HIV Testing

There are four ways of getting an HIV test.

Name-based/Nominal - Your name will be on the blood sample sent to the testing lab.
Coded/Non-Nominal - Your blood sample will be sent to the testing lab with a code that can’t be connected to you, but when it is returned to your health care provider, they will be able to document it on your chart and give you access to any needed treatment and services.
Anonymous - Your test result remains anonymous to everyone but you. This option is only available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre (Winnipeg) and Public Health Services (Brandon). If you choose this option, it is very important to accept the responsibility to follow up, retrieve your results and get connected to support services if you test positive.
Point of Care Test (POCT), or Rapid Test – Your finger is pricked for a blood sample that can be tested within minutes. This option is currently only available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre.

Regardless of the type of testing you choose, your health information always remains confidential, protected by the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

Keep in mind that even if you are getting a rapid test, STI clinics are often busy places, like any health care setting. You may have to wait an hour or more before a health care professional sees you. Some places also offer STI counseling, so if it’s your first visit, be prepared to see a counselor before you see the health care professional who will test you. You may want to bring a book or a friend or something to pass the time and distract you—for many people, waiting to be tested for STIs can be a little bit nerve-wracking.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is a combination of antiretroviral drugs that help to prevent an HIV infection from developing in the body. Treatment usually lasts for a month, and is most effective if taken within 24 hours of exposure to HIV, although it may work for up to 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.

While PEP is certainly an advancement in medical prevention of HIV, treatment is very costly and is only covered by Manitoba Health in rare circumstances, such as a health care practitioner accidentally being exposed to HIV by a patient. It also requires following a strict regimen that is hard on your body.

Seroconversion

Seroconversion is the point at which a person develops a detectable number of antibodies in their blood, which can take between three and six months after a person has been infected with HIV. This is why it is recommended that you get regular testing, especially if there is a potential that you have been exposed to HIV, or have had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is positive or unknown.