Testing

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, consider getting tested; however, it is important to note that HIV may not  show up right away.

• In Ontario, it is recommended that you get tested for HIV as soon as possible after a potential exposure (this is a baseline test to assess if there was HIV present before the potential exposure), at 3 weeks after the exposure, and at 6 weeks after the exposure. A positive test at any of these time points indicates HIV infection. A negative result at all three of these time points rules out HIV infection from that exposure.Ontario Guidelines for Providers offering HIV Testing (2023)

   

   

   

There are differences in how much personal identifying information is collected during HIV testing depending on the kind of test. Here are the options:

Nominally: Your name and other personal identifying information is collected. If your test is positive, the testing laboratory will inform Public Health. Public Health will then contact you to provide support and refer you to HIV related services. Notifications to relevant partner(s) is done anonymously.

In Ontario, Public Health also requires any sexual or needle-sharing partners be notified that they may have been exposed to HIV. Depending on the circumstances, Public Health may do this, or may request you do this and provide proof. You can contact your local Public Health Unit opens in a new window for more information.

Non-nominally: The test is ordered using a code instead of your name, but the test result may be linked back to your name.

Anonymous: You can be tested without using your real name and no personal identifying information is collected (including your OHIP number). An anonymous file is set-up to keep your HIV testing information separate from any other testing that may take place.

While the tester may know your name, your test result cannot be linked back to your identity. Anonymous tests are available at 50 sites across Ontario, primarily public health units and community health centres.

For more information on testing, public health and privacy related to HIV testing, contact your local Public Health Unit.opens in a new window

Self Testing: You can access self tests through I’m Ready and GetaKit.  These projects are research based so ask for some personal information; however, you can check in with your local ASO about ways to participate anonymously.  See the section on Self Testing to learn more.

Find more HIV Services.

A positive test result means that you have been infected with HIV, unless you are using a Point of Care test or Self Test. With these, a confirmatory test (or Standard HIV Test) is required to confirm results.

With treatment, HIV is a chronic and manageable illness. Treatment can help to prevent the transmission of HIV to other sexual or needle sharing partners, or if you are pregnant, it can help prevent transmission to the fetus or infant. Treatment can help people live long, healthy lives. Ongoing health care and support are important to maintaining an undetectable viral load and positive health outcomes. An "undetectable viral load" is when antiretrovial HIV treatment lowers the level of virus in the body to undetectable levels on standard blood tests.

In Ontario, HIV testing is offered as part of pre-natal care. This testing is optional. For women who have repeated possible exposures to HIV, it is important to test regularly.  Other STBBI testing can also be done at this time. For women living with HIV, early diagnosis and effective treatment help to ensure HIV is not transmitted to the fetus. Once the baby is born, feeding the baby formula is recommended in Canada.  This is to ensure no risk of HIV transmission by breastfeeding (chestfeeding). This can be a difficult decision, and many women face judgement, stigma, and discrimination. It may be helpful to speak to others, and consult with a health care provider with expertise in this area about what is best for you.

In Ontario, there is free formula for anyone living HIV.

For more information on infant feeding, see:

Feeding Your Baby: A guide to infant feeding for people living with HIV

For more information on free formula, see:
Teresa Group’s Infant Feeding Programopens in a new window

Women moving through the immigration system will be given an HIV test as part of the immigration screening process. This is also the case for refugees applying to live in Canada.  Landed immigrants and refugees are entitled to register for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). For more information on moving to Ontario, HIV testing, treatment and care, see: HelloOntario

Before 2018 the HIV test requisition form did not include information about Transgender or Non-Binary identities. When completing an HIV test, clinical staff were required to select "male" or "female" on the lab requisition form. The tester may have made that selection based on the gender presentation, health card, or assumed genitals of the person being tested. With recent updates to the testing requisition form, we will be able to have a better understanding of how many Trans women are living with HIV in Ontario.

Where to find HIV Testing Sites:

• Contact Sexual Health Ontario opens in a new window
• Call the Sexual Health InfoLine opens in a new window at:
  • Toll-free: 1-800-668-2437
  • Toronto: 416-392-2437
  • eChat
• Call Telehealth Ontario — a free 24/7 service where a registered nurse will answer your immediate health concerns:
  • Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000
  • TTY: 1-866-797-0007
• Contact your local AIDS Service Organization

If you need a doctor, contact Health Care Connect.