Testing for HIV

When thinking about HIV acquisition and testing, it is important to be aware that:

1. All of London is an area of high or very high prevalence of HIV; and 
2. HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity
3. No pre-test counselling is needed to offer an HIV test. The process of offering an HIV test is the same as for any other blood test.

NICE Guidelines for HIV testing

The NICE Guidelines recommend an HIV test:

1. In all areas (regardless of HIV prevalence) when there are:

• symptoms or conditions that may indicate HIV, or
• risk factors for acquiring HIV.

2. In areas of high and extremely high HIV prevalence (all of London) for:

• all newly registered patients with a practice, and
• everyone who is undergoing blood tests for another reason and has not had an HIV test in the previous year.

Interpreting and acting on HIV results 

Further HIV testing options

• Sexual Health Services in Camden, Islington, Haringey and Barnet are provided by CNWL. Direct patients to book an appointment online.
• Sexual Health Services in Enfield are provided by ECHO. Direct patients to call to book an appointment,
• Free NHS testing online from Sexual Health London
• Free at home HIV testing (Camden and Islington residents only)