Getting a test

What is an HIV test?

An HIV test is a simple blood test, which checks whether you have antibodies to HIV in your blood. Antibodies are your body's response to a viral infection.

What do the results mean?

An HIV negative result means you do not have HIV antibodies in your blood.

An HIV positive result indicates HIV antibodies were found in your blood and you have been infected. This means that you can pass HIV on to others and should take precautions to avoid this. You may also benefit from treatments, your clinic will advise you on this.

How accurate is the test?

HIV antibodies do not appear in your blood the day you get infected, they usually take between one to two months to show in your blood, but may take up to three months. This is called the 'window period'. If you feel you may have been exposed to HIV within the last three months you may be advised to wait until the window period has passed before you test or repeat the test at a later date.

How quickly should I test?

If you believe you are potentially at risk you should seek advice immediately. You are most likely to pass HIV on to someone else within the first few months of being infected so you will need advice on what steps to take at this time to protect others.

If you seek advice within 72 hours of potential exposure, you may also be able to take Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

PEP is a course of anti-HIV treatment which is taken for 28 days which can kill the virus before it has a chance to infect the body. PEP is not always successful and must be taken within 72 hours of exposure. It is not an easy treatment, the drugs given are the same as those taken by people living with HIV to control the virus. Side-effects can include diarrhoea, nausea, headaches and vomiting. If you feel you might need PEP contact your local GUM clinic, Hospital accident and emergency department, or HIV clinic.

Where can I have an HIV test?

Most tests are carried out by NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics. You can find out more about clinics in your area by calling the Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567 123 or using the fpa online search facility.

Tests are also available from your GP.

Is the test confidential?

If you go to a sexual health (GUM) clinic or an HIV testing centre to take the test, the results are completely confidential and will not appear on your medical record.

If you choose to have an HIV test through your GP it will be retained on your medical record and your employers can ask to see your medical records. Also, insurance companies and mortgage lenders may ask if you have ever had an HIV-positive test result.

Will I have to pay to take the test?

All National Health Service sexual health clinics offer the test for free. There may be a charge if you visit a private clinic.

What about support?

You should always be offered pre and post-test support. So whatever the result, you should receive help and advice from a trained professional. If you test positive you will be told about all your options, including treatment to control the effects of the virus.