Your Questions on the Test
Q: What does having a test involve?
The Sexual Health Clinic will need to register you before they can do any tests. UK law states that Sexual Health Clinics have to keep the information you give them confidential. Meaning your information cannot be passed on to other parties without your consent.
The registration form will ask you for basic information such as your name and date of birth. You don’t have to use your real name, but if you choose another name, you must remember it for your next visit.
A member of the clinic team will explain what the test involves, and give you the chance to ask any questions.
The test involves having a sample of blood taken from your arm or finger and most people hardly feel a thing.
Q: How long would the result take?
The time it takes for the result of an HIV test to be available will vary depending on where the test is done. It usually takes between three days and one week. Increasingly there are clinics offering test which take much less time, sometimes as little as one hour. There is a fast testing service available in Birmingham.
Q: Why might I need to wait 3 months before I take a test?
One of the most common HIV tests is the antibody test, which is only accurate 3 months after someone has contracted HIV. This is because the test checks for antibodies (your body’s natural reaction to new infections) to HIV.
The body takes time to produce these antibodies. It can take upto 3 months for the body to produce HIV antibodies. This 3 month gap between contracting HIV and the test going positive is called the ‘window period’.
If someone tests for HIV during the window period, they could get a negative result and still have HIV.
Please note that tests are being developed that can detect HIV in the blood earlier than 3 months. These tests may be available at some clinics. See section on different types of tests.
Q: What would happen if the test was positive?
The person who gives you the result is there to support you and they will make sure you understand the result. They may talk through some practical issues such as who you could tell about the result.
The clinic will be able to provide you with information leaflets, support groups, advice and counseling services, should you need them. They can also give you help line numbers in case you have further questions.
People who have a positive HIV test will then be offered an appointment with a specialist HIV doctor. You will then discuss your situation and decide what other tests need to be done. Further tests are an important step towards maintaining your health and these include:
CD4 Count Test - Checks how strong your immune system is by measuring the number of CD4 cells in your blood (also known as T cell count).
Viral Load Test - Helps estimate the speed that HIV may affect your body by measuring the amount of HIV in your blood.
Q: Could anyone else find out about my test?
The NHS must protect the confidentiality of your healthcare. They do not pass on information about you to a third person without your permission.
In addition Sexual Health Clinics in the UK are required under law to guarantee your visit remains confidential within the clinic. Anyone can go to a Sexual Health Clinic in the UK. You do not have to give your real name if it would make you feel more comfortable. Testing is free.
Q: How do I get an appointment?
Appointments at a Sexual Health Clinic are free and totally confidential. The first step is to phone your local Sexual Health Clinic for an appointment. 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.
