What's involved in HIV Testing?

A physician must order a blood test to detect antibodies to HIV. Testing is not advised until 3 months after the last possible exposure to the virus, as it can take that long for antibodies to develop.

There are 3 different ways of having the blood test:

• nominally, where your name is used on the lab requisition
  
  
• non-nominally, where your initials are used
  
  
• anonymously, where you receive a code number, and your name is never used during the test. Your health card is NOT required.

Why should you have an anonymous HIV/AIDS test?

• no Health Cards required
  
  
• only a first name is used
  
  
• your address is not needed
  
  
• you receive counselling before and after the test
  
  
• only you will get the results
  
  
• no record will appear in your regular medical chart.

Anonymous testing can only be done at specific anonymous test sites (not at a family doctor's office where you need to use your Health Card.) Call Health Action Line for the clinic location nearest you.