HIV Testing

It is now possible to be tested for HIV and have your results within the hour through from Teesside Positive Action. For more information about this please click HERE.

 

HIV tests should be confidential and freeTests are also available free through the NHS at GUM or sexual health departments or from your local GP. While GUM & TPA’s services are strictly confidential, a test done by a GP may appear on the individual’s medical records.

Even though the immune system can't fight off HIV, it still generates a response to the virus in the form of antibodies. Most HIV tests involve having a sample of blood taken and tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV. If antibodies are present in a person’s blood then it means that the person is HIV positive.
N.B. it is possible for newborn babies to have antibodies to HIV from their mother but not to have HIV.

The test should never be carried out without the informed consent from the individual. To ensure the individual is giving informed consent, they have the right to receive pre and post-test counselling to discuss the implications of the test and how they might react should the result return positive for HIV.

People choose to have an HIV test for any number of reasons. Having the test and getting a negative result can give you peace of mind if you think you may have put yourself at risk. If any of the following apply to you then it is recommended that you talk with TPA or a health care professional about getting tested.

	If you have had unprotected sex (anal, vaginal or oral) with a partner who you know to be HIV positive or whose HIV status you do not know
	If you have had sex outside the UK
	If you have learned that a partner has been sexually unfaithful
	If you have discovered that a sexual partner has been exposed to HIV
	If you have been sexually assaulted
	If you have had multiple sexual partners
	If you have been involved in an accident involving someone else's blood coming into contact with open cuts/eyes/nose/mouth etc. or needles or blades that may be infected (e.g. health workers)
	If you have shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids) or for body piercing/tattooing
	If you have found out that a past or current sexual partner has shared needles

N.B. If you have had any kind of sexual contact, whether protected or unprotected, TPA advise that you have a full sexual health screening. Find your nearest sexual health clinic HERE

Antibody tests used in the UK (including TPA's Rapid Test) are only guaranteed to detect antibodies after three months of initial exposure to HIV. Effectively this means that an HIV test result gives you your HIV status as of three months ago - be sure to get retested after this period and stay safe in the mean time

Overview | Transmission | Testing | Results | Treatment | Disclosure

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