HIV Testing

Your family doctor, nurse practitioner or local medical clinic can advise and counsel you. Staff at the sexual health clinic and public health staff in local public health offices are also available for counselling and referral. Please see Related Links below.

Standard testing

The HIV antibody test is a blood test that tells you if you have been infected with HIV.

The body makes antibodies in response to infections. HIV antibodies can usually be found in the blood within 12 weeks after you are infected with HIV.

If the test is positive, you are infected with HIV and can pass the virus to others. The test does not tell when you became infected or when you will get sick.

A negative test means you are not infected. It usually takes up to 12 weeks for your body to make HIV antibodies. A test done before 12 weeks may not show correct results.

You will be told if you need another test.

HIV point of care testing

Point of care (POC) tests are rapid screening tests that may be an option for you. Initial results are provided in a short period of time. The test can tell you if you are infected with HIV. A standard test will also be used to confirm the results.

When you have the test, you will receive help understanding the test and the results.

HIV Point of Care Testing Brochure
Download this brochure about an HIV test that shows preliminary results on the same day.

Information for health providers
See Related Documents, below.