You should consider getting tested for HIV if you or your partner:
- had sexual relations without a latex or polyurethane condom (or any other
type of protection), especially sexual relations with vaginal or anal penetration
- had sexual relations after drinking alcohol or taking drugs (it's possible
you weren't protected)
- shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids) or any
other injection equipment such as water, cotton filters, cookers, pipes or straws
- have tattoos or piercings or have had acupuncture treatments where unsterilized
instruments were used
- received a blood transfusion or blood products in Canada before November
1986.
For more information on HIV transmission, see the FAQs, "How do you get (or
not get) HIV?" and "Is there an alternative to latex condoms?"
When should I get tested for HIV?
You should get tested for HIV three months after any high-risk behaviour.
HIV testing detects antibodies that the body produces to fight the virus. Because
these antibodies are undetectable until three to six months following the infection,
you should wait at least three months after taking part in any high-risk behaviour
before you get tested.
If you were infected with the virus, you are most at risk of transmitting it
during the three- to six-month period following the infection. This is called
the "window period". This means that you could infect another person
with HIV before you even know whether or not you're infected.
Whether you think you are infected or not, it's important to practice safe sex
and avoid sharing drug-injecting equipment. For more information, see the FAQs,
"How can I have sex more safely? and "Are there risks of getting HIV
if I drink or use drugs?"
Why get tested?
It is important to know your serostatus, which is a generic
term that refers to the presence or absence of HIV antibodies.
If you find out you are HIV-positive, you can:
- get treated as soon as possible to stay as healthy as possible
- get treated to reduce the risks of infecting your baby with HIV if
you are pregnant
- take the necessary precautions to avoid infecting another person.
If you find out you are HIV-negative:
- The experience will have reduced your stress level, since you'll know
your serostatus
- Because of the counselling you get before the test, as is recommended
in Canada, you'll be more aware of the different ways you can reduce your risk
of infection.
What happens before the test?
You are entitled to counselling before you decide whether to take the test or
not. Counselling will help you make an informed decision and ensure you fully
understand the HIV test. A health care professional will meet with you in private
so you can ask questions. He or she will ask you why you want to take the test,
and when and how you think you may have been exposed to HIV. Remember that it's
your choice to get tested or not and to choose the type of test you want. For
more information on HIV tests, see the FAQ "What categories and kinds
of HIV testing are there?"
How the HIV test works
During a conventional test, a blood sample is taken from your arm. In some cases,
a urine sample or oral fluid sample is taken. Oral fluid is found in the mouth
along the cheeks and the gums and includes oral mucus, not just saliva.
If no antibodies are detected, you are not infected with HIV. This does not mean that you are immune to HIV infection. This first test to detect antibodies
is called the ELISA test.
If anti-HIV antibodies are detected, a second test, called the Western Blot
test, is done to confirm the positive result.
If the first sample provided was oral fluid or urine, a blood sample will be
taken for the second test to confirm the positive result.
If anti-HIV antibodies are detected in your sample, you are infected with HIV.
However this does not mean that you have AIDS. At this stage
you will be advised to inform your sexual and needle-sharing partners, if applicable.
It will be important to decide what kind of treatment you want and to get counselling.
A health care professional will be able to give you information on various treatments
and counselling once your results are in. You could also ask an AIDS service
organization for support.
When will I get my results?
You will probably get your results a week or two after taking the test. Waiting
periods vary from one province to the next, because of many different factors,
including demand. Normally, you have to go back to the test site in person to
get the results – take a friend if you need support. You will be given
the results in private so you can ask questions and get information and support.
Additional resources:
Biotechnology
and AIDS Diagnosis – Government
of Canada BioPortal
Get Tested for HIV – Public Health Agency of Canada
HIV Testing: Benefits from Testing – Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
Links: Local Organizations – Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centre
The
Serious Stuff: How do I know if my child is infected? – Let's
Talk
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