Three forms of HIV testing are currently available in Manitoba

Name-based (Nominal) Testing

• Your health information is confidential, as legislated by PHIA (Personal Health Information Act).  The Act governs all staff working at Nine Circles and Cadham Provincial Laboratory.
• A blood sample is sent to the Lab with your name on the test requisition and specimen, just like every other medical test you have.The confidential test results are documented in your medical chart.
• Because HIV is often transmitted sexually, it is highly recommended you are also tested for other Sexually Transmitted Infections.  These tests can only be done with your name attached to them.
• A positive HIV test result always requires that contact tracing be done.
• If your HIV test is positive, you have access to treatment and services right away with a non-nominal test.

Coded (Non-Nominal) Testing

• Your health information is confidential, as legislated by PHIA (Personal Health Information Act).  The Act governs all staff working at Nine Circles and Cadham Provincial Laboratory.
• A blood sample is sent to the Lab using a code on the test requisition and specimen.
• The confidential test results are documented in your medical chart.  Non-nominal testing affords adequate documentation needed for prenatal, immigrant or refugee applications, insurance purposes and workplace exposures.
• Because HIV is often transmitted sexually, it is highly recommended you are also tested for other Sexually Transmitted Infections.  These tests can only be done with your name attached to them.
• A positive HIV test result always requires that contact tracing be done.If your HIV test is positive, you can receive treatment and services right away with a non-nominal test.

Anonymous Testing

• In Winnipeg, Anonymous Testing is only available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre.
• There is no link between the HIV test result and the identity of the person being tested.
• Your chart, test requisition and specimen do not contain any personal identifying information: only a numbered sticker on each.
• You receive a card with an identical sticker that you must present to the clinic in order to receive results.
• Anyone who comes to the clinic with this card will receive the test result.
• Your test results are not kept permanently or indefinitely:  They are destroyed after being told to you; or three months after testing if you do not return for your results.
• Paper copies of anonymous results are never provided.
• Because HIV is often transmitted sexually, it is highly recommended you are also tested for other Sexually Transmitted Infections.  These tests can only be done with your name attached to them.
• A positive HIV test result always requires that contact tracing be done.
• If positive, another HIV test (nominal/non-nominal) is required in order to access treatment and services.