Many students are interested in being tested for HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The University of Wyoming Student Health Service offers testing for HIV.  The screening testing performed is for the antibody that your immune system develops against HIV, not for the virus itself. Appointments available are for students eligible to use the Student Health Service – all full-time students and those part-time students who purchase the Optional Benefit Package.

There are two ways to be tested for HIV: rapid and conventional. Both require a counseling visit with a member of the Student Health Service medical staff. Rapid and conventional testing requires a blood specimen. More details about each test:

1. Rapid test
   1. Requires a drop of blood from the tip of a finger.
   2. You will get your result at the same appointment.
   3. If the result is reactive (positive), a conventional test should be drawn for confirmation.
   4. Results are sent confidential to the Wyoming Department of Health Communicable Disease Section.
   5. At the time of the test you can obtain a written statement of the result.  No test results are released at a later date.
2. Conventional test
   1. Requires a blood specimen from a vein in the arm (about a tablespoon of blood).
   2. The result is available the next day.
   3. This is considered the most accurate of the testing modalities.
   4. This will have your name associated with the test result, so can be used when testing is required for a physical exam, travel requirement or a job.
   5. If your test result is positive, with your permission, the Wyoming Department of Health is confidentially informed of your name to facilitate follow-up counseling and referral for appropriate services.

Important points

• Presently the rapid test is free (subject to change).
• A written result is available for the rapid test only at the time results are provided; no test results are released at a later date.
• If you want testing for other sexually transmitted diseases in addition to HIV, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Herpes, etc., make an appointment for STD testing.
• If you have further questions, discuss them with your clinician.

The Student Health Service is a knowyo testing site.  You can access the knowyo website (http://knowyo.org) and obtain a voucher which provides free testing for certain STDs.

An alternative site for HIV testing is Laramie Reproductive Health, 412 S. 21st St., 745-5364.

Information about HIV in you adults: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/youth/pdf/youth.pdf