What is SPOT?

• SPOT provides HIV testing for men who have sex with men
• Our friendly staff members are there to listen
• SPOT offers you choices:
  • a community venue or a medical clinic, depending on the type of setting you prefer
  • a rapid HIV test or a conventional HIV test 
• SPOT is also a research study HIV aimed at developing new testing, counselling and health care delivery approaches to help you find out your status, keep healthy, and even reduce your risk of infection.

Why was SPOT set up?

In 2007, men who have sex with men made up 61.2% of new HIV cases in Quebec.  Recent studies done in Montreal have shown that:

• 12.5% of men who have sex with men are living with HIV
• Of these, 23% are unaware they are infected
• Over half of new HIV transmissions occur from newly infected persons who are largely unaware of their HIV-positive status.

In response to this situation, community workers, medical professionals, and researchers have worked together to set up this innovative project.

What can you expect at SPOT?

• Your appointment will last for approximately one hour.
• To start off, you’ll receive information about the study and what will be done to protect your anonymity.  If you agree to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
• You will then be asked to complete 3 short, anonymous questionnaires to give an overview of your sexual practices and provide your opinion on the quality of the services you receive.
• SPOT staff members are also available for free and confidential consultations about sexual health.
• You will then meet with one of our nurses and choose the type of test you prefer (rapid or standard).
• If you choose the rapid test, you will receive your results during the same appointment. 
• If you choose the conventional test, you will need to return three weeks later for your test results.
• For research purposes, a second blood sample taken using a finger prick (if you are at the community site) or using a needle (if you are at one of the clinics) will also be required as part of a project aimed at developing new types of HIV testing.

Once the test is over?

Regardless of your test results, we’ll provide you with all the support and information you need.  A team of caring people will be there for you every step of the way.

Questions?

If you have questions about the SPOT project, you can write an email to Marc-André, full time community worker for the SPOT project at this adress:
marc-andre@rezosante.org

If you have questions about your sexual health, you can visit the Q&A board of RÉZO at this adress: www.rezosante.org

Drop by and see us

To get tested, it's preferable to take an appointment prior coming to Spot: there is a limited number of testing each day.

1223-A Amherst Street
Montréal, Québec   H2L 3K9 

Hours of operation:

Tuesday: 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday: 1 pm - 9 pm
Thursday: 1 pm - 9 pm
Friday: 1 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm

Make an appointment

514-529-7768 (SPOT)

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