HIV Testing

The easiest way to test for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is at a specialist genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Sexual Health Services in Camden, Islington, Haringey and Barnet are provided by CNWL NHS Foundation Trust. Direct patients here to book their own appointment online (they should click on the blue box that most applies then answer questions to be triaged to the right appointment type): Sexual Health (STI) Clinics For London and Surrey |CNWL Sexual Health Services. For patients able to take a 6ml finger prick blood sample, postal testing kits are also available from www.shl.uk. 

Post-exposure prophylaxis should be considered within 72-hours of a potential exposure to HIV and is available 24/7 from A&E or during opening hours at sexual health clinics, without the need for an appointment (patient should walk-in and tell receptionist they want to discuss PEP).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a planned HIV prevention approach that involves taking a pill daily or around sex, with up to 99% efficacy when taken correctly. More information about PrEP and online booking pathways for North Central London are available at www.beprepared.me.uk.

Prescribing

HIV medicines can have dangerous interactions with both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Further information can be found on the Liverpool University HIV drug interaction website. When using the traffic light system on the interactions website, medicines highlighted in green can be prescribed together with HIV medicines. However, please liaise with the specialist team regarding interactions highlighted in orange or red.