Testing: the basics

If you feel that you have been involved in a risk activity and put yourself at risk for HIV infection, you may decide to get an HIV antibody test. The earlier HIV is detected, the earlier you can access treatment and support.

The HIV antibody test, also known as the AIDS test, is a blood test. When the HIV virus enters your bloodstream, your body responds by creating antibodies to fight the infection. An HIV antibody test determines if you have been exposed to the HIV virus by detecting these antibodies. It can take up to six months for the body to produce enough antibodies for a test to provide meaningful results; therefore, immediate testing is not accurate. This time frame is called the Window Period and individuals are encouraged to be tested six months after engaging in a risk activity.

Positive HIV test = have HIV antibodies and are infected with HIV
Negative HIV test = No HIV antibodies have been detected and you are either not infected with HIV or were testing during window period and need to have a follow-up test six months after last risk activity.

You can get an HIV test at:
Sexually Transmitted Disease/ Infection Clinic(s). In Calgary, the STD clinic provides pre- and post-test counselling and offers confidential and anonymous HIV testing and many other services.

Doctor clinics or offices also provide confidential testing. There will be a record of the test and the test results in your confidential file. All positive test are reported to Alberta Health (HIV is a reportable disease in Alberta).

It generally takes 7 - 10 days to get your test results back from the lab. Seeking support during this time frame can be helpful from friends, family or health care professionals.

   *See contacts and resources for more information.