HIV/AIDS Testing & Care

Education & Outreach Team at AIDS Programs South

Saskatchewan

Who can provide me an HIV test? Your family doctor, nurse

practitioner or local medical clinic can advise and counsel you. Staff

at the sexual health clinic and public health staff in local public

health offices are also available for counselling and referral.

The 3 C’s of HIV Testing The conditions of the ‘3 Cs’, advocated since the HIV test became available in 1985, continue to be underpinning principles for the conduct of HIV testing of individuals.

Such testing of individuals must be: confidential accompanied by counselling (the extent determined by

the testing situation) conducted only with informed consent, meaning that it is

both informed and voluntary

Confidentiality Your name, or code and all the information you have discussed

with the health care provider testing you will be kept

confidential and private!

Reactive Test Result:If the test is reactive, a second follow-up lab test is required to

confirm if you have HIV.

Non-Reactive Test Result: If the test does not show signs of

HIV infection and you are concerned that you have been infected within the last three months, you should he tested again in another two to three

months.

Saskatchewan HIV Test Options

Anonymous Testing You are not required to use your real name Test is carried out using a code The health care provider and the laboratory carrying out

the testing on the blood sample do not know to whom the code belongs

Anonymous testing for HIV is available in Regina call 306-766-7779

Persons living outside of Regina can call toll free, 1-800-268-9888

Standard Testing Blood drawn from a vein Sample is sent to a lab Results in two weeks

Point of Care Testing (POC) Blood sample from an individual’s finger Test takes 60 seconds A standard test will confirm the results

Questions & Answers

How long will the HIV test take?

The counselling and test will take about 60 minutes to

complete.

Is the HIV test part of my annual physical?

No!You must ask for the HIV

antibody test.

Can someone do an HIV test on me without me knowing?

No!In order for you have to have

an HIV test done, you must give INFORMED CONSENT.

Can I be forced to have an HIV test?

No!No one can force you to have an

HIV test. You must ask for the test.

If I test HIV positive, do I have to tell anyone?

It is entirely up to you who you tell. However, it is strongly advised to let your sexual and/or

injection drug use partner(s) know. You can now be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada for

knowingly infecting others without disclosing your HIV positive status. You must take the necessary

precautions to reduce the risks of transmitting HIV to others.

What if I test positive for HIV? If someone has accompanied you to the test, you

can either have them leave the room when you are given the results or you will need to given permission to have that person hear your result

You will be notified by a healthcare professional

You will be offered information and supports including follow-up care and treatment

What if I test negative for HIV? Your health care provider will talk

with you about when you should have your next routine test

You may also want to talk about ways to help you stay negative

Care and Support for

HIV+ Individuals in

Southern Saskatchewan

Infectious Disease Clinic Regina General Hospital

306-766-3915

Provides outpatient care for patients in southern Saskatchewan with HIV and hepatitis, along with other

complex infectious diseases. Multidisciplinary team includes:

Physicians Nurses Social Worker Pharmacists Dietitian

Peer Support 306-766-6857

Acute Peer-to-Peer Program is a valuable part of the RQHR work to engage more people in HIV care and

to help those newly diagnosed manage some of the daily challenges that come with living with HIV.

The mentors share their experiences with mentees and support those who might be feeling isolated or

intimidated. When a mentee feels ready, he or she can graduate from the program and move on to become a

mentor.

Southern Saskatchewan Client Support works directly with people living with HIV/AIDS with individuals identifies personal needs and together

design supportive plans provides support on a one to one basis; during home

visits, hospital visits, plans social activities with client and meets the client where they are at

if a client wish to disclose their positive status the coordinator facilitates the conversation while debunking myths and providing education around HIV/AIDS

provide transportation and attend appointments when requested by client