HIV & STI Testing
Student Health Promotion collaborates with the Fulton and DeKalb County Health Departments, the Georgia Department of Public Health, community partners (e.g., SomeCares, Positive Impact Health Centers, AID Atlanta) and the Student Health Clinic to offer free and confidential rapid HIV testing along with sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
How do Georgia State University students get free HIV testing?
All Georgia State University students are welcome to get free and confidential HIV testing. All testing events for the spring 2023 semester are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the Perimeter campuses and everyone is welcome.
- Monday, February 6: Dunwoody campus
- Monday, February 13: Decatur campus
- Tuesday, February 21: Clarkston campus
How do students get free STI testing?
Students that are asymptomatic may receive free HIV and STI testing at the temporary Atlanta Student Health Clinic (75 Piedmont, first floor). For anyone who is symptomatic, they will need to be seen in-person at the Clarkston at Dunwoody Student Health Clinic.
What does HIV and STI testing involve?
HIV testing is completed using the INSTi HIV 1-HIV 2 Antibody Test – a rapid point-of-care HIV testing solution.
- A drop of blood is collected by using a lancet to prick the finger.
- Reliable results are available in one minute.
- A positive reaction to the rapid test requires a confirming blood test.
- A negative reaction may mean a person does not have HIV or it’s too soon to tell.
STI testing is completed using a sample of urine.
- A urine sample is collected in a cup or a self-swab of the vagina, urethra, throat or rectum.
- Results are available in 7 to 10 business days.
- Students with a positive test are called to schedule a treatment appointment with the Student Health Clinic.
Why should students get tested for HIV and STIs?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every person between the 13 and 64 years of age get tested at least once, to know their HIV status. It is estimated that about half of people between 13 and 24 years of age are unaware of their HIV status and may be unknowingly transmitting the virus to other people.
STI testing is necessary for anyone that has had vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Most of the time STIs have no symptoms and testing is the way to determine if a person has a STI.
Where are additional HIV/STI testing locations?
- Make an appointment at the Georgia State University Student Health Clinic.
- Students can make appointments with the providers using a telehealth option. Please go to the patient portal or call 404-413-1930 to schedule an appointment.
- Use the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention testing locator or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).