1. When you arrive in the clinic you first need to register with the secretary. All of your information is confidential. You decide who can see the information.
2. A nurse will discuss HIV and ways to decrease your risk factors.
3. If you decide you want to be tested you must give your written permission.
4. The test is done with either an oral fluid sample (from the mouth) 
5. In 20 minutes the test is ready to be interpreted by the nurse. 
6. If the specimen contains antibodies against HIV, a reddish-purple line will appear and is considered a positive test. This test is 99.3% accurate.

If the rapid test is positive, the nurse will obatin another sample to send to the state lab in Albany. This is to verify the results of the rapid test. The nurse will help you make arrangements to be evaluated by a physician. You will also be provided with information on how to prevent spreading HIV to others. Assistance is available to help notify any of your contacts who may also be at risk for HIV.