Hi there,

Thank you for coming to AIDS Vancouver for your HIV related questions.

In regards to oral sex and risk factors here is the following information:

"Receiving" oral sex is considered negligible risk which means that while 'in theory" we can make a case for HIV transmission, there has never been a confirmed report of HIV transmission. 

"Giving" oral sex (ejaculations in the mouth 'may' increase the risk but is still considered on the low risk spectrum) is considered low risk - which means that while there have a been a few reported cases, they have been very specific identifiers (like there was blood present, high viral load in HIV+ person).  Although saliva has an enzyme that inhibits HIV, it is not recommended that we engage in oral sex immediately after brushing our teeth or shortly after dental work as the gums can be inflamed or bleeding.

As far as types of HIV testing goes, here is a breakdown of how it works in Vancouver (BC):

In BC, HIV is classified as a reportable and notifiable disease (please note that other countries will have different guidelines). This means that a preliminarily positive & positive result will be reported to the Medical Health Office (MHO) in the Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA) where the test was preformed. However, your name does not have to be attached to this result, so you can remain anonymous if you wish. The government collects demographic information about HIV positive test results to monitor trends and gain a better understanding of the prevalence and incidence of HIV in any particular area, region, province and country. This does not, however, mean that your name needs to be reported. When getting an HIV test you can choose from several types of testing that can protect your privacy.

Nominal/name-based testing: The healthcare worker knows your name, and your test is sent to the lab with your name on it and is reported to the MHO this way. Results are kept completely confidential but are recorded on your health file. Your doctor, or any other health care professional, is not allowed to reveal any of your medical information (including your HIV status) to other people. They must follow a strict confidentiality policy. 

Non-nominal: You may be anonymous or known to the doctor/medical professional administering the test, however, the test is sent to the lab with a code instead of your name and reported to the MHO with the code. If you are requesting an HIV test from a walk-in clinic or from your GP (or any place the required proof of medical coverage here in BC ie. a care card) they are supposed to provide you with both nominal and non-nominal testing options however, in the event that they do not, you do have the right to request it. This will keep you anonymous to the MHO but not the clinic/your GP that you visited for the test.

Anonymous: The healthcare working performing the test does not know your identity, the test is ordered with a code (not your name), and the results will not be entered into your medical records unless you allow it. Thus, results are reported to the MHO non-nominally and you are completely anonymous throughout the entire testing process. In Vancouver, I recommend visiting St. Paul's Hospital, the Bute Street Clinic or Downtown Community Health Clinic if you would like to be tested anonymously. The contact info for these locations can be found here: http://www.aidsvancouver.org/get-informed/testing 

If you would like further information on anonymous testing in Canada please check out this website , or feel free to reply to this post.

In Health,

Jaz

AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer

E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org

Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666

Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline