A new HIV test is available that offers results within a week of infection. Standard tests that look for antibodies in the blood take up to three months to detect the presence of the HIV virus.
UC San Diego's Antiviral Research Center is providing the confidential HIV testing free to people that might have had a recent exposure. Sheldon Morris is a UCSD assistant professor who works at the Center. He says the early test is important because newly infected individuals are highly infectious at a time when they may be unaware they have HIV.
Morris: It's important both from a perspective of the individual to know they are acutely infected because they may have some treatment options when, if they are showing signs that they may have a sort of particularly more progressive infection of HIV. And also in a public health perspective we can also detect them and prevent transmission to other people.
He says the early test also detects hepatitis C infections. The Centers for Disease Control recommends people at risk to be tested just once a year. UCSD is working with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency to provide the testing at the following four locations for people who may be in the early stages of HIV infection:
UCSD AVRC*
150 W Washington Street
San Diego, CA. 92103
By appointment only: 619-543-8080
*At this location, test is being offered to couples only, or those at very high risk of infection.
County Health Services Complex
3851 Rosecrans St
San Diego, CA
619-296-2120
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
The Center's Health Services*
2313 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA
Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
*Arrive at 9 am and receive an appointment for the same day
Family Health Centers of San Diego Tuesday Night Clinic
3544 30th St, San Diego, CA
Tuesday: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday & Wednesday - call for appointment 619-543-8080
For more information about the Early Test, go to:
http://theearlytest.ucsd.edu
or call 877-323-5050.
