When does FFC offer HIV testing?
FFC offers HIV testing on:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
• Friday mornings from 9:00AM to noon
• Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00PM to 7:30PM

How are HIV tests performed?
To perform the HIV test, we will take an oral fluid sample from your mouth. In some cases, we may opt to do a finger stick test where a small amount of blood is taken from your finger. Only in special circumstances do we offer full blood draw HIV tests.

How much does the test cost?
Nothing. The test is provided at no cost to you.

How long will it take to receive my test result?
Twenty (20) minutes. You will know your HIV status (positive or negative) before you leave the building. (At your request, we will provide your HIV results in writing.)

Is the test accurate?
This test is 99.8% accurate. Remember, though, that it can take up to six (6) months after HIV exposure/infection for the HIV antibodies to show up on a test. Please read our detailed 6-month window period information (below). Depending on your risk status, we may recommend that you get retested in the future.

Is your testing confidential or anonymous?
FFC offers confidential testing. We will ask you for personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, etc. Your name and your test results are reported to the Virginia Department of Health. This information is not accessible to the general public or insurance agencies.

What are the testing outcomes?
Your test result may be negative, preliminary positive, or indeterminate. In the event that it is preliminary positive, we will recommend and require a confirmatory test. This is done by getting another oral sample from you and sending it to a laboratory. It will take approximately one (1) week for that result to return; we will make a follow-up appointment with you to discuss your final results.

If your result is indeterminate, it means the test did not produce a result. This is not an indication of your HIV status. We will perform another test where we may need a small blood sample from your finger.

What happens if I test positive?
For those who test positive for HIV, we will make referrals for case management, medical care and any other service that we can help you access. We also offer partner counseling and referral services. You will not be alone!

The “6-month Window Period”

The HIV test that is offered at FFC is an HIV antibody test that looks for HIV antibodies—not the actual virus itself. Everyone’s body is different. After being infected with HIV, some people will immediately begin to produce HIV antibodies that may be detected by an antibody test. For others it may take several months after they become infected before their bodies produce the HIV antibodies that the test is designed to detect. And, research has shown that for some people it can take even longer—up to six (6) months after infection—before the HIV antibody test returns a positive result.

So, what does this mean? Basically, it means that each and every time you are potentially exposed to HIV infection, the 6-month window period starts over. If it’s possible that you may have been exposed to HIV within the previous 6 months, then you may want to consider when you will need to retest. Only you know the date of your last possible exposure. Please keep this in mind when you are determining when you will get retested.