Testing – HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis

There are more options for testing than ever before. VDH-funded testing is usually free or low-cost. Testing for STDs, HIV, mpox, and viral hepatitis is available throughout the state. This includes:

    • local health departments,
    • healthcare clinics,
    • community-based organizations,
    • and pharmacies.

There is no wrong door to testing!

Find out what works best for you and make testing part of your normal healthcare routine. Use our page to find information, testing resources, and what next steps are after testing.

Button that says "Test, PrEP, Treat"

Where Can I Get Tested in Virginia?

Local Health Departments

There are over 100 local health departments that offer testing services.  This includes STD, HIV, mpox, and viral hepatitis testing.  Testing at local health departments is laboratory-based.  This means that you will have your blood drawn. You will have to return to receive your results a different day.

Find a health department clinic near you.

These services are available for free or at low-cost. The cost depends on your income.  VDH requires health insurance information and proof of household income for services.  This information determines if you are eligible for a discount in services.  If you do not have insurance/income information, please ask the front desk staff for more information at the location you visit.

Questions about testing at a local health department?  Contact a hotline counselor.

5 Things to Know About STDs

5 Things to Know About STDs

    1. STDs are very common.
    2. STDs often show no symptoms. Many people with an STD don’t know it.
    3. If left untreated, STDs can cause serious health problems.
    4. Good news! All STDs are treatable (including HIV), and many are curable.
    5. To know for sure you are being tested, ASK to be tested!

Hotline Counselors

For general questions about STDs, including HIV, mpox, and viral hepatitis, you can connect to a counselor today.  Both the VDH and CDC have dedicated hotlines to answer your questions.  They can also connect you to resources or talk with you about your test results.

Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline

CDC Hotline

    • (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
    • (888) 232-6348 (TTY/TeleTYpe)
    • cdcinfo@cdc.gov
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am to 8pm
Man taking an HIV self-test

Negative Test: What's Next?

After testing negative for STDs, consider ongoing prevention strategies.  This could include wearing condoms consistently and correctly.  It may include PrEPfor people who do not have HIV and want added protection.  It can include making testing part of your routine healthcare so you know your status.  There are many options available for ongoing prevention strategies.

HIV and other STIs cannot be detected by most tests for a certain window of time after infection.  This is when your body is still making the antibodies the test looks for.  We call this the “window period.”  The window period can last up to 12 weeks after becoming infected.  Talk with your healthcare provider or call a hotline counselor about follow-up testing if you have questions about the window period, or if you believe follow-up testing may be needed.  Read more about the window period on the Greater Than AIDS website.

PEP for HIV

If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, PEP – post exposure prophylaxis – may be an option.  PEP is extremely time sensitive.  To talk over a possible exposure and to be connected to resources for PEP immediately, reach out to a hotline counselor to learn about your options.  If you need to access PEP services during non-business hotline hours, please contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest emergency room.

Photo of a condom with the Greater Than AIDS logo on it

Positive Test: What's Next?

Some positive tests need to be confirmed through additional testing, and some do not.  Below is more information about next steps depending on the type of positive test.

Partner Notification Services

It is important to notify your sex partner(s) or anyone you share needles with if you test positive for any STDs, HIV, mpox, or viral hepatitis.  Your partner(s) need to know that they may have been exposed so they can get tested and treated, if necessary.  If your partner is not informed and treated, you could get the infection again.  Learn about several options you have to notify your partner(s).

Last Updated: April 13, 2023