How to get a Test
Testing at HQ is confidential, convenient, and quick. HQ utilizes an express HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing system, meaning you can get tested and get your results within hours. HIV tests are done through a blood draw, and results are available same day or next day.
STBBI testing is conducted through self-collected swabs and urine tests. Healthcare providers will be available to provide in-person assessments if you are experiencing symptoms of an STBBI. To get a test, come for a walk-in at HQ.
How often should I get tested?
It is a good idea to get tested for STBBIs at least once a year. Scheduling routine STBBI testing is a great way to take care of your sexual health. If you have multiple sexual partners, it is a good idea to get tested every three to six months, or before each new sexual partner. Your testing routine will depend on your sexual activity.
Walk In
HQ welcomes cis guys into guys and two-spirit, transgender and non-binary folks in Toronto, at any time that works for them.
Walk-in express testing is available at HQ from 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM Monday-Thursday and Fridays from 12:00 PM-5:30pm.
Come in, get tested, and get your results quickly. No questions. No judgement.
Getting Treatment
If you test positive for a sexually transmitted or blood-borne infection (STBBI), it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is started, the better the health outcomes and the less likely that the STBBI will be transmitted to other people. Many STBBIs can be cured with antibiotic treatment quickly.
If you test positive for an STBBI you will be asked to return to the clinic to speak with a provider who will treatment options with you. Results from STBBIs are available the same day as testing. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STBBI, a healthcare provider at HQ will provide an in-person assessment and may provide same-day treatment as needed.
HQ has a new vision for STBBI and HIV testing in Toronto
Connect with services online or walk-in and register at an automated kiosk in HQ’s reception area. Follow the prompts on the kiosk screen and pick up supplies before heading to the first available testing room where you can collect your own swab (rectal, throat) and urine samples. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia testing will all be available. During your visit, you can share any mental health or other health challenges or access on-site counseling.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes.
Chlamydia can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia can be transmitted through sexual activity and the sharing of sex toys. Chlamydia is the most common notifiable STBBI in Canada, and many people with chlamydia have no symptoms. It is therefore important to test for chlamydia regularly. At HQ, testing for chlamydia is done through self—swab collection of the throat, rectum, and vagina/ front hole, as well as through urine sample collection. Healthcare providers at HQ can provide in-person diagnosis and care for people experiencing symptoms of chlamydia. Learn more about chlamydia symptoms and treatment here.
- Chlamydia can be transmitted through sexual activity or the sharing of sex toys
- Symptoms of chlamydia may include vaginal or urethral discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, abdominal pain, testicular pain and swelling, fever, nausea, or a sore throat depending on the site of infection.
- Many people with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, so it is important to test regularly.
- At HQ, testing for chlamydia involves self-collected swabs of the throat, rectum, and vagina/front hole, as well as the collection of a urine sample.
- Chlamydia can increase the risk of transmission of other STBBIs, including HIV
- Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics.
Window Period
7 - 21 days from exposure. However, a test can normally detect chlamydia within 1-2 weeks of exposure.
Results In
Within one day. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms a healthcare provider at HQ will provide an in-person assessment immediately and may provide same-day treatment.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can infect the “wet” linings of the body, including genitalia such as the cervix, uterus, and urethra, as well as the mouth, throat, anus, and rectum.
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea. Gonorrhea is most commonly transmitted through condomless anal or vaginal sex, but it can also be transmitted through oral sex and the sharing of sex toys. Gonorrhea is very common in Canada, and many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms. It is therefore important to test for gonorrhea regularly. At HQ, testing for gonorrhea is done through self-swab collection of the throat, rectum, and vagina/ front hole, as well as through urine sample. Healthcare providers at HQ can provide in-person diagnosis and care for people experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea. Learn more about gonorrhea symptoms and treatment here.
- Gonorrhea can be transmitted through sexual activity or the sharing of sex toys.
- Symptoms of gonorrhea may include vaginal or urethral discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, testicular pain and swelling, or a sore throat depending on the site of infection.
- Many people with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms, so it is important to test regularly
- At HQ, testing for gonorrhea involves self-collected swabs of the throat, rectum, and vagina/ front hole, as well as the collection of a urine sample.
- Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.
Window Period
1-14 days from exposure. Most men develop symptoms of gonorrhea within 2-5 days of exposure, and most women develop symptoms within 10 days of exposure.
Results In
Within one day. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms a healthcare provider at HQ will provide an in-person assessment immediately and may provide same-day treatment.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, which spreads when a person comes into contact with syphilis lesions or sores. Syphilis can cause lesions or sores on the genitals, and on the inside of the rectum and the mouth.
Syphilis can cause lesions or sores on the genitals, and on the inside of the rectum and the mouth. Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum, or T. Pallidum. Syphilis can be spread through wet kissing; condomless anal, oral, or vaginal sex; the sharing of sex toys and the sharing of drug equipment. At HQ, testing for syphilis is identified using blood tests that detect antibodies to T. Pallidum. It is important to test for syphilis regularly. Healthcare providers at HQ can provide in-person diagnosis and care for people experiencing symptoms of syphilis. Learn more about syphilis symptoms and treatment here.
- Syphilis can be transmitted through kissing; condomless sex; sharing sex toys, and sharing drug equipment
- Symptoms of syphilis may include a sore or lesion on the inside of the penis, vagina, rectum, or mouth; swollen lymph nodes in the groin; and signs of infection such as rash and low-grade fever.
- Many people with syphilis may not initially experience symptoms, so it is important to test regularly.
- At HQ, testing for syphilis is done through a blood test.
- Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
Window Period
3-6 weeks. It is recommended that you get tested 90 days after potential exposure to syphilis.
Results In
Within one day. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms a healthcare provider at HQ will provide an in-person assessment immediately and may provide same-day treatment.