HIV and STBBI testing

There are two types of HIV test:

• The standard test is done by means of a blood draw. The result takes two to four weeks.
• The rapid test is done by taking drops of blood from your fingertips. The result is available in a few minutes. If the rapid test reacts for HIV, you will need to get a standard test to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests can only detect and infection after a certain amount of time. This period varies between a few days and a few months depending on the infection. The doctor or nurse will evaluate your situation and suggest that you repeat tests if necessary.

HIV and other STBBI tests are generally free. In some clinics, you’ll be asked to pay $10 to $20 for shipping your samples to the laboratory.

You can get tested anonymously, without giving your name or showing your health insurance card. SIDEPs (“Services intégrés de dépistage et de prévention des ITSS,” or integrated STBBI testing and prevention services) offer anonymous testing. They’re located in some CLSCs. If your test result comes back positive (meaning if you have an STBBI), you’ll be referred for medical follow-up that may not be anonymous. If you want to be tested anonymously or you don’t have a health insurance card, ask for this when you make your appointment.

Anonymous or otherwise, your health professional must respect your confidentiality and cannot share your test results with anyone else without your consent.

Self-testing

The HIV self-test is a test you do yourself, not in the presence of a health professional. For more information, visit the HIV self-test page.

In general, the test is a three-step process. The doctor or nurse will:

1. Ask you questions about your sexual practices to determine what tests to give you.
2. Take samples— this process may cause some discomfort but should be relatively painless:

• Urine sample;
• Blood sample;
• Swabs of secretions or cells from:
  • the urethra;
  • the anus;
  • the throat;
  • the front hole.

1. Give you your results, by telephone or in person at a second appointment. If you’ve taken a rapid HIV test, the results will be given to you right away.

The exam is also a good time to talk about the various ways you can protect your health. Depending on your test results, your health professional may suggest treatment and follow-up.

It can be embarrassing or uncomfortable to tell your doctor or nurse about your sexual practices. Remember, health professionals ask questions to determine what test to offer you and where to take samples from. Your discussion is strictly confidential and your test results won’t be disclosed to anyone unless you approve it.

STBBI testing and treatments are free as long as you have a Québec health insurance card. Some resources may charge fees for shipping your biological samples to a laboratory.

If you’re in the process of regularizing your immigration status and you live in Montréal, contact Doctors of the World Canada: 514 281-8998, ext. 246.

If you don’t have a health insurance card, contact the HIV/AIDS community organization closest to you.

Find the clinic closest to you by using the search tool by postal code.

It’s not always easy to navigate the Québec health network. Finding a testing site near you can be difficult. To help you choose the type of establishment that will best meet your needs, here’s a brief description of the main types of establishments that offer testing for HIV and other STBBIs.

HIV/AIDS community organizations

Some community organizations run testing clinics, while others offer accompaniment or reference services. Testing clinics are offered in collaboration with the health network. You’ll be warmly welcomed, and the service is free and confidential.

HIV community organizations that don’t offer testing services can generally refer you to respectful health professionals.

Medical clinics specializing in HIV/AIDS and other STBBIs

Some areas have specialized HIV and STBBI clinics. The testing services are covered by the RAMQ as long as you have a valid Québec health insurance card. Some clinics charge fees for shipping your samples to the laboratory where they’ll be analyzed; they usually vary from $10 to $20.

The modalities for making an appointment, visiting and getting follow-up vary from one clinic to the next. Contact them to find out more.

SIDEP (CLSC)

The “service intégré de dépistage et de prévention (SIDEP),” which means “integrated testing and prevention service,” is a service provided in CLSCs. SIDEPs offer testing, including anonymous testing, prevention and vaccination services. They target populations at high risk for STBBIs:

• Youth in difficulty (for example, street youth);
• Men who have sex with men;
• People who inject or inhale drugs;
• People who are or have been incarcerated;
• People from areas where HIV infection is endemic;
• Indigenous people;
• Sex workers;
• Trans people.

Find a SIDEP in a CLSC in your area by using the search tool by postal code.

If you live in Montréal, make an appointment online at the Clinique SIDEP+.

Clinique SIDEP+
CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
1705 Rue de la Visitation
Montréal, H2L 3C3
514 527-2361