HIV & Other STI Testing

Confidential testing on campus is available by appointment through Olin Health Center Primary Care and Gynecology Clinic. To make a confidential HIV testing appointment, please call 517-353-4660

Why Test for HIV?

It might be important to take the test if you have been exposed to another person's blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), or sharing injection drug equipment.

  • HIV Testing Location Finder
  • At-Home OraQuick Test Kit

    If you are unable to make a Confidential testing appointment at Olin, we suggest that you contact your primary care physician, Planned Parenthood, or purchase a

  • Confidential HIV Testing during a clinic visit

    Confidential Testing means that your name and other identifying information will be attached to your test results. The results will go in your medical record at Olin Health Center and may be shared with your healthcare providers and your insurance company. Your results can be disclosed to additional individuals ONLY if you grant written permission. There is a charge for Confidential HIV testing at Olin Health Center when it is done as part of a medical office visit.

    During a routine primary care visit, your provider may give you the option to be tested for HIV. HIV testing is routinely offered to patients in college as part of regular health care. If you choose to be tested during your primary care visit, the testing will be confidential, but not anonymous. There will be a charge for the HIV test, and results are generally available in 2-5 business days.

    To schedule a primary care visit, please call (517) 353-4660.

  • How is HIV transmitted?

    The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be transmitted through:

    • Blood
    • Semen
    • Vaginal secretions
    • Breast milk

    The most common method of HIV transmission in the United States is through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. HIV can also be transmitted through sharing intravenous (IV) devices or needles and from mother to child during breastfeeding.

  • Who should get tested, and when?

    WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?

    Those who have ever:
    • Had unprotected sex without a condom
    • Had or currently has a sexually transmitted infection
    • Shared injection drug needles or syringes
    • Received a blood transfusion or a clotting factor between 1978 and 1985

    WHEN SHOULD I GET TESTED?

    It normally takes at least 3 weeks to 3 months after being infected with HIV for the body to produce enough HIV antibodies to be detected by the ELISA test. This 3 week to 3 month time frame is called the "window period". While you can get tested at any time, your results should not be considered conclusive until three months after your last possible exposure to HIV.

  • What are the benefits of knowing my HIV status?

    Knowing your HIV status will help you to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

    Knowing the results of your HIV test can alleviate the stress and anxiety of thinking that
    you may be infected but not knowing your actual HIV status.

    If you test negative for HIV, you can make decisions and take steps that will help you remain HIV negative.

    If you test positive for HIV, you can seek medical treatment earlier. Early medical treatment can slow the progress of HIV and delay the onset of AIDS. Pregnant women who test positive for HIV can take action to prevent their baby from becoming infected with HIV.


  • What is an HIV Antibody Test?
    Testing for HIV involves two different tests. Both tests are designed to detect antibodies that are
    produced in a person’s body to fight HIV.

    The first test is an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test, and it is run twice. If the ELISA yields two positive results, a Western Blot test is conducted. The Western Blot is used to confirm the results of a positive ELISA test. The Western Blot is much more specific and takes longer to perform.

    A person is diagnosed with HIV if two ELISA tests and a Western Blot test react to HIV antibodies
  • How accurate is an HIV Antibody Test?
    The HIV antibody tests are extremely accurate. However, on a few occasions the ELISA test may give “false positive” or “false negative” test results.

    A “false positive” will occur when the ELISA test reacts positive for HIV antibodies when the body does not actually have any HIV antibodies. Due to the possibility of a false positive, an individual is not diagnosed with HIV until two ELISA tests and a Western Blot test all react to HIV antibodies.

    A “false negative” is possible if the test is conducted before the body has enough time to produce HIV antibodies due to recent infection.
  • If I test negative, does that mean my partner is also HIV negative?
    NO. Your negative status does not necessarily mean that your partner will test negative for HIV. This is true even if you and your partner have had unprotected sex.

    HIV is not always transmitted with every exposure. Both partners should be tested after the window period in order to confirm their negative status.
  • What other tests are available?

    It is important to know that not all sexually transmitted infections can be tested for. Use the following information as a guide; your counselor will discuss any of your concerns or questions related to these infections.

    Chlamydia and gonorrhea
    Both transmitted through contact with infected body fluids. Both can also be treated and cured with antibiotics.

    Syphilis
    Transmitted through body fluids and skin-to-skin contact. Can be treated and cured with antibiotics if detected early enough.

    Herpes
    Can be transmitted through contact with another’s lesions as well as when no signs or symptoms are present. Can be treated through use of antivirals and topical ointments.

    HPV/genital warts
    Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with another’s lesions or cells that contain the virus. Lesions can be treated in a variety of ways.

STI Screening

Testing for additional Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is available at primary care and the Women's Health Clinic located in Olin Health Center.

To schedule an STI Screening please call (517) 353-4660

Together, you and your clinician will determine what tests, if any, are appropriate. Tests may require:

  • A urine sample
  • An oral, vaginal, or rectal swab
  • A cervical culture or a blood draw

STI tests available at Olin Health Center include:

  • Chlamydia/Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Herpes
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (genital warts) 
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 

All testing, treatment, and counseling are handled in a strictly confidential manner.

Health Services providers can also provide you with educational assistance and/or referral for any other sexual health questions or concerns you may have.

Sexual Wellness