Sexual Health & Testing

There is no fee for HIV and STI testing services. We cover the costs of our services through donations from the public, support from SFDPH, and government and grant funding.

Each of our sites has slight variations in testing flow. No matter which location you choose, you will be cared for by certified sexual health educators and expert medical personnel.

At registration, we ask you to fill out a form with basic information including name, date of birth and contact information. All information you provide to us is protected by HIPAA–all of our services are confidential. After you are registered for your appointment, you will be given a tablet to complete our intake survey. The intake helps us to learn more about you and your health concerns. All the information is optional. This intake survey allows us to tailor your counseling session to your specific needs.

Once the intake is completed, a phlebotomist will collect a sample of your blood for HIV, hepatitis C, and/or syphilis testing. After your blood sample is collected, you will have the option of completing a counseling session with one of our test counselors. Your counselor can answer any questions or concerns that you have. They can also provide you with referrals to other services. If you are doing a chlamydia and gonorrhea test, this is when we collect specimens for those tests. We collect these via swab, and we suggest swabbing the parts of the body that you’re using during sexual activity. We offer a urine test as well.

Not in San Francisco? More HIV and STI testing sites and care services can be found on HIV.gov.

Everyone is eligible for our HIV and STI testing services. At no point during your testing visit will you need to provide us with identification or health insurance information.

We prioritize testing among communities at increased risk for HIV, STIs and hepatitis C. This includes our LGBTQIA community, trans and gender non-binary people, people of color, people who use substances, women and femmes, youth, people in the sex trade, uninsured individuals, immigrants, among others.

If you have health insurance and can afford to access HIV and STI testing another way, please consider your options so that we might provide services to people who do not have those same options.

HIV and hepatitis C rapid test results are received the same day that you test. All other results will be delivered via our client portal. You can expect results to be delivered to the portal within a week. If you do not have an email address and are unable to access results via our client portal, you may obtain your results in person at any of our locations.

If any of your results are positive, a nurse will contact you to set up treatment at Magnet. Treatment is provided free of cost.

We are here to support you no matter what your test result is. When clients test positive for HIV, our focus is providing them with emotional support in that moment. We understand that receiving such significant news can bring up a range of emotions, and we want our clients to know that they are not alone. We are able to link HIV-positive clients with a Health Navigation team member. Our Health Navigation team provides clients with individual support to help people take charge of your health and get the care they need. We can help people testing positive for HIV started on HIV medication on the same day.

All the information we collect is protected under HIPAA. We will not contact you for any reason other than to provide your health results.

Gender-affirming hormones (GAH)

We can prescribe and provide gender-affirming hormones to address the spectrum of trans and non-binary needs. Advice and info provided so that you can make an informed choice about your individual transition goals.

For more information, call 415-437-3456.

Hormone level checks

Hormone level checks are a quick assessment of hormone levels in your body using a blood sample. We offer hormone level checks to safely guide dosing changes in line with your transition goals. We will provide you with your current hormone levels and a recommendation for you to consider in order to meet your desired goals.

Hormone injection assistance

Bring your gender-affirming hormones with you to your appointment, and a healthcare provider will administer your injection or provide self-injection education and training.

• Anal health exams
• Vaginal and front hole exams
• Treatment and cure for hepatitis C, including a place to store medication
• Interim HIV therapy and rapid starts on HIV medication
• Navigating insurance or other assistance programs for HIV
• Access to harm reduction supplies like syringes, Narcan and more
• Substance use support and referrals
• Community performing arts events like Trans Voices, Black Love, and Mi Gente
• Care packages, food pantry and hygiene kits
• Assistance accessing social benefits
• Transportation support to medical appointments
• Name and gender change support
• Gender affirming procedure referral letters

A properly fitted condom worn during sex will block HIV and many sexually-transmitted infections.

Wearing a condom that fits correctly enhances pleasure and reduces the chance of a tear. Condom dimensions, shape and the lube you use change your experience.

• Straight fit condoms are straight through the shaft.
  Brands include: Crown, Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive, Lifestyles Latex Free, Kimono Microthin, Trustex XL, Beyond Seven.
• Flared condoms are roomier at the top.
  Brands include: Lifestyles King XL, Lifestyles Ultra Thin.
• Form fitted condoms have a snugger fit.
  Brands include: Lifestyles Snugger Fit, Iron Grip.

Condoms made of latex rubber are the most common, but if you have a latex allergy, condoms made out of a thin plastic (polyurethane or polyisoprene) are manufactured.

Water-based and silicone-based lubes are safe to use with latex condoms. Avoid any oil-based lubricants (like massage oils, baby oil or Vaseline-brand petroleum jelly) because these can cause condoms to break.

Condoms can also be used on sex toys, too. Depending on the type of sex toy, it is important to know if the condom is lubricated with silicone or water-based lube–as silicone-based lube can damage silicone toys. Hard plastic toys can be used with any type of lube or condom.

Always check the expiration date on the package to make sure the condom isn’t expired.

Visit any of our locations and we’ll have an assortment of condoms and safer sex tools like lube and internal condoms available for you–all free.

Water-based lube washes away with water. It tends to dry out faster during sex, but you can always use more or use spit or water to rehydrate. Water-based lube is OK to use with sex toys.

Silicone-based lube lasts longer during sex, and does not wash away easily with water so clean up can be more difficult. Silicone lube can stain sheets and damage silicone-based toys.

“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ in your body that cleans your blood, fights infections and plays a key role in nutrition. An inflamed or damaged liver can affect your entire body and put your health at risk.

Hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the U.S., the most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hep A and B are preventable with vaccines. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there are strategies you can use to reduce your risk of HCV infection.