TESTING

Free, quick, & confidential testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis C

Know your status, help your community

Testing is non-judgmental, free, and confidential at AFPH. Our staff understands and cares. Rapid HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis screens give you answers during your appointment. Results for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are available within a week.

HIV and HCV (hepatitis-c) confirmatory tests are provided if you have a reactive rapid result. Those results will be available within a week and are given in person.

Send us your testing questions: 518.917.3055

Testing Calendar
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ORAL TESTING AT HOME IS NOW AVAILABLE!

The New York State Department of Health is now offering free oral self-tests.

LEARN MORE

How does it work?

Step 1: Walk In

No appointments are necessary. Just walk in during testing hours and our test staff will be there to help.

Step 2: Pre-admissions form 

When you arrive for testing, before talking with a testing counselor, you’ll need to fill out a brief form. Your personal details will not be shared with non-Alliance test personnel or used for marketing purposes.

Step 3: Talk

A test counselor will review your pre-admission form and provide a needs assessment, addressing your emotional and physical concerns. They will also give you the lowdown on HIV, STI, & HCV transmission and prevention tips.

Step 4: Get Tested

  • HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C rapid test results are same day 
  • STI test results for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, and Syphilis are available within one week
  • HIV and HCV confirmatory tests are provided if you have a reactive rapid result. Those results will be available within a week and are given in person.

Step 5: Your Results

Based on your test results, a test counselor will review all of your options, along with a summary of your next steps. If you receive STI testing, you will be contacted within a week of your testing date by our staff. 

TESTING LOCATIONS

link to testing calendar

Testing Calendar

Albany

927 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207

[email protected]

Schenectady

155 Erie Blvd, Schenectady, NY 12305
(2nd Floor)

[email protected]

Frequently asked questions about testing

Should I get tested?

Everyone has an HIV status, but not everyone knows what it is. There are many options available for those living with HIV and the sooner you know your status, the more options will be available. If you or your partner has been at risk, we encourage you to consider testing. Weekly walk-in testing hours are available in our Albany & Schenectady offices.

If you test negative, you may want to consider HIV Prevention methods to make sure that you stay negative. Our test staff will make sure you get this information.

How much does testing cost?

NOTHING! If you are concerned, are experiencing symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms or a diagnosis, get tested. We encourage ALL to use our weekly walk-in testing hours in our Albany & Schenectady offices. 

How long does it take to get results?

HIV, Syphilis, & Hepatitis C rapid test results will be ready the same day as the test.

STI test results take less than one week.

What are the symptoms?

Most people do not have symptoms or if they do, may not even notice.

Chlamydia: pain during sex, abdominal or lower back pain, burning when you urinate, discharge from your penis or vagina.

Gonorrhea: pain when you go to the bathroom, unusual discharge from your penis or vagina, vaginal bleeding between your periods

Hepatitis C: The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to get tested.

HIV: HIV often doesn’t have any symptoms but some people initially experience symptoms that feel like a cold or the flu. These symptoms can include a fever, achiness, and a sore throat.

Syphilis: one or many sores, usually on the genitals, mouth, or anus, skin rash on your hands, feet, abdomen, chest, or back. Syphilis has four stages. It is important to treat syphilis as early as possible. When syphilis is left untreated, it can have long-term effects.

Women: General vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, painful urination

Yeast infection complaints that are not STIs/STDs might include: abnormal vaginal discharge (white, yellow, or green), vaginal odor, vaginal itching, irritation, or burning, burning or discomfort during urination, lower abdominal pain

What happens when I get tested?

Our staff will ask you about your health and answer any questions you have.

You’ll give a blood or urine sample, throat or rectal swab, or have a finger prick. You can decide which type of testing you receive once we review all of your risk factors during the consultation. 

If you have a positive or abnormal STI/STD (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, Hepatitis C, or Syphilis) test result, we will link you to local treatment options. Remember, when caught early ALL STI/STD’s are treatable! 

For HIV and Hepatitis C testing, you’ll receive your preliminary results in person within 20 minutes. If you test positive for HIV or hepatitis C, we will highly recommend a comprehensive blood test to rule out any false positive results. In between the blood draw and your results (which could take up to a week) we will immediately begin discussing a treatment plan.

How soon after exposure should I get tested?

You can get an accurate test reading as soon as four weeks after exposure, but it may take as long as three months after each risk exposure to know for sure if you have HIV. For some people, regular testing is part of their routine sexual health care. Bottom line - we recommend that anyone at risk for contracting HIV should be tested every 3-6 months.

If you test negative, you may want to consider HIV Prevention methods to make sure that you stay negative. Our test staff will make sure you get this information.

What do you mean by confidential testing?

An individual's name is given to the tester and the test result is entered into the person's medical record. Your testing information is held in the strictest confidence. Individuals should be aware that according to New York State law, we are required to share positive results with New York State and local public health jurisdictions. AFPH offers FREE pre-and post-test counseling sessions and navigational support for those who test positive.

Can I pass HIV to my partner if my viral load is not detected?

In short, no! UNdetectable = UNtransmittable 
The concept is simple but important and based on a foundation of scientific evidence. Individuals who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintain an undetectable viral load (the amount of virus that can be detected in your blood) cannot sexually transmit the HIV virus to others. With less stigma and more treatment, we can reach our goal of ending this epidemic.

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