Where can I be tested?
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Mecklenburg County Public Health offers free, confidential testing at community-based sites and within our two clinics. For more information, visit: Community-Testing-Sites
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Who should be tested? |
The CDC recommends that individuals between the ages of 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care and that those with risk factors get tested more frequently. Patients who may be at more risk for HIV should be screened at least annually:
- People who inject drugs (PWID) and their sex partners
- People who exchange sex for money or drugs
- Sex partners of people with diagnosed HIV/STDs
- Sexually active men who have sex with men (more frequent testing may be beneficial; e.g., every 3‒6 months)
- People who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners since their most recent HIV/STD test
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What should I expect?
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Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is simple and confidential. A variety of methods are used by healthcare providers to diagnose sexually transmitted infections. The most common include: - Drawing a small tube of blood
- Performing a finger stick
- Collecting throat and/or rectal swabs
- Collecting a urine sample
It is important that you ask and understand which tests are being performed and how they work during any visit. Not all tests are the same, and not all providers will screen for the same STDs.
During your visit, a trained professional will ask a series of questions about your sexual history, drug use or other aspects about your health. While these questions may be intimidating or even slightly uncomfortable, it is important to answer truthfully and honestly. This conversation helps determine your specific risk factors and guides which tests to perform and how best to connect you to any other resources if needed.
Remember, all information shared is confidential and never shared outside of the healthcare team.
At the conclusion of your visit, you should know:
- Which tests are being conducted
- How to receive your results
- How to access safer-sex materials (condoms, lube) and lower your risk factors
- Who to contact if you have any further questions
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How often should I be tested?
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Every 3-6 months: - Anyone who has multiple or anonymous partners
- Anyone who shares injection drug needles or equipment
- All sexually active men who have sex with men and transgender individuals
Every year: - All sexually active persons over the age of 13
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What is the window period? |
Each STI test has a 'window period'. This is the time between when a person comes in contact with an STI, and when the STI will show up on a test. If the test is taken too soon after contact, there is a chance that a test result is not accurate.
The window period varies from person to person and depends on the type of test. If you are concerned about specific exposure to an STD, ask your health care provider or test counselor about when you should be tested.
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Why can I not be tested more frequently? |
While testing can provide you with an understanding of your status, it alone does not prevent the transmission of an infection alone. Enough time must pass between the point of infection and the moment you are tested to detect an accurate result (window period). During this time, potential transmission can continue to occur without either partner knowing or showing any symptoms. The recommended times for testing are based on the amount of time it would take for an infection to develop and be detectable.
Remember - testing alone is not prevention. Testing will only tell you if you have been infected after the window period has passed. There are more tools now than ever to prevent HIV and STIs - talk to your partners about your/their HIV/STI status, use condoms the right way every time you have sex (or consider using condoms more often), take PrEP to prevent HIV, and do not share needles or other drug works.
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I think my partner may have an STD. What should I do?
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Anyone who is suspected to have come in contact with an STD should call 704-336-6500 to make an appointment for treatment. Treatment may include medication during the time of visit as well as further testing to evaluate ongoing care.
A person living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) who has an undetectable viral load (under 200 copies/mL) cannot transmit HIV through sex. Learn more about Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
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Do you test for genital herpes? |
The Center for Disease Control does not recommend regular testing for genital herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) for people without symptoms. Genital herpes is a common STD caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 include blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth, known as "having an outbreak". The blisters break and leave painful sores and it may take weeks to heal. Most people who have HSV-1 or HSV-2 don't have symptoms. An infection does not usually result in serious outcomes in healthy, non-pregnant adults. More often, the stigma and shame from a genital herpes infection can be more troubling to someone who is infected than the disease itself. If you are pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about testing as herpes infections in babies can be life-threatening. Medication is available to manage symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection. If you are experiencing continuous symptoms related to genital herpes and in need of medication, please call 704-336-6500 to schedule an appointment.
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