HIV test gives results in just 60 seconds

Source: The Globe & Mail
KEITH LESLIE - Canadian Press

TORONTO -- Ontario has become the first jurisdiction in North America to offer HIV tests that provide results in just 60 seconds and will double the number of sites across the province where anonymous tests are available, Health Minister George Smitherman announced yesterday.

It will cost about $350,000 a year to have the HIV tests available at 50 sites, which Mr. Smitherman said is a small price to pay - especially when it eliminates the agonizing three-week wait patients currently endure for results.

"I'm a gay man, and I'm one of those that has experienced that gut wrenching three-week wait," he said. "Everybody remembers that wait, and accordingly, you can't put a price on it."

The entire process with the new tests, which involves taking a drop of blood along with pre- and post-test counselling, takes about 20 minutes.

The tests will be available at anonymous testing sites, sexually transmitted disease clinics and community health centres across the province, including 24 new sites in northern and rural Ontario, but not through family doctors. "This is an initiative that is linked to the anonymous testing sites," Mr. Smitherman said.

"If we look at the profile of HIV and AIDS, we really appropriately have to tailor our initiatives to reducing barriers for those at-risk communities."

With faster HIV-test results, patients who need treatment will get it faster, Mr. Smitherman said.

It's estimated that 30 per cent of people who are HIV positive are unaware of their status - up to 15,000 Canadians - and Mr. Smitherman said the 60-second point of care tests may help convince those reluctant to be tested to actually go to a clinic.

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