Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has several HIV counseling and testing locations throughout the Valley.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health HIV Clinic uses the Oraquick© Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test.

The testing procedure involves a risk assessment, during which the Disease Intervention Specialist:

• Asks questions to identify the client’s risk for HIV
• Discusses ways in which the client can reduce the risk of infection or transmission of HIV
• Helps the client discuss testing for HIV and STDs with new needle-sharing or sex partners
• Takes a small sample of blood through a fingerstick
• Allows the test to develop for 20 minutes
• Provides prevention counseling
• Gives the result of the rapid test to the client

You can choose whether your HIV test will be done confidentially or anonymously. During confidential testing, the client provides his or her name and contact information. The counseling and testing session outcome is kept private; the results are only known by the client and Program staff responsible for counseling and follow-up. Per Arizona law, all positive cases of HIV are reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services, and these reports will include the name of the client and contact information. This information is critical in helping the State and County Health Departments control the spread of HIV infection in the community and is not shared with any agency without specific consent of the client.

During anonymous testing, no name or contact information is given. The client will have his or her blood drawn through venipuncture and will receive a result two weeks from the date of the session. The Oraquick© Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test cannot be used for anonymous testing and the anonymous client must return to our site for his or her result. No results will be given by telephone. A positive test result with an anonymous test cannot be used to obtain medical and other care services; that person will need to have further confidential testing for proof of HIV status.

Many places offer HIV testing, including the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, private doctors' offices, hospitals, health care clinics, medical laboratories, and a number of local nonprofit organizations. It is recommended that you get tested through your primary care provider, as your HIV status may affect other health issues or medication you might need to take. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can receive testing services through MCDPH or other non-profit organizations that provide free or reduced cost testing services. It is important to discuss risky behavior and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. HIV counselors can help you understand the meaning of the test results and refer you to free and low cost HIV prevention, medical and social services available in the community.