HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Branch

STD Clinical Services Home

HIV Testing

On This Page:

Other Helpful Resources:

Multicolor Bar

HIV Testing at County Sexual Health Clinics

HIV only testing/HIV test without other STI testing or services are available at the South Sexual Health Clinic in Chula Vista. If you only want an HIV test, you will not be asked to pay the clinic fee.
 
All County of San Diego Sexual Health Clinics will run a routine HIV blood test as part of your STI visit unless:
  1. You already have HIV
  2. You tell your provider that you do not want an HIV test
     

*All testing is confidential (i.e., your name is recorded but protected by law).
Blood tests results are usually ready in about one week.

Testing at the San Diego LGBT Community Center

Free and anonymous HIV testing is available at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center). 

Visit the Sexual Health and Wellness at The Center web page for more information.

Testing in the Community

  • Download the "SD Getting to Zero" Mobile App to find PrEP, HIV testing, treatment, and support services available in San Diego County. Search for resources by:
    • location 
    • language
    • services offered 
    • transportation routes
    • and much more

Download the "SD Getting to Zero" App

*The app is available in multiple languages. 

Rapid HIV Testing Instructions

*Rapid HIV testing is temporarily unavailable at the
County Sexual Health Clinics

For oral rapid HIV test, please DO NOT do any off the following within 20 minutes of the test:

  • Chew gum
  • Eat or drink fluids (including water)
  • Use any oral hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash, denture adhesive) 

If you have done any of these activities immediately before arriving at the clinic, you may wait 15-20 minutes before taking the oral rapid test or you may have a rapid HIV test performed using finger stick blood sample.

Testing and Confidentiality

By law, all information regarding demographics, meetings with a medical provider, testing, and treatment is confidential. This information is not shared with outside non-public health agencies without the written permission of the patient.

 

Multicolor Bar

For more information, 
call (619) 293-4700 or send us an e-mail.

Last updated March 25 ,2025