Counseling, Testing and Referral
The AIDS Administration has established designated (direct-funded and indirect supported) HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral (CTR) sites throughout Maryland. In addition to the designated CTR sites, most local health department STD, family planning, maternal health, TB, addictions treatment, and other clinic programs, as well as local detention centers and the Division of Corrections are offering HIV risk assessment, counseling, testing, and referral to their clients.
If you think you may have been infected with HIV and are unsure about getting tested, the information about HIV testing and counseling on the National HIV Testing Resources website may help you decide. If you decide that an HIV test is the right decision, you can see your own doctor to be tested or click here to locate a confidential or anonymous HIV test site near you. HIV tests at these locations are free. It is very important to get tested and get your results. If you are HIV-positive you should see your doctor immediately to begin treatment.
The CTR program, which is funded with federal, state and local funds, provides HIV health education and risk reduction counseling at no charge, as well as voluntary HIV testing and posttest counseling.
Am I at risk for getting HIV?
You may be at risk for getting HIV if:
- You consider yourself to be at risk for infection
- You have had unprotected sex
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), TB, or hepatitis or if you have been treated for any of these
- You have been sexually abused
- You are a spouse, sex partner, or needle-sharing partner of an injecting drug user
- You have injected drugs or steroids or shared injecting equipment with others
- You have exchanged sex for drugs or money
- You received blood transfusions between early 1978 and mid-1985
If you would like to talk with someone about your risks for getting HIV, call any of the Maryland Counseling,Testing & Referral (CTR) sites. You can also call the AIDS Administration at (410) 767-5018 or toll-free at (800) 358-9001.
Where can I get tested?
HIV testing is available at locations across Maryland including:
- local health departments
- private doctors' offices
- hospitals
- community based organizations (CBO's)
- faith based organizations (FBO's)
- sites specifically set up to provide HIV testing
In Maryland, any place offering HIV tests will spend some time talking with you both before and after the test about the test itself and what the results mean. They will also talk with you about HIV and AIDS, and can answer your questions about risky behavior and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future.
Anonymous and confidential HIV testing is available in Baltimore City and every county in Maryland. In all of the over 400 HIV testing sites supported by the Maryland AIDS Administration, testing services include HIV risk assessment, pretest and posttest counseling, follow-up referrals for risk reduction programs for high-risk individuals who test negative, as well as referrals for early intervention, medical evaluation and Partner Counseling & Referral Services (PCRS) for individuals who test positive.
To find a location near you that offers free, confidential or anonymous HIV tests, click here.
What is Rapid Testing?
HIV Rapid Testing uses new technology to test your blood or an oral sample for HIV. These tests are simple, convenient and give quick and accurate results. With a rapid test you can learn your results the same day, in most instances within 20 minutes to an hour.
HIV Rapid Tests are available at 34 sites in Maryland. Like any other HIV test taken at a state-funded testing site, rapid tests are free and confidential or anonymous.
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