Options: Anonymous HIV Testing Clinic
In Ontario, there are three types of HIV testing available:
- Anonymous – the name or identity of the person being tested is not requested, recorded or reported. The test is ordered using a code known only to the person being tested.
- Non-nominal – the practitioner ordering the test knows the name or identity of the person being tested, but orders the test using a code. If the test is positive, the laboratory is required to report the result to the local medical officer of health.
- Nominal testing – the practitioner orders the test using the person’s name. If the test is positive, the laboratory is required to report the result to the local medical officer of health.
The Options Clinic offers a rapid anonymous HIV test (also commonly referred to as an AIDS test) that is 99.97% accurate. We are the only anonymous HIV testing service in London and we operate multiple testing sites across the city. Testing is done by appointment only, but our hours of operation are flexible and include two evenings a week.
Typically, a session lasts 30 minutes and includes pre and post test counseling. Results are ready at the end of the pre test session. Testing is ideally performed 12 weeks following potential exposure to the HIV virus – as the test detects antibodies to HIV and these may take 3 months to develop in an infected individual. Options Clinic staff provide information on future care options and available services and supports to those who access our services. We will also try to help HIV positive clients find primary care physicians and make referrals to AIDS Service Organizations.
Options staff will provide information and education for community groups and organizations – please call to discuss your needs.
The Options Clinic offers HIV testing at a number of locations around the city. All locations offer this testing on a walk-in basis with the exception of UWO, which requires an appointment.
- Youth Action Centre
141 Dundas Street (Lower Level)
519-434-6500
Second and Fourth Monday of the month, 3 -5 p.m. - Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
#30 – 186 King Street
519-434-1601
First and Third Monday of the month, 3-5 p.m. - Central Spa (Bathhouse)
728 York Street
519-438-2625
Mondays – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays – 6 – 9 p.m. - UWO – Student Services
Please contact Marissa Joffre at usc.campus.issues@uwo.ca to book an appointment
519-661-3574
Fall 2011 dates are: September 16, October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 2. UWO clinics run from 1 – 4pm.
- Southern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
425-427 William Street
Second and Fourth Fridays of each month, 10am – noon
For more information about the Options Clinic, or to book an appointment, please call (519) 673-4427. While Options Clinic staff do not provide personal health care advice or information by email, you can email Ted Town (ttown@lihc.on.ca) or Lyn Pierre Pitman (lpierrepitman@lihc.on.ca) for information about the service provided by the Options Clinic.
Please note: We do not subscribe to Caller ID or Call Display and have no other service that allows us to track where you are calling from.
