We are doing things differently as a result of COVID-19. We now offer Anonymous HIV Testing appointments from Monday to Fridays at our main branch at 55 Eccles. Call or text 613-295-9574 to make an appointment. You will be asked some screening questions over the phone for COVID-19 and HIV transmission risk factors before the appointment is confirmed.

HIV testing for anyone 14 years of age or older at risk of contracting, or believes they may have contracted, HIV/AIDS. No appointments necessary and results are available the same day.

HIV/AIDS in Ontario

Who is most at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS?

Communities who are at most risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in Ontario are:

• Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (http://www.gmsh.ca/)

• Ontarians from Africa and the Caribbean (https://accho.ca/)

• Indigenous populations (https://www.oahas.org/)

• People who inject drugs (men and women)

• Women (https://whai.ca/) who engage in high risk activities with the groups above 

What are high risk activities?

Participating in the following activities puts you at a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS: 

Unprotected vaginal and/or anal intercourse (including condom breakage, dipping and delayed application of condom) with either:

• An HIV positive partner with a detectable viral load (https://www.catie.ca/en/positiveside/summer-2017/uu); or

• A partner of unknown status (unless both partners have been mutually monogamous for more than 3 months, and have both been tested HIV negative).

Injection drug and crack use, especially with shared equipment.

Should I get tested?

Yes, if you belong to one of the communities listed above or have engaged in a high risk activity.

When should I get tested?

Following a high risk exposure to HIV, test as soon as possible if you have symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, rash, oral yeast infection).

If you have no symptoms, get tested 3 weeks after you engage in the high risk activity. This is recommended because of the window period for HIV testing.

If you have engaged in multiple high risk activities, time your tests based on the date of your most recent high risk encounter.

What is the "window period" for HIV testing?

The “window period” is the time between when a high risk activity occurred (i.e. when you may have been exposed to HIV) and when an HIV test can give an accurate result. This period exists because HIV antibodies must be present in the blood for the test to accurately detect an HIV infection, and these antibodies develop over time. The window period is between 3 weeks to 3 months after engaging in a high risk activity. During the window period, it is possible that you may have been infected with HIV and that the test will give a negative result because it is unable to detect the infection.

HIV/AIDS Resources

AIDS and Sexual Health Infoline for more information regarding STIs and sexual health 1-800-668-2437

AIDS Committee of Ottawa

Canadian HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)

HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario (HALCO)

Important factors when considering HIV and Syphilis Testing video by the Hassle Free Clinic

Motivational Interviewing - a pilot project supporting gay, bi, queer and other men who have sex with men, trans and cis, to have better sex lives, sexual relationships, and sexual health!

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Fact Sheet

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Fact Sheet

Somerset West Community Health Centre's Anonymous HIV Testing program is funded by the AIDS Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). The MOHLTC provides funding for more than 90 programs and services across Ontario to deliver HIV/AIDS prevention, education and support programs for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and those most at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS in Ontario.