The Philadelphia Center offers free, Determine 4th Generation, rapid, HIV testing at 2020 Centenary Blvd. Testing is always done one-on-one with a state-certified counselor, and the results are available in 20 minutes. Testing is done on a walk-in basis, with no need to schedule an appointment. All testing is confidential and our professional staff is here to provide testing, counseling, and linkages to community resources.

Testing Hours

• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
• Mobile Testing Unit – Special Dates & Times. See Calendar for more information.

The Determine HIV test is administered via a finger prick, and will come back one of three ways:

• Negative, meaning HIV antibodies were not detected. REMEMBER, though, this essentially means that the person is negative from three months ago and before. If there is concern about a recent exposure, re-testing after three months has passed is necessary.
• Invalid, meaning something did not work correctly with the test. This does not occur often but may happen as a result of a mis-manufactured test, not a good sample, or a number of other, uncommon, reasons. If this happens, the counselor will inform the client and another test will be performed.
• Preliminary Positive, meaning that the test found HIV antibodies in the specimen. Since this test is over 99% accurate if it comes back positive it’s a good indication of infection. However, a confirmatory test MUST be conducted to diagnose someone as HIV positive. If someone tests positive, and the second test comes back positive, the staff will work with that individual to access care and support services either through The Philadelphia Center or other appropriate care.

Partner Services is a service offered through the Office of Public Health to help people inform current or past partners of their status anonymously. This service is offered to all newly diagnosed clients or anyone else who is HIV positive and needs help letting partners know. Our Prevention staff will assist preliminary positive clients to contact Partner Services and next steps for treatment and care.

Prevention Material

The Prevention Department maintains 76 condom sites throughout Region 7, with testing and education information included.

Recruitment Outreach

Outreach and recruitment take place in 13 different neighborhoods and communities throughout Region 7. Prevention staff pass out condoms, literature, and make referrals to the residents of these communities. Also, staff performs presentations in different community settings such as businesses, festivals, health fairs, and schools.