Adolescent Initiative
HIV Counseling and Testing
HIV facts
- Half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur in young people under the age of 25.
- In the United States 20,000 young people are infected with HIV every year.
- Every hour, two teenagers are infected with HIV.
- Only 1 in 4 teens who have HIV actually know it and the other three often pass it along to others without knowing it
Who should get tested?
- Anyone who is sexually active.
- It is important to know your status, positive or negative.
What does the test involve?
- Getting tested for HIV at CHOP includes getting some helpful education and resources as well.
- Plan on spending between 30-60 minutes with a health educator.
- Testing is CONFIDENTIAL — that means that what is said in the room is between you and the health educator, including the test results.
- You have some choices about what kind of test you use — we have two tests that are just a swab in the mouth, with no needles and no blood:
- Oral Standard HIV Test — results come back in two weeks (requires a second appointment ).
- Oral Rapid HIV Test — results come back in 20 minutes.
When can you get tested?
- Testing is available at 3550 Market Street, in the 4th floor Adolescent Clinic. You can come for a walk-in appointment (there may be a wait) or call 215-590-1154 to schedule and appointment (no wait)
- Testers are available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Why should I get tested?
- It is recommended that everyone know their HIV status, positive or negative.
- It is a great way to get some education, counseling, and safer sex supplies.
- If I have been diagnosed with any STD, I may have also been exposed to HIV.
- If I have HIV, I need to get special healthcare to make sure that I stay healthy and safe. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia can help with that as well.
What should I do if I think I am at risk for HIV?
- Call the health educator at 1-877-423-TEENS (8336) to schedule an appointment .
- Call 1-800-985-AIDS (2437) if none of the above testing times are convenient.