HIV Testing and Prevention

HIV and Testing and Prevention

The CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that individuals who are sexually active get a regular screening for HIV at least once a  year. You can find HIV (and STI) testing in Pennsylvania by entering your zip code at gettested.cdc.gov. If you don’t get result on your first try, you may need to broaden your search area beyond the preset ten mile radius. Some testing locations are free.

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click to find nearby HIV and STD testing

If you want to get tested for HIV, and you don’t want to go to a doctor’s office or clinic, you can get a free HIV self-test kit through the mail. Go to www.getmyHIVtest.com for more information and to order.

A diverse group of people
Cick on the image to sign up for a free in-home HIV test kit

If you still need help in finding testing,  or have basic questions about STIs, you can send a message to our online outreach staff at rgy2@pitt.edu with the word “question” in the subject line. We usually respond within 24 hours.

HIV Prevention

Research shows PrEP prevents HIV infection. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is a once-a-day pill that is prescribed by a doctor. To learn more about PrEP, go to the  CDC’s PrEP information page.

To find a PrEP provider near you, enter your zip code on the PrEP Locator Website. You can also open/download this PrEP information page from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It also lists PrEP providers specifically in Pennsylvania.

Note that PrEP won’t protect against other STIs like Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.