The HIV & STI Collaborative

Free, confidential, rapid HIV screening is available by appointment at 89 French St. New Brunswick, regardless of insurance status. The screening tool used is the Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo, a 4^th generation test which detects both HIV antibodies and antigens as early as 14 days after exposure. The screening consists of obtaining whole blood sample from a finger prick, and results are obtained in 20 minutes. Note that if a test is performed within the ﷟HYPERLINK "https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview"window period we may not be able to give you a conclusive result. If you have had a possible exposure within the past 72 hours, contact us to discuss your options and to schedule an appointment for baseline screening. (see the section on nPEP)

For all other STI screenings, including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, based on insurance status, patients will be seen at the ID clinics, while uninsured or underinsured patients, will be referred to Eric B. Chandler Health Center or the Middlesex County Public Health Clinic (STD Clinic).

PrEP is the most common and most effective biomedical HIV prevention option available, with effectiveness around 99% for sexual exposures when taken as directed before exposure. It is commonly prescribed as a daily oral pill and can also be given as an injection every month or every other month in some cases. Oral PrEP is available regardless of insurance status, and all insurance plans must cover at least one form of PrEP. This is a good option for anyone who wants ongoing HIV protection for any reason. For more information on PrEP, visit the CDC website.

nPEP is a protocol to prevent HIV after a possible exposure that isn’t related to work, such as a broken condom or sexual assault. nPEP must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure (some exceptions may apply) and consists of 2 or 3 pills taken daily for 28 days. Unlike PrEP, nPEP is only taken for one month to effectively prevent acquisition of HIV after exposure. After completion of nPEP, patients can start PrEP if so desired. If the exposure occurs outside of business hours, many emergency departments provide nPEP, and patients can connect with us for guidance and follow-up. For more information about nPEP, visit the CDC website. 

PIP is an emerging alternative to PrEP for HIV prevention, recently encouraged by the World Health Organization in certain situations. Whereas PrEP needs to be taken as a daily pill, monthly or bi-monthly injections, and nPEP is generally given in emergency circumstances, PIP gives patients the flexibility to take nPEP as needed, without having to rush for emergency care. This option can be fitting for patients who only have occasional, infrequent exposures, and who aren’t interested in taking regular PrEP. PIP can be given multiple times, and PIP users can remain engaged in ongoing care with our team.

DoxyPEP is a new form of prevention strategy for STIs other than HIV endorsed by CDC in summer 2024 to help prevent bacterial STIs, specifically syphilis, chlamydia, and to a lesser extent, gonorrhea. It involves taking a single dose of an antibiotic called doxycycline within 72 hours of possible exposure. DoxyPEP is an emergency measure and cannot be taken daily. If the exposure occurs outside of business hours, some emergency departments provide DoxyPEP, and patients can connect with us for guidance and follow-up. For more information about doxyPEP, please visit the CDC website.