HIV Testing
People get tested for HIV for different reasons. Some reasons why you may choose to get tested are:
- You are worried about being HIV positive
- You are pregnant
- You had a needle stick injury
- You had unprotected sex
- You decide to build HIV testing into your regular medical routine
HIV does not discriminate. Whether you are old or young, gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual or transgendered, have unprotected sex or share needles for injecting drugs, you can become HIV positive and not know it. You can assess your risk for contracting HIV through various sexual practices by using this chart.
If you are concerned about any of these things, you may decide you want to talk to someone about your risk for HIV. Most HIV testing sites offer counseling – both before you have the test and when you get the results.There are 4 types of testing available in Canada
- Nominal (confidential) testing means that your name is used on all medical forms and test results are recorded on your medical chart.
- Non-nominal testing does not use your name; a number code is used on your testing forms. Nobody can identify you with non nominal testing, but your test results are recorded on your medical records.
- Anonymous testing means that the test results do not go on your permanent medical record and you do not give your name or identifying information when you go for the test. Only you will know the test results. Anonymous testing is available in some provinces and not others.
- Rapid testing is also available in some provinces and not others. Rapid testing allows the patient to get the results of their test on-site within a few minutes.
For more information about the types of testing and the availability of anonymous and rapid testing by province and territory visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Many HIV testing sites also offer testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, HIV is the only STI that can be tested for anonymously.
When can I get an HIV test?
An accurate HIV test can be done 3 months after your last unsafe incident (unprotected sex, shared drug paraphernalia, needle injury, etc). An HIV test checks blood for antibodies that only appear when a person is fighting off an HIV infection. It takes approximately 3 months and sometimes a bit longer for HIV antibodies to show up in your bloodstream. Usually the results are accurate. If you had a test and are still worried, you have the option of getting tested again at the six-month mark to verify your results.
Does an HIV test cost money?
Anonymous HIV testing sites offer HIV tests for free. Other health clinics or doctor’s offices provide HIV tests for free if you have provincial health insurance. If you don’t have health insurance, you may have to pay for your HIV test.
If I test HIV positive, will the doctor tell my partner?
If you had an anonymous HIV test, it is your choice whether to tell your sexual partner(s). If you had a nominal or non-nominal test, your doctor or health professional may ask you to notify your sexual or needle sharing partners. You can tell partners yourself, or the Public Health Unit can do it for you without mentioning your name.
I think I have HIV but I’m scared to go and get tested.
Sometimes people are nervous about getting tested for HIV; however, if you test HIV positive, there are treatments available to help you stay healthy. The treatments are more effective the sooner you take them.
Going for an HIV test can be emotionally difficult so you may decide to take a friend or someone you trust with you if you choose to get tested.
How can I reduce the risk of getting HIV?
Some ways that can help reduce the risk of contracting HIV include:
- Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex and for oral sex on a penis (blowjob, felatio)
- Using dental dams for oral sex on a vulva (eating out, cunnilingus)
- Using clean needles or other drug paraphernalia if you use drug
- Abstaining from sex or drug use
- Taking proper precautions when handling blood, i.e. wearing gloves to clean up blood spills.