HIV Testing, Treatment and Support

Anyone can become infected with HIV regardless of:

• Age;
• Gender;
• Sexual orientation; or
• Race or ethnic origin.

Knowing if you have HIV means you can seek treatment and protect your partner or partners. If HIV is present in your body, you can pass it on to other people even if you feel perfectly healthy. Talk to a health care provider about when you should get tested.

If you get tested and you do not have HIV, you can protect yourself from future infection.

If you are HIV positive, it is better for your health if you are diagnosed and start treatment early.  Many people who are diagnosed early and take their medication can live healthy lives.

Self-test kits

HIV self-test kits are a safe and reliable way to test yourself for HIV. You can do the test yourself, and get your results in just one minute, at a time and location that is convenient for you. The HIV self-test is an anti-body test. The body makes antibodies in response to infections. HIV antibodies are usually detected in the blood within 12 weeks after you have been infected with HIV.

To do the test, follow the instructions that come with the test kit. Use the materials in the test kit to prick your finger to get a couple drops of blood.

The test takes about one minute to do and you can read your result right away.

You will need to see a health care provider to order a standard HIV test to confirm the diagnosis.

Standard testing

The standard HIV test is a blood test done at a clinic by a medical professional. These results will confirm if you have HIV. It may take up to two weeks to get the standard HIV test results.

The body makes antibodies in response to infections. HIV antibodies are usually detected in the blood within 12 weeks after you have been infected with HIV.

If the test is positive, it means you are infected with HIV and can pass the virus on to others. The test does not tell when you became infected or when you will get sick.

A negative test means you are not infected. A test done before 12 weeks may not show correct results because it usually takes up to 12 weeks for your body to make HIV antibodies. Your health care provider will tell you if you need another test.

Learn more about HIV standard testing in this client info sheet.

HIV point of care testing

Point of care HIV tests are rapid screening tests that may be an option for you.

• You get preliminary results on the same day.
• You will need to have a standard test to confirm the result.

A health care professional will be available to explain the test, help you understand the results, and offer counselling.

Self-test kits

The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to offer a low barrier, take home option for HIV self-testing. By getting more test kits into communities across the province, we want to empower more people to know their status and seek treatment if it is needed. Knowing your status and seeking treatment early can prevent the spread of infection, it can allow people to manage their viral load and lead happy and healthy lives.

The provincial government has made HIV self-test kits available, free of charge, at select public health clinics, pharmacies and community based organizations across the province. Please call the location in advance to ensure they have kits in stock:

Free HIV self-test kits can also be obtained through sites associated with the I'm Ready program.

If an individual tests positive, they are required to have confirmatory standard testing in order to be connected to treatment.

Standard testing

There are many standard HIV testing locations all over Saskatchewan. You can search for the closest clinic nearest you, using our interactive map.

Find HIV Testing Clinic

Anonymous HIV testing clinics

You can choose to get an anonymous HIV test, which means you are not required to use your real name.

You will get counselling before and after testing. Counsellors will give you information about HIV-AIDS, answer your questions and provide support to help you understand and deal with your test results.

Anonymous testing clinics:

101 - 15th Street
Prince Albert SK
Phone: 306-765-6540

2110 Hamilton Street
Regina SK
Phone: 306-766-7779
Toll free: 1 800 268-9888
Call to book an appointment

100-310 Idylwyld Drive North
Saskatoon SK
Phone: 306-655-4642

The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) is Canada's leading source for HIV and hepatitis C information. HIV treatment and medications advance. Refer to the CATIE website for the most up-to-date information regarding HIV treatment.

You can get advice and help to find HIV services from your doctor. Sexual health clinics and public health offices also offer counselling and referral services.

Community-based AIDS organizations offer a wide range of services including:

• Support groups and services;
• Emergency financial assistance;
• HIV education and health promotion programs;
• Harm reduction programs; and
• Referrals to other services.

For more information, you can contact the following community-based AIDS organizations funded by the Ministry of Health.

AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan Inc.
1325 Albert Street
Regina SK S4R 2R6
Phone: 306-924-8420
Fax: 306-525-0904

All Nations Hope Network
2735 - 5th Avenue
Regina, SK S4T 024
Phone: 306-924-8424
Fax: 306-525-0904

Prairie Harm Reduction
1143 Avenue F North, Saskatoon SK S7L 1X1
Phone: 306-242-5005
Toll Free: 1(800)667-6876 in Western Canada
Fax: 306-665-9976

Persons Living With AIDS Network of Saskatchewan Inc.
127C Avenue D. North
Saskatoon, SK  S7M 1M5
Phone: 306-373-7766
Fax: 306-374-7746

OUTSaskatoon Inc.
201 - 320 21st Street West
Saskatoon, SK S7M 4E6
Phone: 306-665-1224
Fax: 306-665-1280