HIV/AIDS Testing

The Public Health Department works to minimize the number of new HIV infections and maximize the number of people living with HIV who have access to appropriate care, treatment, support, and prevention services. 

We provide confidential and anonymous testing, prevention methods (including PrEP and PEP), partner notification services, and referrals as needed.

Who is eligible?

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. A general rule for those with risk factors is to get tested annually. Additionally, sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from getting an HIV test more often, perhaps every 3 to 6 months.

What services are offered?

Testing  

The Public Health Department performs rapid HIV oral testing and finger stick testing on-site at the locations below. We also offer confirmatory blood testing to those who have preliminary positive results.  If you prefer to take a test at home, visit TakeMeHome.org to order confidential HIV tests to your home.

Prevention 

We offer Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting HIV. PrEP is a medication that greatly reduces your chance of getting HIV. To learn more about PrEP, or for help paying for it, visit our PrEP Assistance Program page.  

 Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (or PEP) is available to be used after a single high-risk event to stop HIV in its tracks. This medication must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of a potential HIV exposure. PEP does not work as well if it is taken often. If you are frequently exposed to HIV, you should consider using PrEP.  

Notification 

The Public Health Department also offers confidential partner notification services. This voluntary service is for anyone who would like assistance informing partners of a possible HIV exposure. We can help notify partners anonymously or support you with making a notification plan.  

Reporting 

The Public Health Department collects countywide data on the number of cases and does HIV surveillance.  

Is there a charge for this service?

You may be eligible for no-cost services if you are eligible for Family PACT, Medi-Cal, CenCal or Medicare. We also accept private insurance. For all others, fees are based on a sliding scale. You may choose to pay by cash.  

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available by appointment only at our Paso Robles location which serves as our sexual and reproductive services hub. 

FAQs about HIV and AIDs Testing

Anyone can get HIV, but testing should be a part of your regular health screenings if you have certain risk factors. Everyone should get an HIV test at least once in their life.  
If you think you were exposed to HIV, seek medical care right away. Your regular doctor, an urgent care, an emergency room, or a Public Health clinic can provide you with PEP, which will prevent infection. PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.
PrEP is a medication you take regularly to prevent HIV. PEP is an emergency, post-exposure medication, that will work after you are exposed to HIV.  
If you aren’t sure if you should be taking PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine your risk-level and if PrEP is the right choice for you. Public Health prescribes PrEP at our Paso Robles location for those interested in getting a prescription.   
If your rapid test is positive (in clinic or at home), we will do blood testing to confirm the results. If both tests are positive for HIV, Public Health will assist you in starting treatment, finding care, notifying partners, and more. If you took at test at home and it was positive, be sure to let us know. We are here to support you through this.  
If you have a potential exposure to HIV, you need to inform any recent sexual partners or others who may have been exposed. We can help you come up with a plan for talking to them or inform them on your behalf. You may also inform any partners anonymously through third-party sites such as TellYourPartner.org.