HIV/AIDS Information

HIV Testing
Two methods of testing are available: blood and rapid oral swab. Blood tests are done with a needle; the rapid oral swab test takes a sample of fluid and tissue using a small, flat brush inserted in the mouth and rubbed against the gums above and below the teeth.

Tests are either confidential or anonymous. A confidential test means the results are entered onto your medical record and require your name, address and social security number. Written documentation of testing from a blood test may be provided upon request for the person who was tested. An anonymous test means the results are known only to you. No documentation can be provided with an anonymous test.

Both types of tests will include pre and post test counseling to discuss your risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, how to avoid acquisition or transmission of HIV and what to do should you test positive for antibodies to HIV.

Oral tests
The OraQuick rapid oral swab is free and always anonymous. The biggest advantage of the OraQuick test is that results are available in about 20 minutes, so only one visit is required to be tested, counseled and get your results. 

OraQuick testing is available during specific walk-in testing times at the times/locations listed below.

• 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Health Department's District office, 610 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, Ky.

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Peter J. Noll Community Center, 400 W. Sixth St., Newport, Ky.

• 3 to 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky.

• 1 to 4 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.

If the walk-in testing times are not convenient for you, an appointment may be scheduled by calling 859.341.4264, Ext. 2085.

Blood tests
Blood tests are administered through the Health Department's health centers by appointment only and will cost approximately $15. Hours vary per site. Please call the center of your choice for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Boone County Health Center
7505 Burlington Pike
Florence, KY 41042
859.363.2060

Campbell County Health Center
1098 Monmouth St.
Newport, KY 41071
859.431.1704

Grant County Health Center
234 Barnes Road
Williamstown, KY 41097
859.578.3690

Kenton County Health Center
2002 Madison Ave.
Covington, KY 41014
859.431.3345

Click here for directions to these sites.

For additional testing sites, visit the National HIV Testing Resources page to search for testing sites by Zip Code.

If you are HIV positive and would like to talk to one of our HIV/AIDS case managers, please call 859.341.4264 and dial "0" for operator to be connected to one of the case managers.

HIV/AIDS fact sheet
AIDS.gov
CDC - Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention - Basic Statistics
CDC-National Prevention Information Network
HIV/AIDS Treatment Information System
Kentucky HIV/AIDS Branch
STOP AIDS (formerly AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati)