Confidential HIV/AIDS tests are available two ways at UHS.
Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW)
- Call 814.863.0461
- Blood test only
- No charge for Penn State students (funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Health)
- Results back in approximately 2 weeks. Confidential results are not part of your medical record and are not shared with UHS.
Clinical Services
- Call 814.863.0774
- There is a charge for the blood test through the clnic.
- Results back in approximately 2 weeks for tests ordered by a UHS clinician.
Students receive counseling to help understand the results, to examine behaviors that necessitated the test, and to create risk reduction plans for the future. Students participate in a 30-minute appointment prior to the testing.
Testing Types
- The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was developed for the purpose of screening blood for the blood bank system. For individuals requesting an HIV antibody blood test, one specimen of blood is drawn that is used for an ELISA. A second test, The Western Blot test, which is considered more accurate but which is also more expensive, is used to confirm a positive ELISA.
Local Resources
Other local resources for testing for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI) include:
- Centre County Tapestry of Health, 240 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA
814.355.2762
- Department of Health, Hamilton Avenue - 814.865.0932
Students at Penn State campuses other than University Park may contact the campus health office or other community resources for further information.
Additional information about HIV/AIDS is availalbe on the CDC website.
Volunteer Oportunities
If you are a student who is interested in helping others and would like to become a student volunteer with the Peer Health Educator Program, please call the Health Promotion and Wellness office at 814.863.0461 or e-mail promotinghealthATpsu.edu.
Other opportunities for involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STIs are available through HealthWorks.