HIV Testing & Treatment

How can I get tested for HIV?

Standard testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is performed through serologic testing, which requires a small sample of blood to be drawn and sent to a lab for analysis. All labs in Canada use fourth-generation HIV tests, which can both detect the presence of HIV antibodies in your blood (your body’s reaction to the virus) and the virus itself. It can take from one to two weeks to receive test results.

The window period

The time period between HIV infection and the time when the HIV test will detect it is called the 'window period'. Its length varies according to individuals and the type of HIV test performed but usually goes from 4-6 weeks to up to 3 months. With any type of HIV test, it is recommended to test again 3 months after potential exposure to get a definitive result if the initial test was performed within that time frame.

Is the test anonymous?

In B.C., all HIV-positive test results must be reported to local public health authorities. However, you may request that only your first name, initials and date of birth (non-nominal) be reported instead of your full name (nominal).

STI testing (including for HIV) using an alias (a made up name) or only your initials is available at the Victoria Health Unit STI Clinic. No traceable contact information is collected. For more information, visit the website or phone 250-388-2200 to book an appointment. 

Get tested for HIV

There are a number of HIV and STI testing clinics where you can have an HIV test either by appointment or by drop-in. Consult the SmartSexResource clinic finder to find the location of a clinic near you.

Get Checked Online

GetCheckedOnline is an internet-based service that offers confidential testing for sexually-transmitted and blood borne infections without needing to visit a doctor. GetCheckedOnline is available in partnership with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC).

Rapid HIV testing

A rapid HIV test, also known as a point-of-care (POC) HIV test, requires taking a few drops of a person’s blood through a finger prick. The blood is tested for the presence of HIV antibodies on-site while a client waits. Those who screen negative will have their results within minutes; reactive results must be confirmed through a blood draw sent to the provincial laboratory. Choose “HIV testing (point of care)” from the search options through the SmartSexResource clinic finder to locate your nearest POC testing location.

While receiving treatment at an acute care hospital

HIV testing is routinely offered at select hospitals within Island Health Authority.

At your local health unit

Check with your local public health unit to find out if HIV testing is available.

When should I get a test?

The B.C. HIV Testing Guidelines  recommend that health care providers know the HIV status of all patients under their care. An HIV test should be offered:

• routinely, every five years, to all patients aged 18-70 years

• routinely, every year, to all patients aged 18-70 years who belong to populations with a higher burden of HIV infection
• once at age 70 or older if the patient’s HIV status is not known

What happens if my test is positive?

A positive result on a HIV test can feel scary and overwhelming. However, with appropriate treatment, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic disease and people living with HIV can live long, healthy and fulfilled lives. Learning about HIV and the treatment options available to you will help reducing the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis.

What can you expect following your diagnosis?

After your diagnosis, you will be contacted by a Communicable Disease Nurse, who will make sure that you start working closely with a health care provider experienced in treating people with HIV and get appropriate support as soon as possible.  The things they will discuss with you include:

• Understanding your diagnosis.

• Availability of community support resources, including:
  • The VPWAS Peer Navigation Program, which connects people newly diagnosed with peer navigators who are tooled to provide support and information from the perspective of someone living with HIV. Phone number: 1-877-382-7927 (toll free), support@vpwas.org
  • The 24-hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line, which provides short-term nonjudgemental support, crisis intervention, information and resources. Phone number: 1-888-494-3888.
• Ways to avoid passing on HIV to others, especially if you were diagnosed soon after infection.
• Partner notification process, which involves letting any recent sexual partners or, in some situations, drug injection partners know that they should consider getting tested for HIV. If needed, the Communicable Disease Nurse can help deliver this news.
• Support with learning how to live better with HIV and move forward with your life.

What are the treatment options for someone who is HIV-positive?

With appropriate treatment and care, HIV is considered a manageable chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease. Nowadays, an individual living with HIV can expect to live a long and healthy life. HIV treatment also helps prevent passing on HIV to others.

In British Columbia, HIV/AIDS medications are provided at no cost to medically eligible patients through the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program. 

For more information on treatment, see Your Guide to HIV Treatment

Additional Resources

For more information on HIV, consult these CATIE fact sheets:

• The epidemiology of HIV in Canada
• The HIV testing process

If you are newly diagnosed with HIV, see:

• Just Diagnosed with HIV
• It’s all still possible: Starting points for living well with HIV

For additional information, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 and speak to a registered nurse anonymously anytime, every day of the year.