Underlying Principles in Testing for HIV

Testing for HIV should always be voluntary and carried out only after the patient has given informed consent. (See Encouraging testing for HIV.)

Testing for HIV is not compulsory in Canada. Therefore, it cannot be imposed in any circumstance, including following sexual assault (for the survivor or accused) or before surgical procedures.

Care for medical or surgical conditions or before a diagnostic procedure should not be withheld pending the availability of results of serologic testing.

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