HIV testing
Overview
The only way for someone to know if they have HIV is to get tested. Whether the result is positive or negative, it is good for people to know their status. People at ongoing risk for HIV should get tested regularly.
There are usually two steps in the testing process required to diagnose an HIV infection: a screening test and a confirmatory test. If a screening test result is positive, a confirmatory test is needed to verify it. All HIV tests used in Canada are very accurate.
There are two types of HIV tests available in Canada: laboratory-based tests and rapid tests. With laboratory-based testing, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Normally the blood sample is taken from a vein in the person’s arm, but in some regions in Canada it can be taken as drops of blood on a piece of paper (called dried blood spot testing). The screening test is done on this sample, and if the result is positive, a confirmatory test is done on the same sample. It can take up to two weeks for a person to get their result back from a laboratory test.
With a rapid test, the person receives an initial result within a few minutes of doing the test. Rapid tests are screening tests, so if the test shows a positive result, the person will need to get a laboratory-based HIV test to confirm the result. In some regions in Canada, rapid tests are available from a healthcare provider or community worker (known as point-of-care testing). There are also rapid HIV self-tests that are available to anyone for purchase online and in some stores, and some community organizations offer them for free.
When a person gets an HIV test from a healthcare provider or community worker, they should receive counselling before and after testing. Test results and any discussions during counselling are confidential. No matter whether the person tests positive or negative, HIV testing can be a gateway for referrals to other services that a person might benefit from, such as housing, mental health services and help with substance use issues.
To learn more about HIV testing, check out:
The HIV testing process – This fact sheet outlines the process for getting an HIV test in Canada, including where a person can get a test, the counselling that a person receives, what happens if a person tests positive and what happens if a person tests negative.
HIV testing technologies – This fact sheet details the different types of tests available in Canada, including laboratory-based tests and rapid tests. It includes information on the window period and accuracy of each type of test.
HIV self-testing – This fact sheet provides more in-depth information about self-testing, including how service providers can increase awareness and support people who self-test.
Other helpful resources:
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing – This online course provides in-depth information about HIV and hepatitis C testing.
CATIE statement on the HIV self-test as a highly effective tool for increasing uptake of testing in Canada – This statement supports service providers to increase awareness, uptake and proper use of the HIV self-test among their clients.
I Know My HIV Status: Facts About HIV Testing – This brochure for clients provides basic information about HIV testing. It is written for people who are thinking about getting tested for HIV or have questions about HIV testing.
HIV Testing: Everything you need to know – This booklet for clients based on Canada’s HIV test counselling guidelines provides comprehensive information about HIV testing.
HIV Testing: What you need to know – This video gives an overview of the things that people should know about HIV testing, including the benefits of getting tested and the types of tests that are available in Canada.