Point of Care (POC) HIV tests (also known as “rapid” HIV tests) are HIV antibody screening tests which can be performed on-site while the client waits and provide results within minutes. People who screen “non-reactive” (negative) on the POC HIV test will know their HIV status within a few minutes and will not have to wait and return at a later date for their results (as is now required with standard laboratory HIV testing using blood draw). People who screen “reactive” (preliminarily positive) on a POC HIV test will have another test done to confirm the result, this second time using standard laboratory testing.
For more information on Point of Care testing, visit: www.bccdc.ca/POC
To find locations in Vancouver offering Point of Care testing:
1. Visit http://smartsexresource.com/get-tested/clinic-finder
2. Select the location.
3. Under the ‘Offering this Service’ drop down menu, select HIV testing (point of care).