HIV testing at BAO is always free and confidential, and no appointment is needed. Couples or friends who wish to take the test together are welcome.
 

All testing and vaccine services are offered in the red building (Precision Electric) across 32nd Street from BAO. Follow the Testing and Vaccines sign to the last set of double doors up the ramp and ring the doorbell for service. All BAO team members are trained to provide HIV, hepatitis C, and STI testing and the first available team member will assist you so that we can ensure your wait time is minimal. A team member will welcome you to a private office providing a comfortable and confidential environment.
 

For HIV: You will have the option of an oral test via OraQuick 20-minute test or a 20-minute finger prick test.

 

• Oral: The OraQuick test looks for antibodies that your body will produce after being infected with HIV. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for your body to produce enough antibodies to react to the OraQuick test. The OraQuick test is a standard test that most facilities utilize and is just as accurate as most blood tests used in healthcare facilities.

 

• Finger prick: BAO uses the Alere 4th Generation Test, which searches for both the HIV antibodies and HIV virus, which decreases the window period of the test to only 3 weeks. This test is the most accurate.

 

For Hepatitis C: BAO offers rapid hepatitis C antibody tests via a 20-minute finger prick test.

 

For Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STI/STDs): BAO tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis (trich). You will have the option of self-administered urine, oral, and anal swabs. BAO and other public health professionals recommend testing at each site that you are sexually active. These tests are sent to an off-site state lab and will result within 10 business days. BAO tests for syphilis with a blood test.

 

Our goal is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your visit at BAO. We want you to continue visiting BAO for regular testing, and encourage your friends to visit. During your testing visit our team members will talk with you about HIV, hepatitis C, and STIs, and answer any questions you may have. BAO provides a non-judgmental atmosphere and we welcome and encourage all questions about HIV, hepatitis C, STIs, and your health. We recommend regular testing at least once every six months as well as additional testing as needed.
 

What if my result is positive?

 

HIV:

First, know that you are not alone.  Next, know that HIV is treatable, and with proper treatment, you can live a long and healthy life.  If your HIV test at BAO is reactive (“positive”), we will immediately administer a finger prick test and send it to an off-site lab.  The off-site lab will test for confirmatory results and report to BAO within 7 business days. The confirmatory results provided by the off-site lab will determine if you are HIV positive or HIV negative. Once BAO receives the confirmatory results from the lab, you will be contacted to make an appointment. BAO will not give any confirmatory test results over the phone or mail.  
 

When you return to BAO to receive your confirmatory test result, your meeting will be with our HIV/STD Testing Coordinator and one of our licensed counselors. In Alabama all individuals who test positive for HIV are required to visit their local health department. BAO will give you the option of immediately visiting the Jefferson County Health Department with our Education Director who will serve as your navigator and stay with you during the process. Our goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and that you feel empowered to take control of your health. BAO will also provide you with information that will help determine a healthcare provider. All individuals who test positive should seek a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

 

For Hepatitis C:

If you test reactive (“positive”) for hepatitis C, the BAO team will let you know within 20 minutes of your rapid test on-site. These rapid tests require a confirmatory blood test. BAO will assist you in the process of contacting a healthcare provider or the health department for a confirmatory test. If the confirmatory test confirms that you have hepatitis C, BAO will assist you in accessing treatment. Hepatitis C is curable and treatment is available at the Jefferson County Health Department, the Magic City Wellness Center, and through some primary care doctors.

 

For STIs:

If you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trich, or syphilis, BAO will contact you to inform you of your results. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, trich, and syphilis are all treatable with antibiotics. On this phone call, a BAO team member will guide you to the next best steps for treatment, including making sure you have access to a healthcare provider. These STIs are also reportable to the health department, so the Jefferson County Health Department will reach out to you to ensure you are aware of your status and have access to treatment. Testing is also available and free for your partners through BAO.

 

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, trich, and syphilis can be treated at a health department, urgent care, or by your primary care provider. All individuals who test positive should seek a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

 
BAO's Just Diagnosed Guide