Taking The Test
This step by step guide will take you through what an HIV test involves. If you know what to expect, it will ease some of the concerns and worries you may have about testing. However, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you arrive at the clinic. Experienced staff will be happy to provide all the information you need.
STEP 1: Booking an appointment
The first step is to book an appointment at your local hospital or health centre. Some offer a ‘drop in service’ where appointments are not necessary. Details of where to get tested can be found in the ‘Where can I Test’ section of this site.
STEP 2: Arriving at the clinic
When you arrive at the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a form with your name and contact details; you don't have to give your real name if you don't wish to do so. Any information on the form is kept confidential and you will be seen in private. Experienced staff will then help you decide if having an HIV test is right for you. If an HIV test is appropriate, you will be offered pre-test counselling, before seeing a nurse for the actual test.
STEP 3: Pre-test discussion
Pre-test discussion gives you the opportunity to speak to a health adviser or trained counsellor about any concerns you may have about HIV and having a test. All discussions are private and confidential. This discussion allows you to seriously consider what testing means and ask any questions that you have. You do not have to decide straight away - you can ask for time to think about the test and go back for another discussion before you decide if you should take the next step.
Be informed…
- During pre-test discussion it is important to get as much information as you can.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions; try writing them down before your appointment so you have them to hand!
- Ask the health adviser to write down any important information so you do not forget.
- Take someone you trust with you if you wish, they can help you stay focussed and remind you of any questions you wanted to ask.
- If you find speaking and understanding English difficult, you can ask for a friend or someone who speaks good English to go with you to your appointments.
- Some clinics may have a translation service but you will need to make an appointment for this.
- Ask for leaflets, audio and videotapes with information; they should be available in a variety of languages. If you are not offered them, feel free to ask.
After you have spent time talking with the health adviser, you can decide in your own time whether or not you want to have the test.
STEP 4: The Test
There are different types of test which will let you know if you are HIV positive or negative.
The most common test involves specially trained staff taking a small sample of blood from your arm. This only takes a few seconds and feels like a small pin prick; most people hardly feel a thing.
The sample is sent away for testing to find out if you have or do not have HIV.
Different Types Of Test
The most common types of HIV test are shown below. Experienced staff will decide which is right for you. Different circumstances require different types of test and one may be more suitable than another.
Antibody Test |
This test looks for HIV antibodies in a person's blood. When HIV enters a person's body, chemicals called antibodies are produced. Antibodies are the body's response to an infection. So if a person has antibodies to HIV in their blood, it means they have been infected with HIV. Depending on the clinic, the test results can take from a few days up to three weeks. |
Rapid Test |
A rapid HIV test is also an antibody test but the results can be obtained faster. The test results from a rapid test are usually available in approximately 30 minutes. Rapid tests do not require laboratory facilities to determine the result. This test may not be available at all clinics and may not be appropriate for everyone. |
p24 Antigen Test |
The p24 antigen is a protein associated with HIV and its levels rise and fall with HIV levels. In early HIV infection, p24 is produced in excess and can be detected in the blood. The test can detect HIV infection before the HIV antibody test can and it is used 2-3 weeks after possible exposure. Therefore, p24 antigen test is used in diagnosing HIV early in the course of infection. This test may not be available at all clinics and may not be appropriate for everyone. |
There are other types of test but these are by far the most common. You will be able to discuss all the different options during pre-test counselling.
STEP 5: The Results
You will most likely have to make a second appointment to get your results. The test results from an HIV test are given in person - not over the phone or sent by letter and they are totally confidential.
When you get your results, you will be able to discuss what they mean, whether positive or negative. You will be offered emotional support and advice and an opportunity to ask any questions. You will also be able to speak to a trained counsellor or health advisor about your result, whatever the outcome.
If you are HIV positive it does not necessarily mean you have AIDS. A person infected with HIV is diagnosed as having AIDS when they develop an AIDS defining illness. This is the result of HIV weakening their immune system to the point at which it has difficulty fighting off infections that would otherwise be controlled by a healthy immune system. Nowadays, treatments are available which prevent HIV developing into AIDS. Although there is no cure, people with HIV can now live long fulfilling lives.
If your result is negative it means that you are negative now but it does not mean that you cannot become infected in the future if you put yourself at risk.
