Rapid Testing Added to HIV Testing Options in San Francisco

It's new, it's fast, and it's quickly gaining in popularity throughout San Francisco. Rapid HIV testing has already moved into the repertoire of five City HIV testing programs, and will likely be available at 15 locations within the next 12 months.

With a simple finger prick, an individual can know his/her HIV status in less than an hour, with 99% accuracy. City health officials recommend that sexually active men who have sex with men and injection drug users who share needles get tested every six months.

Currently, rapid testing is available at AIDS Health Project, Glide Health Services, Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic, the Women's Community Clinic, and Larkin Street Youth Services.

To find out more about the rapid HIV test and locations, call the California HIV/AIDS Hotline at 800-367-AIDS or visit www.aidshotline.org.