Basic Testing Information
» What is the HIV Antibody Test?
» What does the test tell you?
» Is the test accurate?
» Talk to a counsellor before you get tested.
» Who should get tested?
» Why you should get tested?

Anonymous Testing / Options Clinic
» What is anonymous testing?
» Why test anonymously?

Where else can I get tested?

What is the HIV Antibody Test?

• A blood test which tells you if you have been infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• Your body produces antibodies to fight the HIV virus. The blood test tells you if you have these antibodies which show you are infected.

What does the test tell you?

• A positive antibody test means that you have been exposed to HIV and your immune system has responded to the infection - in short, it means that you have been infected with HIV (Babies born to HIV-antibody positive mothers may have antibodies to HIV without being infected. This will be checked by the doctor several months after birth.)
• If you are positive you can pass the virus to others
• It does not tell you when you were infected, what condition your immune system is in, or whether or not you will get sick

Is the test accurate?

• Most people develop antibodies to HIV within 14 weeks after infection
• Waiting 14 weeks after a high risk activity to get tested will help ensure the test's accuracy
• If you test prior to 14 weeks a repeat test would be necessary to ensure your negative result

Talk to a counsellor before you get tested.

Making the choice to test for HIV is an important yet sometimes difficult decision.

A counsellor can talk to you about:

• How the virus is transmitted
• Your questions and concerns
• Deciding if it's the right time for you to test
• How you might react if you tested positive

Who should get tested?

Anyone who:

• Has had unprotected vaginal intercourse
• Has had unprotected anal intercourse
• Has shared needles (body piercing, steroid use, intravenous drug use)
• Has had a blood transfusion or received a blood product prior to 1986
• Is considering getting pregnant or donating semen or organs, and think there is a chance you might be at risk

The Bottom Line is...
If you have had unprotected sex or other risk in the past ten years, you should at least talk to a counsellor to find out whether the test is necessary.

Why you should get tested?

• relieve feelings of uncertainty
• opportunity to receive accurate information and obtain support
• if you are HIV positive you can begin action now to remain healthy
• reduce the possibility of more people being infected

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What is anonymous testing?

• NO identifiable information about you is taken (no name or health card)
• a number system or code is used to identify you
• NO reporting test results. you are the only person who can identify your test result

IMPORTANT:
Many physicians offer a "confidential" testing system using a number or your initials. This is not anonymous testing. If you test positive, your doctor can still report your name to the health department.

Why Test Anonymously?

free testing, information, education, literature, support and resources
your privacy is protected
non-judgmental
may be able to talk more openly with a counsellor about sexual and other risks if you know your name is not revealed
fast access to testing

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North Bay Health Unit

• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
  You can get tested at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, "The Clinic"

Your Family Doctor

• You can ask your family doctor for an HIV antibody test.
• S/he will need to report any positive test results to the Health Unit.
• S/he has the option of nominal testing (giving them your name so the Health Unit can do follow-up) or "non-nominal" testing (the Health Unit is told that someone in his/her practice tested positive but the doctor is responsible for post-test counselling and follow-up).