Public Health Rolls Out STD/HIV Express Testing

Department of     Public Health     4041 N. Central Ave.     Suite 1400     Phoenix, AZ  85012     Phone: 602-506-6900     Fax: 602-506-6885     www.maricopa.gov/     public_health/

Contact:  Jeanene Fowler, Public Health: 602-722-1806 (cell)

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

Rolls Out STD/HIV Express Testing

“New System to Dramatically Reduce Wait Times”

Phoenix (Sept. 24, 2008) – Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced today that it has rolled out a new Express Testing service for those clients who come into the clinic to be tested for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV.

Clients who fill out a short medical survey, are not symptomatic and are deemed to be at a lower risk for STD’s/HIV will be offered the opportunity to be tested without first seeing a clinician. In the past, all clients regardless of risk factors were seen by a clinician prior to testing.

“This could dramatically cut down the wait time for those meeting the criteria,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County Public Health. “More importantly, we expect that about 70 percent of our clients will meet the criteria for Express Testing. This will allow our clinical staff more time to meet with and treat those who are symptomatic and at highest risk.”

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia express tests will be done by a urine sample given at the clinic. Syphilis and HIV tests will be done by a blood sample drawn at the clinic.

Clients who opt for Express Testing will be notified within a few days if any of these tests have come back positive. At that time, an appointment will be made with a clinician to ensure proper medical treatment.

England added that Express Testing is for people who do not have symptoms but who may be worried about being exposed to an STD through unsafe sex practices.  It is not for pregnant women, people with active symptoms (discharge, sores, pain with urination, etc), those who have traded sex for drugs or money in the last six months, or people who have been referred to the Clinic for testing and/or treatment by a partner or health care professional.

In 2007 there were 14,472 cases of Chlamydia, 3,161 cases of Gonorrhea and 814 cases of Syphilis reported in Maricopa County. Through the first six months of 2008 there has been an 18% increase in Syphilis cases compared to 2007.

Maricopa County’s STD Clinic is located at 1645 E. Roosevelt in Phoenix. The Clinic is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Registration hours are Monday–Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Wednesday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Express Testing will be offered during those same hours. No appointment necessary. Confidential testing, treatment, and follow-up services for people with sexually transmitted diseases are available for $20.00 on a walk-in basis

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and promoting the health of the nearly 4 million residents of Maricopa County. Through a variety of programs and services, the Public Health department monitors, prevents, and treats harmful diseases and health conditions.  For more information about the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, visit www.WeArePublicHealth.org or call (602) 506-6900.

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