Need an HIV test in Toronto?
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Safe, quick, and easy HIV testing without judgment or fear
medsEXPERT is proud to offer comprehensive HIV risk assessments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) assessments to our community.
Our team is here to provide the highest standard of care — without judgment or fear. You can rest assured that getting tested is safe, quick, and easy — and your results will be delivered in a timely, confidential fashion.
Need to get tested or want to get started on PrEP? Book an appointment online, or call our experts for more information.
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HIV Testing in Toronto
HIV Testing in Toronto
Free HIV rapid test
Free HIV rapid test
HIV Testing in Toronto
HIV Testing in Toronto
HIV & PrEP 101
Routine testing, such as getting tested every three months, is a great way to know your HIV status.
If left untreated, HIV may lead to a diagnosis of AIDS, which generally means a higher risk for more serious medical conditions.
It’s important to note that you can’t get AIDS without first being infected with HIV—and in many instances, those who are infected with HIV end up never developing AIDS. However, once someone tests positive for HIV, the virus (like many other kinds of viruses) stays in the body for life.
There are ways to reduce your chances of getting HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way to prevent HIV infection by taking one PrEP pill every day.
When combined with condoms and other prevention methods, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%.
People taking PrEP should also see their health care provider every 3 months for regular monitoring of their HIV status and potential side effects of the medicine.
We're here to offer HIV testing and support to get started on PrEP or after you’ve had a diagnosis. Our medsEXPERT team can help you navigate all of your options (and there are options!).
*Please note that medsEXPERT does not offer on-site testing & blood draw for HIV & STIs. All required lab work for our HIV & STI testing services can be performed at a LifeLabs or DynaCare near you. The urine, blood, and swab samples are either processed directly in the medical laboratory or sent to Public Health Ontario (PHO). Test results are expected in 3-5 business days.
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Free Rapid HIV Home Test Kits
We offer FREE HIV self-test kits to our community members and clients.
Rapid HIV self-tests only look for the HIV antibody, which is your immune response to the virus. Antibody tests can usually detect HIV 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure. All you need to collect the sample is one finger prick.
FAQ’S About HIV Testing
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HIV (“human immunodeficiency virus”) is the virus that causes AIDS (“acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
If left untreated, HIV may lead to a diagnosis of AIDS, which generally means a higher risk for more serious medical conditions.
It’s important to note that you can’t get AIDS without first being infected with HIV—and in many instances, those who are infected with HIV end up never developing AIDS. However, once someone tests positive for HIV, the virus (like many other kinds of viruses) stays in the body for life.
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HIV weakens the immune system, causing vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and a host of other disease-causing agents, which leaves the body less effective at fighting off infections.
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HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, which can include:
Blood
Semen
Pre-seminal fluid (more commonly known as precum)
Rectal fluid
Breast milk.
HIV is typically transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, or through IV drug use.
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Our medsEXPERT team can help you navigate a variety of options in the event of a potential exposure, including treatment and a prescription for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
PEP is the practice of starting a month-long course of anti-HIV medications within 72 hours of possible exposure to the virus to prevent permanent infection. The medication keeps HIV from making copies of itself and spreading through your body.
To be effective, PEP needs to be started as soon as possible, preferably within 36 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure to HIV.
PEP consists of two to three prescription antiretroviral medications.
PEP is safe but may cause side effects like nausea in some people. These side effects can be treated and are not life threatening. PEP is not 100% effective; it does not guarantee that someone exposed to HIV will not become infected with HIV.
PEP is time-sensitive - every hour counts! Book an appointment with one of our trusted team members today.
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If you’re sexually active, get tested regularly. If you have sex with men, get tested often.
Our expert providers have the knowledge to give you a personalized plan.
It’s important to note that if you have anal sex and your partners include men then guidelines say you should have blood tests and swabs every three months. If you or your partner(s) have other partners or if you suspect you may have symptoms then getting tested sooner than later is best.
Your personal treatment plan may vary, so feel free to contact us anytime for a confidential chat. We’re here to help - not judge!
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is your best defense against HIV!
Of course, we recommend condoms use and knowing your sexual partners but that’s not for everyone - and we’re all about diverse sexualities. Stopping HIV risk nearly 100% is as easy as taking one PrEP pill every day.
When combined with condoms and other prevention methods, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission completely. People taking PrEP should also see their health care provider every 3 months for regular monitoring of their HIV status and potential side effects of the medicine.
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You’re not alone. Starting your journey to wellness, you can look forward to a long and healthy life as we continue the fight against AIDS with everything we have: knowledge, healthcare, and community.
With the right treatment plan and taking your meds as prescribed, people living with HIV go on to live long, happy, fulfilled lives!
If you’re struggling with your diagnosis, our team can connect you with the resources to help you.
medsEXPERT was founded by the community members who need and benefit the most from these services so you can trust us to be your guide through the process of finding a doctor, support group, class, personal medication management plan as well as navigating insurance, prescriptions, and how you’ll get meds for free.
Everyone with HIV who needs our help gets access to free medSUPPORT so you don’t have to worry about affording these very expensive meds if you lose coverage or are underinsured.
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The word “undetectable” is used to describe the lowest limit of the lab tests used to measure the HIV viral load.
If you’re positive and your viral load remains below 200 copies/mL, your risk of sexually transmitting HIV is negligible.
U=U, therefore, means “undetectable equals untransmittable”—a person who has an undetectable viral load has a “negligible” risk of transmitting HIV to a partner who’s HIV-negative.
This phrase has become more widespread in recent years, after research and clinical trials were conducted to establish its accuracy.