HIV/STI Testing
The Testing Center
The Testing Center provides free and confidential testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.
We provide each client with education and counseling sessions, and ensure clients are linked to medical care for the treatment of HIV/STIs, and the initiation of PrEP/PEP.
Testing Center Schedule
Monday: 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Tuesday: 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Wednesday: 2pm – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Thursday: 9:30am – 6:00pm (accepting walk-ins!)
Friday: 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Appointments can ONLY be made online or by calling 212-367-1100.
After you schedule your appointment, you should use the link provided by email to complete your intake paperwork online.
Alternately, you may order a free HIV Self-test Kit if you would prefer to test yourself. Click here for more information.
About This Service
Testing is a crucial part of GMHC’s approach to reducing new HIV infections and ultimately ending the HIV epidemic. Knowing one’s HIV status is beneficial for everyone. For people who test HIV positive, they can start anti-HIV medicines to protect their health and ensure that they can’t transmit the virus to others. For individuals who test HIV negative, they can access various prevention options to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.
We offer free tests for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, in a safe and supportive environment. There are no income requirements to obtain these tests. We welcome all people regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Order HIV Self-Test Kit
You can take an HIV test at home or wherever you are in the Tri-State area! Care for yourself and your community by testing for HIV while remaining socially distanced. To request a free at-home HIV test, click here or call 212-367-1100.
Please leave a voicemail if we are unable to answer your call. You will receive a response as soon as we are able.
Testing Center Location & Hours
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On-site Testing Center:
307 W 38th St. FL 4
New York, NY 10018
(between 8th and 9th Avenues) -
Monday, 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Tuesday, 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Wednesday, 2pm – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Thursday, 9:30am – 6pm (accepting walk-ins!)
Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm (by appointment only)
Please click here to make an appointment or call us at 212-367-1100.
PrEP and PEP
Anti-HIV medicines can be used to prevent HIV infection for those who are HIV negative. They include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that can be taken prior to condomless sex or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), if you think that you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours. A medical provider must provide prescriptions for PrEP or PEP.
GMHC can help you find free or low-cost ways to obtain these medications. Complete this short questionnaire and we’ll determine the quickest, easiest way for you to access PrEP services, regardless of your insurance status.
We also offer education on these medications, STI’s and the correct and consistent use of condoms. For more information, call 212-367-1100.
Off-Site Testing
GMHC also coordinates free and confidential HIV counseling and testing efforts at universities and colleges, gyms, dance clubs, bars, faith communities, health fairs, Pride-related and other events and meetings. For more information, email Zephyr Merkur, Outreach Coordinator at zephyrh@gmhc.org with details of your location, date/time of the event, and approximate number of attendees. This can be a one-time or recurring activity.
HIV & STI Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
We use the 4th generation Alere Determine HIV Rapid Test. The rapid provides HIV test results in 20 minutes. For testing off-site, we use the INSTI HIV Rapid Antibody Test, which provides HIV test results within 2 minutes. Please allow 5 to 10 minutes to complete an intake form before seeing a test counselor.
We immediately link people diagnosed with HIV to a healthcare provider for evaluation. To protect your health and the health of others, immediate initiation of HIV treatment is recommended to suppress the virus. HIV treatment is safe and well tolerated for most people today with few side effects.
GMHC counselors can discuss options with you for starting PrEP if it is right for you, including resources for connecting to healthcare providers, and other ways to negotiate safer sex and having safer sex.
HIV tests may not detect an infection if the exposure occurred within the last three months. In the past 72 hours, if you have had sex without a condom or shared a needle with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status you don’t know, you may be eligible to start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Call the NYC PEP Hotline at 844-373-7692.
You may obtain tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C every three months at GMHC, or four times per year.
Yes! Give us a call at 212-367-1100 and a GMHC counselor will talk with you.
You will receive a voucher to order one free OraQuick In-Home HIV Test. The OraQuick website includes an FAQ and a video demonstrating how to take the test.
The test manufacturer indicates that taking antiretroviral medication, such as PrEP, might affect the outcome of the test. However, some medical providers may suggest a home HIV test because it allows for social distancing. If you are on PrEP, follow your medical provider’s guidance for testing.
Follow the instructions below. If you would like assistance ordering your test kit, give us a call at 212-367-1100.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website: https://shop.oraquick.com/
- Select “Buy 1 Kit”
- Enter the online coupon code in the “Coupon Code” box
- Enter your ZIP code
- Click “Apply Coupon.” One online coupon code is only valid for the redemption of one OraQuick In-Home HIV Test.
- You may checkout as either a Guest or Create an Account. You will be asked to provide a shipping and billing address, but you will not be asked for payment information. The test kit should arrive at the mailing address within 2–4 business days.
You should have received a tracking number when you ordered the test kit. Please follow up with the carrier of the package. If you continue to have issues, you can give us a call; please be prepared to give your coupon code to us so that we may assist.
Contact
Our counselors are available to answer any questions that you might have about HIV and STI tests. Call 212-367-1100. Please leave a voicemail if we are unable to answer your call. You will receive a response as soon as we are able.
