Testing for HIV/AIDS

HIV Testing Overview

HIV testing:

• Involves a nurse or doctor discussing the testing process with you beforehand.
• Involves a specific type of blood test.
• Isn’t automatic and shouldn’t take place without your consent.
• Isn’t be part of your routine blood test or included with any other STI testing.
• Is confidential, and can be done anonymously at any Peel Healthy Sexuality Clinic . Your blood test will be sent to the Ministry of Health lab for testing.

Pre-Test Counselling

Before your HIV test you should speak with a clinic counsellor, nurse or doctor about the test, what the results mean, and what your risks might be. This is called "pre-test counselling”.

Getting Tested

Ways to Get Tested

There are different ways to get tested for HIV. At Peel Public Health Sexuality clinics, you have the option of:

1. Standard HIV test - blood is taken from a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for testing – results take approximately 2 weeks to be returned to the clinic. Results are not provided over the telephone, via email or text messaging – you need to return to the clinic where you were originally tested to receive your results.
   
   
2. Rapid HIV screening test (Point of care) - blood is taken from a tiny prick at the end of your finger and screening results are known within a few minutes.

All Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality clinics offer FREE, ANONYMOUS and CONFIDENTIAL HIV testing.

No health card is required for any type of HIV testing at a Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic

When to Get Tested

Getting accurate results depends on the time of your last possible exposure to HIV (unprotected sex, needle sharing). There is a window period, where it takes approximately 3 months for HIV antibodies to show up on an HIV test. If you have ever had a risky experience, it’s a good idea to be tested for HIV. It’s important to remember though that if you have had unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal) or shared needles within the last three months, the health care provider will recommend that you return for repeat testing to ensure that you have waited long enough for the test to be completely accurate.

Making an Appointment

When you’re ready to get tested, make an appointment with your family physician or at a Peel Healthy Sexuality Clinic near you .

Anonymous Testing

Anonymous testing in Peel is offered only at Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinics (not at your family doctor's office or walk-in where you need to use your Health Card.)

If you choose anonymous testing:

• You won’t need to show your Health Card.
• Only your first name will be used.
• Your address isn’t necessary.
• You’ll receive counselling before and after the test.
• Only you will get the results in person.
• No record will appear in your regular medical chart.

Anonymous HIV Testing (including the Rapid Test) Locations in Peel - Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic Locations

Protecting Yourself and Others

Regardless of your test results you should always prevent the spread of STIs , HIV and Hepatitis B by:

• Using lubricated condoms for vaginal, or anal sex.
• Using non-lubricated condoms for oral sex on a man.
• Using a latex barrier — also called a ‘dental dam’ or ‘dam’ — for anal-oral sex or for oral sex on a woman.
• Using extra-strength condoms with extra lubricant for anal sex.
• Limiting your number of sex partners.
• Not sharing needles, syringes, drug using equipment or sex toys.

Getting Your Test Results

It will take approximately 2-3 weeks for your test results to come back.

HIV test results are never given over the phone.  Once your test results are in, you’ll be asked to make another appointment to discuss your results with a counsellor, whether your results are positive or negative.

If Your Test is Negative…

A negative test means you didn’t have any HIV antibodies in your blood at the time of your test.  

If it’s been 3 months after your last exposure and your test is negative, you don’t have HIV. If it’s been less than 3 months you should be re-tested. (Remember — if you engage in high risk activities you may become infected with the virus at anytime.)

If Your Test is Positive…

A positive test means you have antibodies for HIV. It does NOT automatically mean that you have AIDS.

People who are HIV-positive can pass the virus to others. No one knows when someone infected with HIV will develop AIDS. An early diagnosis lets you get medical advice and early treatment.

You must tell your sexual and needle sharing partners about your infection so they can be tested. You should also share this information with anyone else who might be exposed to your body fluids, such as doctors and dentists.

Find More Information

For more information about HIV/AIDS testing, contact:

• A Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic near you
• The Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse: 1-877-999-7740
• The Ontario AIDS Hotline: 1-800-668-2437
• The Peel HIV/AIDS Network (PHAN): 905-362-2025
• The Peel Works Needle Exchange Program :647-225-1623
• Your family doctor