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Originally designed and released in 2021 as a visual resource for hepatitis C testing technologies, this resource has been updated as of June 2025 and now includes HIV. Available to download as a PDF, it outlines the various testing technologies that exist for HIV and hepatitis C in terms of name & core function, sampling method, result time, approvals within Canada, availability, point of care, self-testing, and multiplex capability.
It is important to understand that, as a process, the term “testing” for STBBIs is not just about the technology being used and includes:
- Sample/Specimen Collection: As a general definition in the wider scope of clinical care, this involves collecting biological material such as blood, urine, oral fluid, or swabs from various anatomical sites.
- Analysis: The collected sample is processed and analyzed using various screening and/or diagnostic methods.
- Result Delivery: The person is informed of their result (negative, positive, or indeterminate) typically with an opportunity for follow-up or treatment if needed.
However, to be more comprehensive, STBBI testing in practice often includes or is connected to additional components:
4. Pre-test Information or Counselling
- Explaining what the tests are for, how the process works, and what results might mean.
- This can be formal counselling or more basic information-sharing (depending on setting and provider).
5. Informed Consent
- Ensuring the person understands what is being tested and agrees to it.
- This is especially important in clinical or community-based settings.
6. Post-test Counselling
- Especially important if results are positive or inconclusive.
- May include harm reduction advice, prevention strategies, and linkage to care or treatment.
7. Linkage to Care and Treatment
- For those who test positive, this includes referrals to appropriate medical treatment, partner notification, and follow-up testing.
8. Data Entry/Surveillance Reporting (Public Health Perspective)
- In some systems, anonymized or coded test data is reported to public health for surveillance and outbreak management.
Download HIV and Hepatitis C Testing Technologies Summary
Questions? Contact Monte Strong, Research Coordinator. monte@ paninbc.ca