Use a self-test or self-test kit

Thanks so much for getting tested for HIV and/or STIs with MoCo Pride Center. We have rapid HIV tests and STI test kits available for you to take home with you! You can register to receive one from us here. Below you’ll find instructions for using your self-test(s).

HIV rapid tests

OraQuick Advance HIV are rapid tests that, like a COVID test, show you your result soon after taking. OraQuick are oral swab tests that you can administer yourself at home. As a disclaimer: oral tests have a higher likelihood of “false positives” than a traditional blood panel — if your test has a reactive result, follow up immediately with a health professional to confirm.

STEP 1: COLLECT

1. Do not eat, drink or chew gum before testing. 

  • If you have, wait for at least 15 minutes before testing. 

  • Wait for at least 30 minutes prior to testing if you have used any oral care products such toothpaste, mouthwash, or breath tabs.

2. Remove the device from its pouch.

  • DO NOT touch the Flat Pad (see picture 1A ).

  • Check to make sure that an absorbent packet is included with the device (see picture 2A). If no absorbent packet is present, discard the device and obtain a new pouch for testing.

3. Place the flat pad above the teeth against the outer gum. Gently swab completely around the outer gums, both upper and lower, one time around, using the flat pad (see pictures 3A and 4A). 

DO NOT swab the roof of the mouth, the inside of the cheek or the tongue. NOTE: Both sides of the flat pad may be used during this procedure.

STEP 2: TEST

1. Insert the flat pad of the device all the way into the vial (see picture 5A). Make sure that the flat pad touches the bottom of the vial. The result window on the device should be facing towards you (see picture 6A).

2. Start timing the test (see picture 7A). DO NOT remove the device from the vial while the test is running. 

Pink fluid will appear and travel up the result window. The pink fluid will gradually disappear as the test develops (see picture 8A). 

Read the results after 20 minutes, but not more than 40 minutes, in a fully lighted area.

3. Refer to the test result and interpretation of the test result section in the package insert.

STI panel test kits

The full test kits provided by the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Along with an OraQuick HIV rapid test (see above), STI panel test kits include:

  • The First To Know® 15-minute Syphilis Test

  • 3 swabs

  • Urine collection cup

  • Biohazard bag

  • Mailing envelope

  • Sanitary liner

  • Instructions and QR code for videos

How to collect a urine sample

  1. First, wash your hands well with soap and water. Do not clean or wipe your genitals.

  2. Unscrew the top of the urine container. Avoid putting the inside of the top on the counter or other surface.

  3. Pass urine into the jar. When the jar is one-third full or reaches the designated line (20 milliliters approximately), pass the rest of your urine into the toilet.

  4. Screw the lid of the container shut.

  5. Put your sticker on the urine container.

  6. Put the container in the biohazard bag.

How to do a rectal swab

  1. First, wash your hands well with soap and water.

  2. Carefully remove the swab from the package. Do not touch the soft tip of the swab or put the swab down.

  3. Hold the swab in the middle of the shaft near the middle black line.

  4. Carefully insert the swab into your rectum about three to five centimeters (one to two inches) and gently rotate the swab for 10 to 15 seconds. Then, carefully withdraw the swab from the rectum.

  5. While holding the swab, unscrew the cap from the tube. Then, put the swab back inside the tube ensuring that the black line of the shaft is at the top of the tube.

  6. Break the swab at the black line. (The swab shaft is perforated and will break easily) 

  7. Put the screw top cap on the tube and close it tightly.

  8. Put your sticker on the tube and then put the tube in the biohazard bag.

How to do an oral swab

  1. First, wash your hands well with soap and water.

  2. Carefully remove the swab from the package. Do not touch the soft tip of the swab or put the swab down on any surfaces.

  3. Hold the swab in the middle of the shaft near the middle black line.

  4. Carefully swab the back of your throat and both tonsils (sides of the back of the mouth). Make sure that the swab does not touch the inside of your cheeks or tongue.

  5. While holding the swab carefully, unscrew the cap from the tube. Then, put the swab back inside the tube, ensuring that the black line of the shaft is at the top of the tube.

  6. Break the swab at the black line. (The swab shaft is perforated and will break easily)

  7. Put the screw top cap on the tube and close it tightly.

  8. Put your sticker on the tube and then put the tube in the biohazard bag.

Once you’ve collected your samples, you can take them in to the following health centers:

DENNIS AVENUE HEALTH CENTER
2000 Dennis Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20902
240-777-1760
Parking and Directions

UPCOUNTY REGIONAL SERVICE CENTER
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown MD 20874
240-777-1609
Parking and Directions

Thank you for getting an STI/HIV test at MoCo Pride Center!

You are doing a great job taking care of yourself, your partner(s), and your community by staying informed and knowing your status.

If your test is negative or nonreactive, keep up with your sexual health by testing regularly and using prevention tools. The Pride Center has a variety of condoms and lubricants available for discreet pick-up in our library or private office from 11 AM to 7 PM every day. You can also call 240-777-1760 or 202-431-8653 to ask about getting on PrEP, medication that when taken as prescribed has proven to be 99% effective at preventing HIV (not other STIs).

If your test shows a positive or reactive result, we can connect you to the care you need. The first thing to do is to visit a health center to get a full panel to confirm any positive tests. Visit or call to make an appointment at the following locations:

DENNIS AVENUE HEALTH CENTER
2000 Dennis Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20902
240-777-1760
Parking and Directions

UPCOUNTY REGIONAL SERVICE CENTER
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown MD 20874
240-777-1609
Parking and Directions

Montgomery County Sexual Health & Wellness Services can provide STI treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income. No one will be turned away based on inability to pay! Call the nearest location at the numbers listed above. They treat:

  • HIV,

  • syphilis,

  • chlamydia, and

  • gonorrhea

and can refer you elsewhere for

  • hepatitis B vaccine and

  • hepatitis C treatment

Free or low-cost HIV treatment is available at Dennis Avenue Health Center – call 240-777-1869 to find out if you are eligible. They also offer in-person and virtual support groups for people living with HIV. If you are newly diagnosed or it’s been a while since you’ve seen a doctor, call to be connected with care and support. 

In addition to HIV care, the Dennis Avenue Health Center provides support services for people living with HIV who have an outside HIV care provider but are having trouble paying rent, affording medication, or struggling to continue HIV treatment for other reasons. Call to find out what support services are available to you. If you have more questions, we recommend you visit their FAQ page.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your test, the schedule, or other MoCo Pride Center services, email us directly at hello@mocopridecenter.org, or let us know what kind of support you need by filling out our Community Needs Assessment Form.

We are here to help!