HIV Testing

The Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) offers several options for HIV care, from nurse appointments for asymptomatic testing to visits with our clinicians for students with symptoms who have more complex questions or who want specific medical advice about HIV.

Testing options at Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC)

• Free testing

  The DSHSC offers free HIV testing to all registered, in-person students.
  Appointments are with a trained nurse, not a medical provider. If you have concerning symptoms or want specific medical advice about HIV, schedule an appointment with a DSHSC medical provider using the patient portal.

  The test we use is the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV – 1/2 Antibody Test. This is a qualitative immunoassay designed to detect antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-1) and Type 2 (HIV-2). This test does not include testing for an HIV antigen which enables detection of very early HIV infections. The test is performed on blood obtained by a finger stick.

  Schedule an appointment by using the patient portal.
  Choose the clinic "Decker Student Health Services Center," then the appointment reason, "HIV testing - Nurse Visit."

• Other testing

  The DSHSC can order other HIV testing through our reference lab.

  This testing requires that you use your insurance to cover the cost or pay for it out-of-pocket. 

  These tests include HIV 1/2 antibodies, HIV antigens and quantitative HIV studies, including viral load.

Who should get tested?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. 

You should get tested at least once a year if:

• You've had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test
• You've had sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown or includes anything on this list. 
• You've had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV
• You're a man who has had sex with another man
• You've shared needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment
• You've exchanged sex or drugs for money
• You've been diagnosed with, or have been treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis
• You've been diagnosed with, or have been treated for another sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea

More information

CDC HIV testing information

HIV testing overview

HIV testing information (NIH)

HIV Testing information (NYSDOH)

HIV Testing FAQ

Should I get tested for HIV?