In a bid to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), Positive East and NHS Tower Hamlets are encouraging people who may have been at risk to attend a local service offering fast HIV testing. A ‘Fastest’ clinic runs at Mile End Road every Tuesday from 6pm-9pm and there is also a monthly mobile clinic at venues across the borough.

One in four people who have HIV in the UK are undiagnosed, and there are now more people living with the condition than ever before.  The ‘Fastest’ service is free and confidential, and involves taking a finger-prick blood test which is analysed straight away, with the results provided within around twenty minutes.

Those who attend the clinic will be given information and support before and after the test, and anyone who tests positive will also be given information on the range of help, treatment and services available, including counselling and peer support.

Adam Wilkinson, Regional Delivery Manager for London at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “With recent medical advances, it’s now possible for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. However, if they leave it too late to get tested, they’re setting themselves up for serious health problems and the risk of early death. This service is aimed particularly at gay men but if you’ve had unprotected sex and think you have put yourself at risk, we’d urge you to get tested as soon as possible.”

The clinic also offers information and advice on sexually transmitted infections and safer sex, as well as giving out free condoms.

The Fastest service takes place at Positive East, 159 Mile End Rd, Stepney. Each week, there are sessions on Tuesdays from 6.00pm to 9.00pm. The number of tests that can be done at each session are limited, so people are advised to arrive early. 

For further information on the ‘Fastest’ service, please contact 020 7791 2855 or THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk
• Positive East is the leading and largest provider of services to individuals and communities affected by HIV in East London with bases in Tower Hamlets and Newham. During 2008 the charity worked with over 1558 people living with HIV across East London providing a comprehensive range of information, advice, advocacy, emotional/practical support services.  The charity relies on donations to be able to deliver our services. For further information or to make a donation visit www.positiveeast.org.uk.