What does “anonymous” testing mean?
• There are two kinds of HIV testing: anonymous and confidential. All HIV testing at the Berkeley Free Clinic is anonymous. This means that no names, addresses, phone numbers are taken. Clients are identified by a code number and given a receipt after the blood draw which must be brought back in person one week later to get the test result. • We cannot give your results to anyone else, even at your request. • If you need a document with your HIV status written on it (for example for travel or insurance coverage) you should go to a clinic that provides confidential testing. An anonymous test result will not have your name on it, so it is useless as a verification of your status to a third party. Call (800) FOR AIDS to find a confidential test site near you. Some people like to get an anonymous test before getting a confidential test so that they aren’t surprised by their result. California law offers protection from unwarranted requests for your HIV antibody status.
