Different Types of HIV Tests

* Standard laboratory blood tests are very accurate and provide results within a few days.
* Finger-stick blood tests provide results in 20 minutes or less.
* Oral swab tests do not require giving blood and provide results in 20 minutes.
* Self test kits are available for FREE — they use an oral swab and allow you to test yourself in private.

For testing locations check our Map.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication for people who are HIV-negative and may have been exposed to HIV. If you think you were exposed to HIV, call the DC PEP Hotline at

(202) 299-3PEP (3737)

The Hotline is available 24/7: speak to a medical provider, and start PEP fast!

PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” but we like to think it stands for “PrEPared for sex.” Its brand name is Truvada. PrEP is a pill you take daily that lowers your chances of getting HIV through sex by more than 90%. And if you inject drugs, it lowers your chances by 70%.

Want free condoms? All you have to do is follow just one of these three steps:

1. Complete this form
2. Call 311 and tell the customer service representative you want to order free condoms.
3. Or visit the DC Health and Wellness Center at 77 P Street NE.

It stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. That means if someone living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cannot spread the virus through sex.

Here are some ways you can prevent HIV and STDs:

1. Choose less risky sex activities

2. Use a new condom, consistently and correctly, for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish);
Reduce the number of people with whom you have sex.

3. Limit or eliminate drug and alcohol use before and during sex

4. Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for STDs and HIV.

5. Talk to your healthcare provider and find out if either pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a good option for you to prevent HIV infection.

DC has made a commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and supporting the best, most equitable health outcomes for all communities in DC. Learn more about ending the HIV epidemic here.

The impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV is unknown. However, people who have undetectable viral loads, a CD4 count above 350, and who are taking HIV medication are unlikely to be more at risk for severe COVID-19 illness simply because of those factors. Learn more about COVID-19 and HIV.