Most people take HIV tests at a sexual health clinic, their family doctor or a testing centre such as Terrence Higgins Trust’s Fastest centres.
The test is free, confidential and voluntary: you cannot be (and should not feel) forced to test. It should involve a brief chat first to discuss why you’ve decided to test, what risks you may have taken and when, and what kind of HIV test is the most appropriate based on this information. You should have explained how the test will work, what the possible results mean and be asked how you’d react to whatever result you get.
Blood will be taken either from your arm or, if you’re having a rapid HIV test, from a finger prick blood sample. The blood sample from your arm is sent to a lab with, depending where you test, the result later that day, in a day or so, or possibly up to week or two later. A rapid test will give a result within a minute (some tests take up to 20 minutes). If getting your result quickly is important call ahead and ask if they offer rapid tests or how soon results are ready. Positive test results are not given by post, text or over the phone but in person.
Whatever your result, if you test at a clinic or testing centre it will remain confidential. No-one will be told: not your employer, the immigration authorities, family or partner (although the testing centre can support you if you decide to tell your partner) No-one should be told your result unless you agree. If you test in a clinic or testing centre, your family doctor won’t be told (unless he/she referred you by letter for the test). Remember: if you test with your family doctor this will go on your GP notes. There is no list of people with HIV kept by the authorities.
If you have a rapid test and the result is positive a second test will be done to confirm the result.
Following a positive result you’ll have a longer talk about what happens next, what support is available and arrangements will be made to see an HIV specialist who will take care of your health. Support groups, counsellors, and online support such as we provide in myHIV, are all available to help you get through this period. There's also our national helpline, THT Direct, on 0808 802 1221.
Remember, there is no such thing as an ‘AIDS test’. Testing positive doesn’t mean you have AIDS or will get it, just that you have HIV. With today’s effective HIV drugs someone who tests early and starts treatment in time can live a long, healthy and happy life.