Sexual health clinic on campus sponsoring tests
Free HIV testing is available at Wardenburg two times a week and is free for all CU students.
The testing takes place on Mondays (appointments or walk-ins) from 4-5:40 p.m., and Tuesdays (walk-ins only) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in UMC 411.
Gaddy Noy, an employee at the sexual health clinic, said people need to get tested any time they engage in unprotected sex and any time they are unaware of their partner’s history.
When a person comes in for testing, they sit down with a certified HIV tester who will listen, counsel and recommend different resources.
Students say they think the free testing is a valuable on service on a college campus.
“This sounds like a good idea,” said Chelsea Ayers, a sophomore English major. “College is when people are more likely to experiment and get in trouble.”
The test is a finger prick test and takes approximately 10 minutes to produce results. The test is about 99.7 percent accurate.
When people get infected, they start developing antibodies against the virus. The test looks specifically for the antibodies, not the actual virus. Most people show antibodies within a month of infection.
Noy said the clinic wants to make students feel comfortable getting tested.
“The test is free and confidential, and it’s a safe place to talk about any sexual experience without judgment,” Noy said.
The test is as effective as other tests, like having blood drawn, but it goes much faster and is more efficient. Most testing locations charge about $35 to $50 for the test.
Students also said the free test is something beneficial for students who may not have money to get tested.
“I think it’s a great idea because it is an important resource to have, especially because it’s free,” said Libby Doyne, a sophomore geology major.
The Sexual Health Clinic urges students who may be in doubt or have no other place to turn to come into the clinic.
“It’s so important to let the community know that sexual health is important,” Noy said. “It’s important to establish good communication with your partner. If people have any doubt, it’s always good to know for peace of mind.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Stephanie Shepard at Stephanie.Shepard@thecampuspress.com.
