AIDS and HIV Testing

What causes AIDS?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

People infected with HIV carry the virus for the rest of their lives, primarily in their blood and semen or vaginal fluids.

HIV weakens the immune system, allowing certain infections and cancers to take hold.  When this happens, the person develops AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

How is HIV spread?

  1. During sex with a person (male or female) who has HIV.  This includes vaginal, oral, or anal sex.  Never have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) without a latex condom. Condoms make sex safer, but they are not foolpoof. The only way to prevent contracting HIV through sex is abstinence.
  2. By sharing needles to shoot drugs (or for any other reason) with a person who has HIV.
  3. From a mother infected with HIV to her baby--this can happn before, during, or after birth (through breast-feeding).

Studies indicate you CANNOT get HIV from:

  • giving blood
  • shaking hands or hugging an infected person
  • coughs or sneezes
  • touching toilet seats, telephones, or clothes
  • sharing food or utensils
  • sweat or tears
  • dry kissing

HIV Testing

For more information please see: https://www.stdcheck.com/universities.php

Is the HIV testing really free?

STDcheck.com is offering free HIV testing to all universities and college students. The combination of discounted prices from LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and funding from our nonprofit division allows us to offer these tests at no cost to all active students and their schools

Why should I get tested?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people between ages 18-24 are at high risk for contracting HIV. This makes most college campuses a breeding ground for STDs and HIV. Statistically, 25% of people who are HIV-positive are unaware of their status so it is vital to get tested. Thanks to our network of physicians, we are able to offer free HIV test to students in an off-campus setting, which maintains complete confidentiality. More importantly, this is a great way for students to take control of their sexual health and establish good sexual practices.

Is this testing private?

Our HIV testing process is the best way to learn of your HIV status privately. Our labs test for many other conditions, so no one will know the purpose of your visit. We comply with all federal and state privacy guidelines, including the HIPAA Privacy Rule, so your results are not reported to your insurance company or added to your medical records.

How does it work?

Students can take advantage of this free HIV testing using their school email address ending in .edu. To get started, select your state using the dropdown menu above and choose your school. Testing takes only minutes, with no paper work or appointment required. One of our physicians will review your results and alert you of your status within 24 hours.

Which labs are near campus?

LabCorp
6100 Primacy Pkwy Ste 106
Memphis, TN 38119
Distance: 6.76 mi

Quest Diagnostics
6685 Quince Rd Ste 120
Memphis, TN 38119
Distance: 8.72 mi