HIV Counseling & Testing

Henry J. Austin Health Center is pleased to provide free anonymous and / or confidential HIV testing to any person who requests it. Testing takes approximately 15-20 minutes, which includes counseling, providing HIV / AIDS information, and answering any questions an individual may have. Confidential testing means identifying information is taken and released by client's written authorization or court order. Anonymous testing, available only at our Warren Street location, means no identifying information is ever taken.

Types of Tests
An HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test shows the presence of HIV, an infection that may develop into AIDS over a number of years. Infection is usually detectable within 3-6 months of potential exposure. HIV antibody testing is done using either blood or cells from the oral cavity.

OraQuick, the Rapid Test – results in about 20 minutes
The newest technology is OraQuick (the “Rapid” Test). Using either oral cells or a blood drop taken from a fingertip, OraQuick provides an HIV test result in as little as 20 minutes. Individuals receive results from this test at the same visit. OraQuick is very accurate. However, additional testing is required to confirm a preliminary positive result.

Traditional Testing
A traditional blood test can also be used. The blood specimen is sent to the state lab where it is processed. Results are returned to the health center, usually within 10 working days, and individuals must return in person to the health center to receive the results, regardless if they are positive or negative.

The traditional oral test is called OraSure. A cotton pad (swab) is placed between the gum and the cheek and is left there for 2-5 minutes. During this time, it absorbs the cells within the inner wall of one’s cheek and this is what is tested (not the saliva). It is then removed from the mouth, placed in a vial, recapped and sent to the lab. The test provides a highly accurate result. No needles are used, so it is painless.

With either the traditional blood test or the OraSure test it is necessary to return to the clinic in two weeks to receive your test results.

HIV Staff
The HIV staff consists of the Program Coordinator, HIV Counselors, HIV Bilingual Counselors, and the HIV Receptionist. The entire staff is provided with training by the New Jersey State Department of Health. The Program Coordinator offers education, center outreach, and information regarding counseling and testing at local community centers and community-based organizations. Counselors provide the counseling and testing, patient outreach, risk reduction, and up-to-date information regarding HIV/AIDS. The Receptionist maintains the HIV hotline and provides up-to-date information to all callers and visitors.

For up-to-date information regarding the HIV virus, current research, and new scientific developments, please refer to www.cdc.gov/hiv/

APPOINTMENTS AND MORE INFORMATION

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, please call (609) 278-5946
Walk-Ins are also welcome