The HIV test

What is an HIV test?

You may have heard or read about ‘the AIDS test’, but the test does not show whether someone has AIDS. The test looks for antibodies to HIV, in other words, whether someone has been infected with HIV - the virus that causes AIDS. It’s called ‘the HIV-antibody test’ or ‘HIV test’ for short.

Where can I get the test?

Most tests are carried out by NHS sexual health clinics. To find out where to get a test, call the National AIDS Helpline free on 0800 567 123, phone your local hospital and ask for the GUM clinic, or look in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or the old term, venereal diseases (VD).

NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics offer free HIV testing and screening for other infections. Your GP will not be told you have had the test without your permission. All information is kept strictly confidential. You can go to any clinic, anywhere in the country. You don’t have to use a local one and you don’t have to be referred by your GP.