DeKalb HIV Self-Tests

Man sitting in a pharmacy reading an, "I got tested, what's next?" brochure

DeKalb residents can get a FREE HIV test to take at home, or wherever is convenient! HIV self-tests can be picked up at one of the health centers listed below or sent in the mail.

T.O. Vinson Health Center
440 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30030
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm
(404) 294-3762
Map & directions

Clifton Springs Health Center
3110 Clifton Springs Road Decatur, GA 30034
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm
(404) 244-2200
Map & directions

The DeKalb Board of Public Health distributes FDA-approved self-tests at no cost as another option to in-person HIV testing.

Delaware Free In-Home HIV Test Overview 4

It’s fast and easy. Just a swab of the mouth and 20 minutes later you have your results. Counseling is available before and after testing from the providing agency.

If you prefer to have an HIV test done by a healthcare provider, ask for in-person testing at a DeKalb County health center.

DeKalb HIV Self-Test – How Does it Work

How Does the DeKalb FREE HIV Self-Testing Work?

  1. Call or visit the T.O. Vinson Health Center or the Clifton Springs Health Center and say you are interested in getting a free HIV self-test. You also have the option to fill out this survey to request an HIV self-test.
  2. After answering some questions, you will be told your options for getting the HIV self-test, either you will pick it up at one of the health centers or you may be able to have it sent to you in the mail.
  3. Once you have the HIV self test, follow the provided instructions. It will take approximately half an hour to do the test and get results.
  4. Follow up with the health center that provided your HIV self-test to go over your results and discuss next steps. It is encouraged that you check back with the health center after your test regardless of the outcome.

If my HIV test is negative...

Consider your ongoing HIV prevention strategy. This may include PrEP, for people who do not have HIV and want added protection.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should schedule a follow-up test. The “window” period when HIV antibodies are detected by a test can take up to 12 weeks after exposure.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, PEP – post exposure prophylaxis – may be an option.

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If my HIV test is positive...

A positive HIV self-test needs to be confirmed by a blood test in medical setting.

If the follow-up test is also positive, you will start daily antiretroviral medication to lower your viral load. While not a cure, it is possible to reduce the viral load to levels undetectable by lab tests.

When HIV is undetectable it cannot be passed to others through sex.

With ongoing treatment, you can live a healthy, normal lifespan.

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Let's Talk About HIV Testing! written in white in a light blue speech bubble

Let’s Talk About HIV Testing – FAQs – DeKalb

Who should get tested for HIV? How often to get tested? What kind of tests are available?

Get answers to these and more frequently-asked questions about HIV and STD testing.

Learn More