HIV Testing

HIV tests without STD testing or services are available at the Rosecrans clinic. If you want only an HIV test, you do not need an appointment and you will not be asked to pay the clinic fee.

All County of San Diego STD Clinics will run a routine HIV blood test as part of your STD visit unless:

1. You already have a diagnosis of HIV infection 
2. You tell your provider that you do not want the test.

Rapid HIV testing also is available at the Rosecrans clinic, but is not recommended if you may have been exposed to HIV between 2 - 12 weeks ago.

All testing is confidential (i.e., your name is recorded but protected by law). The results of blood tests usually take about one week to return.

San Diego LGBT Community Center

Anonymous, rapid HIV testing is offered at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.

Testing in the Community

The County of San Diego operates a mobile HIV testing unit which visits various locations throughout the county offering confidential HIV testing. For dates, times and locations of the mobile unit, please call (619) 692-8501.

Rapid HIV Test Instructions

If you would like to have an oral rapid HIV test, please do not chew gum, eat or drink fluids (including water) a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the test. Do not use any oral hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash, denture adhesive) for a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the test. If you have performed any of these activities immediately prior to arrival 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.

For more information, phone (619) 293-4700 or send us an email.

Last updated June 3, 2019.