Get Tested
ICAN offers confidential HIV testing and counseling. To schedule an HIV test using a mouth swab, contact Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391, ext. 220.
You can choose between two HIV tests:
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OraSure Test: This test is FREE, and the results take 7-10 days to be processed.
- OraQuick 20/20 Rapid Test: This test costs $20, and the results take only 20 minutes to be processed. You'll have the test results while you wait.
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NEW: 20/20 Rapid Test Program
Receive your test results in only 20 minutes!
ICAN introduces its new 20/20 Rapid Test Program that will offer HIV test results within 20 minutes at a cost of $20. The 20/20 Rapid Test requires only an oral swab of the mouth. "This test can be administered in a doctor's office or other clinics, but the cost can run as high as $100," said Dan Mitton, ICAN Director of Education. "Our goal is to reach out to as many people as we can with a confidential, affordable HIV test that will give results in minutes instead of days," he added.
ICAN offers another HIV test which is free, but the test results take 7 to 10 days. According to Mitton,"We wanted to include the 20/20 test to ease much of the stress people feel while waiting for their test results." Testing is performed Monday to Friday at ICAN offices in Fort Myers and Naples. For additional information on HIV testing and/or classes offered to the public, contact ICAN at (239) 337-2391, extension 220, or email Dan Mitton.
Free OraSure Test
Receive your test results in 7-10 days.
What is OraSure?
OraSure is an oral specimen collection device to test for HIV. The OraSure mouth swab tests for HIV antibodies which would be present in the tissue of the gums and cheek if HIV infection were present.
How is the test conducted?
The test is conducted by using a toothbrush-like device that is inserted into the mouth instead of drawing blood. A small pad on a plastic stick is placed between the gum and cheek, rubbed in a circular motion, and then allowed to remain in the closed mouth for three minutes. The pad is then placed in a container and sent to the State Health Laboratory where it is tested using techniques similar to those used with blood samples.
How accurate is an OraSure test?
OraSure mouth swab test is very accurate, yet not as accurate as a blood test. As with blood tests, six to twelve weeks must pass after infection has occurred before enough antibodies have been produced for the test to detect them. An OraSure test performed three months after the potentially infectious event (sex without a condom or shared intravenous drug needles/equipment) is about 95% accurate. A test at 6 months will be the most accurate. You can get tested for HIV for free as often as you wish.
Do I have to give my name?
ICAN's OraSure testing is confidential, but not anonymous. You must provide your name, address and form of identification. Your HIV results and other testing information will not be disclosed.
How do I get my results?
OraSure results are provided in person (not by telephone) 10-14 days after the test is conducted. Call Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391 ext. 220 to schedule a time to receive your results.
Why get an HIV test?
Knowing if you have HIV will allow you to protect your own health and to prevent others from becoming infected. HIV infection responds best to medical treatments if they are begun as soon as possible after the infection takes place. If you are infected, you can get the information and help you need to stay healthy. By following safer sex and/or drug-use practices, you can protect others from HIV and stop the spread of the epidemic. ICAN expects to test more than 1500 individuals this year.
To schedule an HIV test using a mouth swab, please contact Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391, ext. 220.
