HIV TESTING

Do you think you might have HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency virus). There is no cure for HIV, but in Canada there are treatments that can help lessen symptoms.

If you answer YES to any of these questions then you may have been at risk for getting HIV.

HAVE YOU EVER:

• Had unprotected sex?
• Had unprotected sex with someone you know has HIV or AIDS?
• Had an STI?
• Been sexually assaulted?
• Had unprotected sex with someone who has taken drugs with needles?
• Shared needles or other drug works (including water, filters, containers, ties and/or mouthpieces) to take drugs?
• Shared tattoo or ear piercing needles?
• Had a blood transfusion prior to 1985?

WHO HAS TO GET TESTED:

Nobody is required to get an HIV test. Even if you are pregnant, ill, or your doctor considers you at risk. The doctor or nurse testing you MUST inform you of the test and get your permission to test you.

TESTING:

Everyone in BC is entitled to a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL HIV test. What this means is that you are not required to:

• Show any identification,
• Have a care card,
• Have parent’s permission,
• Be over 18 years of age,
• Give your full name,
• Give your birth date; or • Pay What is required is:
• A set of initials (which you can make up),
• Only the year of your birth; and,
• That you are a resident of BC.

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO GET TESTED:

Everyone can get a test from his or her family doctor, local health clinic or at the hospital. If you need to find out more about where you can go, require translation, or need somebody to accompany you please contact The Asian Society for the Intervention of AIDS (ASIA), at (604) 669-5567.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I GET TESTED?

The nurse/ doctor will tell you about the test.

If you have an HIV test it is important to know that you have some choices:

1. You can choose to have the test done using your name (nominal test). When you do this, there will be a medical record of your HIV test results with your name attached to it. This kind of testing is most commonly done in a doctor’s office.

2. You can also choose to test using your initials (which you can make up) and year of birth (non-nominal test). This will mean that your test results will not show up on your medical records. You must request this type of testing if it is what you want.

Clinics do a lot of this type of testing, and have counselors who can talk with you about any questions you have.

It generally takes two weeks for test results to return from the lab. This waiting period can be very stressful, and if you are not prepared for the possibility of a positive result, you may not be ready to be tested. If and/or when you decide you want to get the test done, the HIV test will proceed as follows:

• Either the nurse/doctor will take a blood sample from your arm or you may have to go to the lab for the blood sample.
• Your blood will be sent to a lab and tested for HIV antibodies.
• A nurse/ doctor will tell you when to come back, usually 1 to 2 weeks later, for the result.
• They will let you know what the results mean and if you are HIV positive they will tell you where you can get help.
• The test only shows if you are HIV positive 3-6 months after the risky behavior so you may need to come for a second test.

It is your decision when and to whom you disclose your HIV status. You determine how to care for yourself. Living alone with HIV can feel isolating and overwhelming. Telling people you trust may help open doors to support. You have the right to friendships and relationships, including sexual ones. In Canada, however, criminal law requires people living with HIV to disclose their HIV status before engaging in behaviors that risk transmitting HIV.

HIV is a reportable disease in BC. If your test is positive, a public health nurse or your doctor can help with the process of notifying your partners. Ask the nurse or doctor who needs to know about your HIV positive result.

CALL OUR HELPLINE

We provide counseling, HIV/AIDS information, and referrals to doctors, local health agencies and community groups.

English Helpline: 604.669.5567