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HIV Testing

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Wed, 2008-09-03 17:44

Ask us questions about HIV Testing, testing locations and procedures. But please DO read through the forum before posting your question, as there is a good chance that it has already been answered.

 

 

 

THE TEST PERFORM IN CANADA!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2009-09-25 07:22.

I had an Incident on 04/16/2009 with my X… I have known him since 2007 when we start to date…. Unfortunately he is a cheater….. In 2007, I got tested twice. I was negative for HIV test twice… This year I had to get tested for Immigration…. It came out negative as well… The only thing I did the test 43 days after that happen (6 weeks) I just want to know, what Gen of ELISA is used these day in Canada… They say 6 weeks is conclusive in Australia…why not Canada… If the window period can be shortened. Why say 3 months? I have been stressed out a lot lately…. I have no cold, no fever, and no infection whatsoever… They said it can take decades for someone to show symptoms… I have Hives now! My doctor told me it is an allergic reaction and that it has nothing to do with that. I am only 21 years old. I am really scared…. I am really frightened… Can someone answer me?

Window Period

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Tue, 2009-09-29 15:10.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

The window period can only be estimated. You would have to inject someone with the HIV virus then measure how long it takes for antibodies to develop. So the exact seroconversion window can’t be known. That is why we say that “generally” speaking, antibodies develop by 6 weeks (85-90%) but that is not true for all cases. What we know is that it is very rare for antibodies to take longer than 3 months to develop. So that is why it is currently 4 weeks to 3 months. But different experts will come up with different numbers.
 
3rd generation ELISA tests (and Western blot tests) are most widely used these days in Canada. 4th generation (Rapid testing) is not yet widely used.
 
If your last exposure was in April of this year, you are now, certainly way beyond the window period. If it will put your mind at ease, go and get tested again.
 
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

Canada only test for HIV-1?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2009-12-03 23:00.

Is it true that INSTI rapid test only tests for HIV-1 in Canada? I have sex with a girl in China 6 months ago, and feel not very well lately. Which test should I take to confirm the condition of HIV-1 and HIV-2 both? Thanks in advance!

RAPID testing detects both HIV-1 & HIV-2

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Mon, 2009-12-07 15:16.

 

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. No, the RAPID test, tests for both HIV 1 and 2.
You should know that RAPID testing is not yet widely available though due to its high costs and there being no funding available through Vancouver Coastal Health. It is available at a few select facilities that serve at risk populations only. So for now, the standard ELISA antibody testing is the most widely available.
The standard ELISA test also tests for both strains; it just takes a bit longer to get the results. Here is a list of testing sites in Vancouver:
You can also go to your doctor or any health clinic and they will give you a lab requisition for the test.
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

symptoms but still negative at 20 weeks

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-11-25 14:26.

hi there- I had the classic symptoms of acute infection back in late june/early july and still feel tired and depressed. I pretty much out of operation all summer with general weakness. Now, I also seem to have a light rash over my body with some pimples popping up on my chest and back, as well as very dry skin on my face. I also seem to be losing my hair. My tongue has blotches on it every so often. I had a rapid test (in Ontario) 20 weeks after a possible exposure and it came back negative. I wonder if you know what is going on. My doctor has me on antidepressants and feels my fears are unwarranted, although recently my liver enzymes were high. Thank you for your help.

Symptoms but Negative test result

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Thu, 2009-11-26 17:49.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

It is generally thought that a negative test result past 3 months is considered conclusive. However, have you been tested since? That might help to alleviate your anxiety.
Have you discussed these symptoms with your doctor? Were these symptoms that you are describing occurring before being on anti-depressants? Have you discussed the potential side effects from the anti-depressants you are taking with your doctor?  I’m not sure what you are taking, but I do know that if you made a list of all the possible side effects from all the different anti-depressants, you would have quite the list. Ultimately, these issues should be addressed with a medical professional.
I hope things turn around for you; I know life can be very challenging when you don’t feel well.
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
 
Help line direct: 604.696.4666

Symptoms but negative test result

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2009-11-27 12:33.

thank you for your response. I was wondering if a test at 24 weeks (6 months) would be completely conclusive. I had the symptoms before I went on the meds. they are effexor and respiradone. I am worried that I may have infected others as well. I plan to be tested as soon as I get back to Ontario. that will be 26 weeks. Have you heard of anyone taking this long to develop antibodies?

6 months is conclusive

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Wed, 2009-12-02 12:31.

Hi there,

Yes you can consider a test at 6 months conclusive. It is EXTREMELY rare for HIV to take that long to be detected.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

Rapid testing

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2009-11-21 19:56.

I am looking for testing centres in the lower mainland that offer rapid testing. I travel often and therefore want to get my results as quickly as possible. Could you please let me know where I could go for testing that could give results as fast as possible (within an hour?) Also, I am wondering if I am tested positive what happens next? If I get my results and they are positive, what exactly will happen after that?

Rapid Testing

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2009-12-01 10:00.

Pender Community Health Centre offers it, and so does Insite but only for Insite users I believe.

Yes Insite offers it to

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Tue, 2009-12-01 11:10.

Yes Insite offers it to their clients only. That is why I don't usually mention it unless I know that the situation is appropriate.

Just to be clear, the Pender Health Clinic does NOT offer RAPID testing at their clinic. However, the Street Nurse program does while they are out on the street.

Thanks for your input.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

RAPID testing and Info for newly diagnosed persons

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Mon, 2009-11-23 16:09.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

Currently, RAPID testing is not widely available due to its high cost. 
I know that Spectrum health offers it but only to existing clients. HIM (Health Initiative for Men) has recently started doing RAPID testing. Please see their website for more information: www.checkhimout.ca
When test results are given, post test counseling is given. With a positive test result, the counselor should make sure that the person understands what that means and provide emotional support. They should also discuss healthy living and make you aware of resources.
Some next steps usually include:
-Making a list of anyone that could have also possibly been infected. If you are not comfortable with contacting those people, they will and they won't use your name. They just tell them that it has come to their attention that that person might be at risk and encourage them to go for testing. They will not disclose your name under ANY circumstances.
-Deciding if you want to tell your family and friends when (if so)
-Making a plan to maintain health
-Finding a good HIV friendly doctor
People living with HIV need to have regular lab work to check on their CD4 counts and viral load. A CD4+ cell count measures the number of T cells in a cubic millilitre of blood. A measure of CD4+ cells indicates how healthy the immune system is and, in people who are HIV positive, can help to indicate how far the disease has progressed. Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in a person’s blood. It is very important that Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) monitor their viral load on a regular basis. Results of viral load testing can help indicate:
·    When to start, stop, or adjust HIV treatment
·    To what degree HIV is progressing within the body
·    A higher ability to transmit HIV to another person
Please see below link for more information for newly diagnosed individuals:
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
 
Help line direct: 604.696.4666

HIV testing for foreigners.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2009-10-20 22:21.
Hi, I've been in Canada over 1 year now but not Canadian or an immigrant. I've been going out with a Canadian guy for almost 4 months. I'm taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy but he has never worn a condom. He said he didn't have any disease but recently I found out that his ex-girlfriend was from a country that has high numbers of new HIV infections. I know all people from that country don't infect with AIDS but I'd read some article about AIDS in that country so I started to be worried. Are there any places I can take tests in Vancouver? Is it expensive for foreigners like me?
(Edited for cultural sensitivity)

Testing sites in Vancouver

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Thu, 2009-10-22 12:04.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.  

I would like to direct you to the area of the AIDS Vancouver website that lists testing sites in Vancouver:
From what I understand, the charge is around $100 dollars for tourists (note that that could vary from site to site). But also among the list, is the Pine Free clinic. They provide services for free to people who don't have health insurance coverage (but gives priority to those under 24). Please note that they only accept people over 24, during the AM drop in hours (call for the days).  You would need to call the other places, but I know somewhere like the 3 Bridges clinic would offer services without health coverage, if you fit in their mandate. Again, it would be wise to call ahead and enquire.
I would like to say that unprotected sex in any country is risky business. It is critical that each and every person be responsible for their own self care in practicing safer sex.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Help line direct: 604.696.4666
 

anti hiv1/2 tests result conclusive?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2009-10-15 17:45.

Hi, I had unprotected sex 3 months ago and I took a series of STD tests 2 days ago at UBC hospital; the doctor said the HIV result will come back in about 10 days; but today (2 days after) i found out Hep B along with anti hiv1/2 test results came back (both non-reactive, no evidence of HIV infection)... i'm confused as these test results would be conclusive or i'll have to wait another 8 days for another type of HIV test result? people say it'd take 1 to 2 weeks to confirm and how come mine came back so quickly? Your quick response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Mr.worried

Quick turn around for testing

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Fri, 2009-10-16 15:57.

Greetings,

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

Sounds like you got a conclusive negative result for HIV. If you are concerned, get in touch with them and enquire. I really don’t know why your results came back so quickly.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

HIV rapid testing

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-09-23 17:20.

Hi,

I had unprotected sex with a guy in October of 2008 so it was 11 months ago. I got tested yesterday 9/22/09 at a planned parenthood clinic with a rapid HIV testing kit and it came out non reactive. Do I still need to get tested or can I trust this rapid test result?

Thanks
Emelie

Effectiveness of Rapid Testing

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Thu, 2009-09-24 12:05.

Greetings,

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.
Only if a Rapid test result comes back positive, then it needs to be confirmed with a secondary lab test. 
I found a document on the CATIE website (which I will link below), that states that the sensitivity of the INSTI Rapid test is 99.6% and the specificity is 99.3%.
There has been a lot of research & development on this test as there were concerns in 2002. The lower rates of sensitivity and specificity (around 80%) led to a recall of the product. As you can see by the improved rates, this method of testing has evolved with respect to effectiveness.
The choice to be retested with another method needs to be your own.
Here is a link to the document, for your information:
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
 
Help line direct: 604.696.4666
 
 

 

Point of care tests

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2009-09-17 21:28.

If a life insurance medical company completes an HIV test and sends results into a lab is there any way for me to track down those results? They advise they will only contact if there are abnormal results to discuss (i.e. positive result) and I'd hear within 2 weeks or so if that was the case. It's such a long excruciating wait! Are there any labs that take more than 2 weeks? Are there any Clinics using point of care testing in Kelowna?

Thank you in advance for you help!

Insurance Companies & Lab results

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Thu, 2009-09-24 12:23.

Greetings,

Please accept my apology for the delay in response. Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.
I called Life Labs today and they stated that if an Insurance company is submitting the specimen, then you can’t obtain the results from the lab. But that you can request a copy of the results from the Insurance Company. They are obligated to provide you with a copy if requested.
The problem with the Rapid testing method is that it is very expensive and it is not yet widely available. So there are very few clinics using it. But I’ve included a link below to Clinic’s in Kelowna, you would need to phone them individually and enquire:
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
 
Help line direct: 604.696.4666
 

Regarding rapid test

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2009-11-12 15:25.

Hello Heidi,

The rapid test INSTI is the accurate one and the one which was recalled in 2002 is not INSTI test. That test name is FAST track and its licensce was cancelled in 2004.

FYI please check in the link below....

http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/HIV_results_while_you_wait-2567.aspx

It is been widely used in UK so i thought it might help you..

--K

Good Clarification

Submitted by Heidi Morgan on Mon, 2009-11-16 16:30.

Hello there & thank you for visiting the AIDS Vancouver Helpline Forums!  As well, thank you for pointing this out, the document that I referenced made no distinction between the recalled product and the INSTI test. 

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

who can be tested for HIV?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2009-08-16 16:50.

Hello! If I am an immigrant, can I be checked as well? And it will still be free?

Thank You!

Marija

 

Testing without a Care Card (Health card)

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Mon, 2009-08-17 10:39.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver helpline online, as your source for HIV related information. 

If you are in the Vancouver area, the Pine Free Clinic will do testing if you do not have a Care Card (health card) that was issued in Canada. Their information is in the link below.
It would be wise to check with the facility first, that you intend to visit. I would like to direct you to the AIDS Vancouver website for a list of facilities offering HIV testing in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland:
If you are living outside of the Vancouver/Lower Mainland area, please refer to this link:
This link provides a list of numbers to call (depending on which province you are in, to get the local lists of testing sites.)
Please let us know if we can provide any further information.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver
Helpline Online
Direct: 604.696.4666

Rapid HIV Testing

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2009-08-13 21:45.

Hi. I was wondering if there are any places in Vancouver that do rapid testing? Thank you.

Rapid Testing

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Mon, 2009-08-17 10:51.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver helpline online, as your source for HIV related information.

Currently, there is only one facility (that I am aware of) offering Rapid testing in Vancouver. But they are only providing it to existing clients. From what I understand the Rapid test is quite expensive and is therefore not widely used.
If you are interested, please see this link that provides more information (including the pros and cons of this method of testing):
http://www.cdnaids.ca/web/backgrnd.nsf/pages/cas-gen-0142
As you probably know, HIV testing is available for FREE at community health clinics, sexual health clinics and from your family doctor. Family planning centers or drug treatment facilities also offer testing.
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver
Helpline Online
Direct: 604.696.4666
 

info on HIV

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-07-22 09:45.
Hi, I had sex with a girl I met in the club 1st time, and my condom got broken inside her vagina. When I noticed that I immediately put a new condom and finished sex with her. It has been 40 days since that incident happened. I just want to know that are there chances that if she was infected with HIV, I will also get infected???? What are the symptoms for HIV? I don’t like blood so I don’t want to get tested. Is there any other way to know????

Testing is important

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Tue, 2009-07-28 13:58.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. 

I would like to direct you to the http://www.aidsvancouver.org/ website where you should read the information related to the “window period” by clicking this link:
There are home tests available but I’ll caution you with this warning from Health Canada (that does not support any home testing):
Also, please refer to the following link regarding symptoms:
It is in your best interest to get tested. HIV testing is available for FREE at community health clinics, sexual health clinics and from your family doctor. Family planning centers or drug treatment facilities also offer testing.  
Given that there are a few factors to determine level of risk in this circumstance, I’ll ask you a couple of questions:
How long was it before you noticed that the condom was broken? Did the condom break at the tip or along the side? Did you replace the condom or put a new one over top of the old one? 
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

HIV Test

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2009-07-13 20:19.

I got tested for STD’s a week ago. I received negative results for Syphilis and Hepatitis within three day. I’m still waiting the results for the HIV testing (it’s been more than a week) and getting really worried. Could this delay be that initial test results were positive and are confirming the results? What is a usual period of time to get HIV test results back in Vancouver. Thank you for your help.

I got tested on tuesday for

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2009-10-16 10:51.
I got tested on Tuesday for Syphilis and Hepatitis and back today (was negative). But I am still waiting on my results for HIV as well. Ours gets sent to Edmonton. I was so hoping to get that back today because I start a new job on Monday! I have been having panic attacks all week. Its driving me nuts..lol. However, I would never have sex with a known HIV positive person or a drug user. I did ask and he said he got tested but he was a stranger. I'm so stupid. I will never do that again. He told me he works for a company that does mandatory blood testing.  I think he might have been lying.
 
(Edited for clarity)

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