Call (914) 345-8888 to make an appointment for a free rapid OraSure HIV test at our Hawthorne location.

ARCS' Outreach Workers offer confidential rapid HIV antibody testing in Port Chester, White Plains, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and in Dutchess County on their mobile unit. If you are interested, please call (914) 785-8290 in Westchester or (845) 471-0707 ext.17 in Dutchess and leave a message. An Outreach Worker will return your call to schedule a confidential appointment in these locations.

Testing can often be arranged through several of our other programs. Call us to find out how we can link you up with a confidential HIV test.

About the Test

The test uses an oral swab instead of a blood draw and delivers results in about twenty minutes. We provide you with pre- and post-test counseling, and we can answer any questions you may have about your sexual health. Confidential tests are performed in a safe and secure environment.

HIV-testing is available at most hospitals, family planning or sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, community health centers, drug treatment facilities, and doctors' offices. Most testing sites offer free or inexpensive tests. Contact your local health department for testing centers in your area.

Confidential vs. Anonymous Tests
It is important for anyone having an HIV-antibody test to understand the testing procedures of the testing center. There are two types of test procedures: confidential and anonymous. No matter which type of test is received, the results are covered under the confidentiality policies of Article 27F of the Public Health Law and cannot be shared with others.

Confidential HIV-antibody testing centers record the person's name along with the results of his/her test. The only people with access to your test results are medical personnel and, in some states, the state health department. However, your status may become known if you sign a release form to have your personal physician notified. Once this information becomes part of your medical record, even a student's medical record at a college or university, it may be seen by health care workers, insurers or employers. Your status also may become known if you make a claim for health insurance benefits or apply for life insurance or disability insurance.

Anonymous HIV-antibody testing means that no name is ever given to the testing center and only the person who is having the test is aware of the results. However, anonymous testing centers cannot provide a copy of the test results. Anonymous testing is available in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of May 1997. New York State does offer anonymous testing. You may check with the CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) for the most up-to- date information.

• ARCS: (914) 345-8888
• CDC National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
• Spanish: 1-800-344-SIDA
• Hearing Impaired: 1-800-243-7889 (TTY)Testing Centers

The Department of Health offers free Anonymous Testing. Call for specific information on testing schedules and the type of tests given.

Dutchess County: (845) 486-3400
Orange County: (845) 291-2332
Putnam County: (845) 278-6558
Sullivan County: (845) 292-0100
Ulster County: (845) 340-3150
Rockland County: (845) 364-2570
Westchester County: (914) 813-5185