If you're thinking about having an HIV test, or simply want to know more about them for any reason, we can help. This is where you can find out about:

• what an HIV test is
• when you should get an HIV test done
• what the results mean
• where you can get HIV tests done
• how to find out more about HIV testing

What is an HIV test?

You can find out if you have become infected with HIV by having a test that takes blood from your arm or from a pin prick on your finger. The test looks for signs of HIV infection in your blood.

When should I get an HIV test?

Signs of infection don’t show up in your blood as soon as you get HIV. It takes a few weeks. For most people their blood will show signs of infection within two months of when they got HIV. The blood of all infected people will show signs within 3 months of them getting HIV.

The time between getting infected and signs of infection appearing in the blood is called “the window period”. Testing during the window period means a chance the test might not detect a recent infection. You could have HIV but it’s not yet showing in your blood.

For this reason if your most recent risk of getting HIV was within the last three months you can test straight away - but you’ll be advised to test again a few weeks later so that a recent infection isn’t missed. The testing clinic will talk this over with you in more detail.

If your last risk was over 3 months ago you’ll only need to test once.

It’s best not to delay testing. Clinics will be happy to test you at any time. HIV tests now detect infections quicker, often just a few weeks after someone gets infected.

If you've put yourself at risk within the last 72 hours you can always access PEP which can stop the infection taking hold.

What do the results mean?

‘Negative’
If you test three months or more after your last risk and no signs of infection are found, then your test result is ‘negative.’ You can now be sure that you do not have HIV.

A ‘negative’ test doesn’t mean you’re immune or protected from HIV. Take risks again and you could get HIV.

If you test before three months have gone by since your last risk then there’s a chance that a negative result may not be accurate. This is why a second test is needed a few weeks later to be sure the first test didn’t miss a recent infection.

‘Positive’
If signs of HIV infection have been found in your blood then the test result is ‘positive’.

This means you have HIV. You could now pass it on to others through unprotected sex, giving blood or, if you inject drugs, by sharing needles. If you think you may have put others at risk of getting HIV you can talk over with the clinic whether you want to tell them or let the clinic tell them.

Testing ‘positive’ means you have HIV but it doesn’t mean you have AIDS or will get it. AIDS is the name for a range of illnesses people with HIV can get. Thanks to good treatment these days most people with HIV don’t go on to get that sick.

HIV tests are reliable. Before someone is given a ‘positive’ result the blood is tested several times to be totally sure.

Where can I get an HIV test?

It's your choice. These are some of the places that test for HIV:

• a Terrence Higgins Trust Fastest clinic (where you can get the results in 20 minutes)
• a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic
• your family doctor (or GP)
• a private clinic (where you'll have to pay)

Bear in mind that each option has advantages and disadvantages.

How can I find out more?

You might have more questions about testing: - we're here if you need to ask us or if you'd like some support at any time.

• Why test? Isn't it better not to know?
• What will happen when I go for the test?

We're here if you need to ask us anything, or if you'd like some support at any time.