Dear mrwinkee,

In general, minors do not need parental consent to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. However, there may be certain locations where, for one reason or another, the provider will require parental permission. Call your provider before you go for your test and ask if parental permission is required.

Planned Parenthood's policy is to protect client confidentiality to the extent the law allows. Planned Parenthood health centers provide "confidential" and/or "anonymous" HIV testing. "Confidential testing" means results will be put in a permanent record with a name attached to it. But in certain locations, providers may notify your parents if you test positive - even you were not required to get their permission for the test. Before you're tested, ask about your provider's parental notification policy.

"Anonymous testing" means a name is not used. Some states do not permit anonymous testing. To find out about your testing options or to set up an appointment, call 1-800-230-PLAN to find the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.

Tests are also available from most health care providers, hospitals, and health centers. Anonymous home testing kits are available from drugstores in some locations — but they are usually expensive. Local, state, and federal health departments may offer free testing. Some have anonymous HIV counseling and testing sites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have a national database sites and home testing options, with information available in both English and Spanish.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.