Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus.
Testing for HIV is quick, easy, painless, confidential and almost always free. If you test regularly for HIV, and after every time you put yourself at risk, you can help keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy. It is always better to know.
In this section, we go through everything you need to know about HIV testing.
Last full review:
22 September 2017
The reasons to test far outweigh the reasons not to. Find out about the benefits of testing for HIV.
You can test for HIV at any time. If you think you might have been at risk, speak to your healthcare provider.
It’s normal to feel scared about testing but it's easier than you think. Find out what’s involved.
You’ve tested for HIV, now what? We talk you through your results and what they mean.
It's normal to feel worried about going for an HIV test. Hear from others about their experiences.
Photos are used for illustrative purposes. They do not imply any health status or behaviour on the part of the people in the photo.
