Our goal was to determine whether introducing rapid point-of-care (POC) whole-blood HIV testing as alternative to standard laboratory-based testing is acceptable and changes the rate of receiving test results at an anonymous testing program. From December 2001 through April 2002 all patients requesting HIV testing at Hassle Free Clinic in Toronto were offered rapid POC or standard testing. Routine clinical data was collected. All patients were invited to complete a questionnaire evaluating testing procedure. Test counselors also completed evaluation questionnaires. HIV-positive patients were invited to an in-depth interview. There were 1610 patients, 91% chose the rapid POC test. Overall 98.9% of patients received final results, compared with 93% in the previous year. Among the rapid testers, 100% received an initial result, and 18 of 22 testing positive returned for confirmatory results. Among standard testers 90.8% returned for results (p