HIV Self-Testing
We provide FREE anonymous rapid HIV self-testing in our office in a non-judgemental, inclusive, and sex positive environment. At THRIVE, one of our trained staff members can take you through the test step-by-step, provide you with support, and answer any questions you might have.
Click the link below to book an appointment online. You have the option to have your test coached by a staff member from a specific program - MSM, Youth, ACB, Women & Gender Diverse, & Harm Reduction.
To book by phone, call us at 519-570-3687 for our Waterloo Region offices or 519-840-6441 for our Guelph office during business hours.
What you need to know
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Aside from the HIV Self-testing option available through THRIVE, anonymous HIV and anonymous STI testing is not available in Waterloo Region.
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The types of sexual activity you engage in can often dictate the type of testing you should request!
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If you want more information, see CATIE’s HIV Testing Process information page.
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HIV testing window period
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There is a window period before an HIV test is considered conclusive. The window period is 3 weeks to 3 months.
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This is because the test looks for antibodies to HIV (antibodies form in response to an infection), not the virus itself. Antibodies take 3 weeks to 3 months to form.
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If you had an exposure more recently (ex. one week ago) you can still get tested. The test will be to get a baseline, and we will recommend that you come back for another test during the above window period.
For local HIV and STI testing options, please see the below options or call us at 519-570-3687 (Waterloo Region) or 519-840-6441 (Guelph-Wellington) during business hours. We are here to help you navigate your sexual health during this challenging time, which does include accompanying you to your family doctor or medical practitioner.
Waterloo Region
If you have a Health Card...
Your Family Doctor
If you have a family doctor that you feel comfortable and safe accessing for sexual health services, they are your best option for all STI screening. If you do not have a family doctor or do not feel comfortable and safe accessing their care for any reason, see the options listed below.
Benton Medical Clinic
51 Benton Street Kitchener
Walk-in Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm
Sat: 9am-3pm
Sun: Closed
226-240-3014
Hopeton Medical Centre
50 Hopeton Street, Cambridge
Walk-in Hours:
Mon & Wed: 10am-7pm
Tues: 10am-6pm
Thurs-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm
519-267-0500
Waterloo Region
Without a Health Card...
Waterloo Region Public Health
There are several Sexual Health services available through Waterloo Region Public Health for those without health cards or who face barriers in accessing health care services. Please see the below information on the various programs and services offered:
Emergency Contraception
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Ulipristal (brand name Ella)
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Copper IUD - with appointment
Kitchener Location
Waterloo Location
Cambridge Location
Guelph-Wellington
If you have a Health Card...
Your Family Doctor
If you have a family doctor that you feel comfortable and safe accessing for sexual health services, they are your best option for all STI screening. If you do not have a family doctor or do not feel comfortable and safe accessing their care for any reason, see the options listed below.
Guelph-Wellington
Without a Health Card...
Guelph-Wellington Public Health
There are several Sexual Health services available through Guelph-Wellington Public Health for those without health cards or who face barriers in accessing health care services. Anonymous & rapid testing is available. Please see the below information on the various programs and services offered:
Emergency Contraception
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Plan B Pills
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IUDs - Hormonal & Copper
Fergus Location
490 Charles Allan Way, Fergus
1-800-265-7293 X 7006
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Guelph Location
160 Chancellors Way, Guelph
1-800-265-7293 X 7006
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Orangeville Location
180 Broadway, Orangeville
1-800-265-7293 X 7006
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm