What is the difference between an Anonymous and Confidential HIV Test?

Anonymous and Confidential HIV tests use the same testing method. The only difference is one does not have your name attached to the results.

Anonymous HIV antibody testing is available at Anonymous HIV Test Sites in some California counties. Anonymous testing means that absolutely no one has access to your test results since your name is never recorded at the test site. It is always a good idea to contact the testing clinic directly to confirm what type of test is available.

Confidential HIV antibody testing means that you and the health care provider know your results, which may be recorded in your medical file. Some clinics offer confidential testing to make it easier for the patient to access their own results at a later date, or to make it easier to track the number of unique new cases that are being found. In some places, the government requires Confidential instead of Anonymous as a condition of funding.

Even if the testing facility does not offer anonymous testing, your test results are protected by HIPAA regulations.

Learn more in the article: "HIV Testing."