If your HIV self-test result is negative

If you live in Newfoundland and Labrador and your test results are negative, call the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ANCL) at 1-800-563-1575 for referral to prevention services such as PrEP, PEP, or harm reduction services. You can also call them for information on sexual health, additional testing for other sexually transmitted infections, or for help with finding local primary health care providers.

  • You can call or connect with Eastern Health: (709) 752-4882
  • Contact your primary health care provider (e.g., family doctor, nurse practitioner)

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a way to help prevent HIV from being transmitted to an HIV-negative person who may have been exposed to the virus. You must start PEP within 72 hours of being exposed. This is different from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which you start taking before and continue taking after being exposed to HIV. If you think you need PEP, go to your nearest emergency department right away.


If your HIV self-test result is positive

You can call 811, ACNL at 1-800-563-1575, or Eastern Health at (709) 752-4882 to get connected to HIV confirmatory testing, treatment and care or harm reduction. You can also call them for information on sexual health, additional testing for other sexually transmitted infections, or for assistance in finding local primary health care providers or community-based organizations. 

You can also schedule an appointment with your primary care providerto discuss next steps. 

About HIV confirmatory testing 

You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to tell them that your result was positive so you can get the information and support you need to take care of your health. The self-test you took is a highly accurate screening test, however all HIV self-test positive results need to be confirmed by a lab test that your healthcare provider can order to give you a formal HIV diagnosis.

While there is no cure for HIV, HIV is treatable. People with HIV on treatment can live long, healthy lives. The medications used to treat HIV are called antiretrovirals. They prevent the virus from replicating and slow the disease’s progress. Starting antiretroviral therapy early can lower the virus in you to an undetectable level so that you can stay healthy, and so that you can’t transmit the virus to others. 

You can request HIV Confirmatory testing from your primary care provider, or:

  • Contact Eastern Health at (709) 752-4882;
  • Contact the Provincial HIV Clinic at (709) 777-5041;
  • Go to your nearest walk-in clinic; or
  • Visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

About HIV treatment and care

You can schedule an appointment with the Provincial HIV Clinic at (709) 777-5041to discuss treatment and care options.

If your HIV self-test result is invalid

If the HIV self-test results are invalid, i.e., no visible control dot, this means that the test did not work. If this happens, you should:

  • Repeat the self test with a new test kit and pay close attention to the instructions for use to ensure that the test procedure is conducted correctly.
  • You can call the ACNL at 1-800-563-1575 to find out about other options.

About harm reduction services in Newfoundland and Labrador 

Services for needle distribution, disposal (aka needle exchange) and Naloxone training, education and support.

Note: Mail-out order of supplies can be accessed provincially by calling either of the numbers listed above.

You can also contact 811 for opioid Treatment and Naloxone training.