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Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to be tested without your parents finding out?Minors may be tested for HIV without parental consent in the following circumstances:

• Any minor 12 years or older who presents for evaluation of sexually transmitted disease, who is felt capable of giving informed consent.
• Any married minor or unwed minor 12 years or older.
• In the above cases, no form of notification may be given to a minor's parent (including billing) even in the event of a positive test result

What is the "Window Period"? The window period is the time between a person's infection with HIV and the appearance of detectable anti-HIV antibodies. Because antibodies to HIV takes time to form, an HIV test will not be positive immediately after a person is infected. The time delay typically ranges from 14 to 21 days, but varies for different people. Nearly everyone infected with HIV will have detectable antibodies by 3 months after infection.

How can I find out the test results of my former sex partners? No one has the right to see anyone else's medical records. If you think you might have put yourself at risk or been put at risk, you should be tested.