Anonymous HIV testing
Anonymous HIV testing is only done through anonymous testing clinics. See Find an anonymous testing clinic. Doctors’ offices do not do this.
Anonymous testing clinics test for HIV using a test code instead of your name. But other personal information will be included on the test order form, such as the reason for the test and your:
- year of birth and country of birth
- gender
- race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity
- HIV-related risk factors
You might be asked for your year of birth and the name of the town or city where you live. If you do not want to give this information, you can just give the year you were born.
Testing and results
Anonymous testing clinics use the “rapid HIV test”, also known as the “point of care” test. The test requires a drop of blood from a finger prick. The test result is available in a few minutes.
If your rapid test is “negative”, it means HIV is not showing in your blood at the time of the test. It can take up to 3 months for HIV to show in your blood, so a counsellor will talk to you about if you should have another test at a later date. The counsellor will also talk to you about protecting yourself from future risks.
If your rapid test is “reactive”, it means you most likely have HIV. A second laboratory test is needed to confirm this. The counsellor will talk to you about having this second test. The second test is still anonymous and will not include your name or contact information, but you will be asked for the other information noted above. A sample of your blood is taken and sent to the testing laboratory. It takes about one week to get your test result.
A counsellor will meet with you again to talk about the result. If your second test confirms that you are HIV positive, then the counsellor will talk to you about:
- managing your health and HIV, and accessing medical care
- preventing the transmission of HIV
- getting support and more information
Reporting to Public Health authorities
If your second test is positive for HIV, the testing laboratory will also tell Public Health authorities in Ontario the test result but will not include your name or contact information.
In the past, doctors and nurse practitioners who provided HIV medical care were required to report your name to Public Health authorities, even if you tested HIV positive anonymously. This is no longer required, as long as the doctor or nurse practitioner orders an anonymous viral load test. It is important that they do not also order a nominal HIV test, as your name will be reported if they do.
Not all doctors and nurse practitioners are aware of this change. This means your name may be reported to Public Health authorities when you seek medical care, even if you had an anonymous HIV test.
Anonymous viral load test
A viral load test measures the amount of HIV in your blood and is used to make decisions about your treatment. It can also be used to confirm that you are living with HIV.
An anonymous viral load test is a viral load test ordered without your name. To get one, you need a test code from the anonymous testing site. The test code can be used to order viral load tests on an ongoing basis.
Keeping results private from Public Health authorities
To reduce the possibility that Public Health authorities in Ontario will learn that you are living with HIV:
- keep your anonymous test code, and
- contact the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) for free legal advice as soon as possible after you receive the positive test result and before you seek medical treatment. See Getting legal help.
HALCO will follow-up with the doctor or nurse practitioner about your care, treatment, and the option of anonymous viral load testing.
It is important to remember that even if you have an anonymous viral load test, Public Health authorities might still find out that you are living with HIV. For example, a member of the public who knows you are living with HIV may report you to Public Health authorities, or a hospital administrator may be required to report your name and contact information if they know you are living with HIV.
Find an anonymous testing clinic
Anonymous HIV testing is free in Ontario. To find a clinic, contact the free, anonymous, and confidential Sexual Health Infoline Ontario:
- English, French, and some other languages: toll-free 1-800-668-2437 or local 416-392-2437
- Website, includes eChat (English only): toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellnesscare/ sexual-health-infoline-ontario