​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) self-test is a safe and reliable way to test yourself for HIV. It means you don’t have to go to a doctor’s office to get tested. You can get your own test, do the test yourself, and get your results right away—like a home pregnancy test.

How does the HIV self-test work?

The HIV self-test uses a drop of your blood to check for HIV antibodies. HIV antibodies are proteins the body makes after a person becomes infected with HIV. It does not test for HIV itself.

How do I know if I should take the test?

Take the HIV self-test if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV. You may decide to test yourself often or only once in a while—it’s your decision.

Where can I get an HIV self-test?

You can get an HIV self-test kit online. Be sure the test is approved by Health Canada before you buy it. Check with a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.

You can also get HIV self-test kits from some community agencies. Visit I’m Ready to find where you can get a kit near you.

How well does the test work?

According to a Canadian study, the HIV self-test is over 99% correct (accurate). You need to read and follow all the test instructions carefully to get an accurate result.

Could the test result be wrong?  

You can do a self-test starting 3 weeks after you’ve been exposed, but you need to get a negative result after the 3-month window period to be sure it’s correct. 

What is post exposure prophylaxis?​
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a way to help prevent HIV from being transmitted to an HIV-negative person who may have been exposed to the virus. You must start PEP within 72 hours of being exposed. This is different from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which you start taking before and continue taking after being exposed to HIV. 

Before you take the test, think carefully about if you want someone to see your results at the same time as you. Plan ahead and know who to contact if you need help or information to deal with your results.

Is my test result private (confidential)?

Your HIV self-test result is private. You don’t have to tell anyone your test result. And because you’re doing the test yourself, public health will not know your result.

If you get a positive self-test result, you should go to a clinic or your healthcare provider to get a laboratory blood test to check (confirm) your result. 

If your result is confirmed positive, the result will be reported to public health. This is to make sure you and your partner or partners get support and treatment. Learn more about your privacy and reporting sexually transmitted infections in Alberta.

What should I do if my test result is negative?

There is a small chance of getting a false negative result. If your self-test result is negative, but you think you have been exposed to HIV in the past 3 months, it’s best to test yourself again 3 months after being exposed.

You can also talk to your healthcare provider about taking HIV PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis).

What should I do if my test result is positive?

If your self-test result is positive, go to a clinic or contact your healthcare provider. They will arrange for you to have a laboratory blood test to confirm your result. 

To avoid passing HIV to your partner, partners, or others, don’t have unprotected sex or share needles while you’re waiting for your laboratory blood test results.

What happens if my laboratory blood test result is positive for HIV?

If your laboratory blood test is positive, a public health nurse will contact you. Remember that having HIV doesn’t mean you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). When HIV is treated early, it’s unlikely that you will develop AIDS. Your healthcare provider and public health nurse will make sure you get the care and treatment you need.

In Alberta, there are doctors who specialize in HIV. The public health nurse who contacts you can help you find a clinic that is right for you for follow-up and treatment.

HIV is a manageable condition. The treatment is very effective. Having an HIV infection will not prevent you from living a full life and doing the things that matter to you.