What's the difference between anonymous & confidential testing?

What's the difference between anonymous & confidential testing?

With anonymous testing, you don't have to give your name to anyone. With confidential testing, you supply your name during the testing process, but the healthcare system and government health agencies are required by law to keep your testing information confidential – they can't let it become public information.

In the United States, your medical records are confidential. They're protected by the Privacy Act, which was passed into law in 1974. Generally speaking, only your doctor or the facility where you have your test done have access to your medical records. However, laws vary from state to state with regard to their being required to report when someone tests positive. For instance, if you live in a state where reporting of communicable diseases is required, your doctor must report your positive test result – which will likely include your name – to the state and federal governments.

Anyone who is concerned about anonymity or disclosure should contact their local health department or any AIDS service organization hotline to find out what the law is in their area and where anonymous testing is available.

A home test, or going to an anonymous testing site – which are available through departments of health in all the states – are good ways of getting tested anonymously, which means that your name does not need to be used in order to have the test. You will have a conversation with a counselor, but your identity will still be protected.