contact our Deputy Director, Barbara Waller at (610)375-6523, extension 103 or bwaller@cocountywellnessservices.org.

 

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All services are confidential and provided free of charge.