Information about the HIV test

Why have an HIV test?

Having a test is the only way that you can find out whether you have HIV. 

How is HIV passed on?

HIV can be passed on in a number of ways:

• through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal secretions.  This can happen during sex
  
• using needles or equipment for drugs, tattoos and piercing that have not been sterilised properly
  
• through a blood transfusion abroad with unscreened blood (blood donations in the UK are screened for HIV)
  
• infected pregnant women may also pass it on to their babies.

How long does it take before the infection will show up in my blood sample?

The HIV test measures antibodies to HIV.  Antibodies are proteins produced by your blood in response to infections.  It can take up to 3 months after your risk of exposure for them to show up in your blood.

What happens if I have HIV infection?

If a test shows that you have HIV infection, you will be offered care and support within the department.  You will need to have some other tests and then we will discuss with you whether or not you should start treatment.

Will this involve an extra blood sample?

No, you will only need to have one sample taken, provided the test is negative. If the test is positive, a second sample will be needed to confirm the result.

Please talk to a doctor, nurse or health adviser if you would like more information.

Will it affect my chance of getting life insurance?

Doctors do not need to report negative HIV tests when writing insurance reports.  Insurance companies should no longer ask whether you have had a HIV test, but only enquire whether or not you are HIV positive.  The Association of British Insurers agreed this in 1994. 

People who know they are infected with HIV can have difficulty getting new life insurance and certain types of mortgages.  This is the same for many other long-term illnesses.