Which test?

Based on what you’ve told us, you might want to get tested at a sexual health clinic, GP surgery or a local HIV organisation.

There are two main types of test you might be offered: a lab test or a rapid test.

• Lab test: a blood sample taken from your arm by needle is sent to a lab, with the results ready within a day or up to a week later. These tests can detect HIV four weeks after transmission.

• Rapid HIV test: a blood sample is taken from a finger prick with results given within minutes. The time span for the test to be able to detect HIV varies according to the specific type of kit. Some rapid tests detect HIV around four weeks after transmission and others around six weeks. In some cases, if you have a negative result while you are still in the ‘window period’, you may be asked to come back for a follow-up test 12 weeks after the possible exposure to HIV.

If no more than three days have passed (72 hours) after you have had sex without condoms with someone you know is HIV positive and isn’t on treatment or hasn’t got an undetectable viral load, and if you are not currently using PrEP, consider talking with a doctor about taking PEP, an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV infection if taken quickly.

Choosing where to get tested

HIV organisations tend to only offer rapid HIV tests. For a lab test, you need to visit a sexual health clinic or GP.

HIV testing is free, confidential and voluntary. No one should be told your result unless you agree.

Find out where to get a free HIV test near you. You can search by postcode or a place name.

Based on what you’ve told us, you might want to use the oral swab test option.

How it works

You perform an HIV test on yourself by wiping a cotton swab around your mouth and testing it in the fluid provided. You’ll get the result in 15 minutes .

• The test will be most accurate from three months after HIV transmission (so if HIV was transmitted during the past three months, it may not be detected).
• It’s important that any positive result on this test is confirmed with a blood test by a healthcare professional. This can be arranged by contacting your local sexual health clinic, your GP or by calling NHS 111.
• Important information for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) users: there is some evidence that HIV oral swab self tests may not work as well in people who are taking HIV medication – either for treating HIV, for PrEP or for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

Until more is known about this we advise people on PrEP not to rely solely on the result of an HIV oral swab self test.

There is more information about postal tests and HIV testing services if you would prefer to use one of those options. 

How to get an oral swab test kit

Based on what you’ve told us you might prefer to use the finger prick self-test option.

How it works

You perform a self test by collecting a small blood sample from your finger and testing it in the fluid provided. You’ll get the result in 15 minutes.

• The self test will be most accurate from three months after HIV transmission (so if HIV has been transmitted during the past three months, it may not be detected). You might want to consider using a postal test or testing at a sexual health clinic, GP or HIV organisation, which can all pick up HIV four weeks after transmission (much earlier than a self test), in case you were exposed to HIV.
• It’s important that any positive result on a self test is confirmed with a second blood test by a healthcare professional. This can be arranged by contacting your local sexual health clinic, your GP or by calling NHS 111.
• Important information for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) users: there is some evidence that HIV self tests may not work as well in people who are taking HIV medication – either for treating HIV, for PrEP or for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

Until more is known about this, we advise people on PrEP not to rely solely on the result of an HIV self test.

If no more than three days have passed (72 hours) after you have had  sex without condoms with someone you know is HIV positive and isn’t on treatment or hasn’t got an undetectable viral load, and if you are not currently using PrEP, consider talking with a doctor about taking PEP, an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV infection if taken quickly.

There is more information about postal test and HIV testing services if you would prefer to use one of those options. 

How to get a test kit

Click here to order your free HIV test now.

You can also buy a self testing kit via the NHS shop.

Based on what you’ve told us, you might want to use the postal test option.

How it works

After receiving your testing kit by post, you collect a sample of blood from your finger, then post your sample to a laboratory. A week or so later they will contact you with your result.

• The test is highly accurate four weeks after transmission, and almost 100 per cent accurate after eight weeks.
• When you order the HIV test, your testing kit will be sent to the address you provide in discreet packaging.
• If the test shows you might have HIV then you’ll need to take a further test at a clinic to confirm the result. You will get help to arrange this and if you do have HIV you’ll get the help and medical care you need.

If no more than three days have passed (72 hours) after you have had sex without condoms with someone you know is HIV positive and isn’t on treatment or hasn’t got an undetectable viral load, and if you are not currently using PrEP, consider talking with a doctor about taking PEP, an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV infection if taken quickly.

Getting a test

At certain times of the year, England residents are able to get a free postal HIV test. Get yours now.