HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids such as semen and breast milk. HIV is spread through unprotected sexual contact and sharing needles and syringes. Pregnant women can also pass the HIV virus to their babies.

HIV Testing

Legacy offers HIV testing, on a fee-for-service basis, to all persons requesting an HIV test. High-risk persons are eligible for free HIV testing along with an extended risk-reduction counseling session.

People are at high risk if they have:
• Had unprotected sex
• Had sex with multiple partners
• Had sex in exchange for drugs or money
• Shared needles and other equipment for injecting drug use

Staff will conduct a brief one-on-one counseling session with each person testing to discuss risk factors and help develop a risk-reduction plan. High-risk persons will participate in an extended risk-reduction counseling session.

Clinic-based testing services use traditional blood collection methods with results in 1 to 2 weeks. The rapid HIV test with results in 20 minutes is also available. Clients are offered an option of an oral swab or finger prick to collect a specimen for the rapid HIV test.

Clients can also choose between confidential HIV testing (using their name and contact information) or anonymous HIV testing (no name or identifying information is used). Syphilis testing is also offered to persons at high-risk, but can only be done confidentially.

Persons testing positive for HIV will receive counseling when test results are given. Staff will provide referrals to HIV services, including primary care, education, case management, partner services and more. Persons testing positive for HIV with the rapid HIV test are required to have a follow-up confirmatory test performed.

HIV Testing in the Community

Hours and locations vary. An up-to-date schedule is published every month. You can also listen to a voice-recording of the schedule by calling 713-830-3070.

Legacy offers HIV testing at a variety of community-based locations in Houston to persons at high-risk. Staff will conduct a brief one-on-one counseling session with each person testing to discuss risk factors and help develop a risk-reduction plan.

Community-based testing services use the rapid HIV test with results in 20 minutes. Clients are offered an option of an oral swab or finger prick to collect a specimen for the test. Clients can also choose between confidential HIV testing (using their name and contact information) or anonymous HIV testing (no name or identifying information is used). Syphilis testing is also offered to persons at high-risk, but can only be done confidentially. All community based testing services are offered free of charge.

Persons testing positive for HIV are required to have a follow-up confirmatory test performed. Staff will provide referrals to HIV services, including primary care, education, case management, partner services and more.