The Different types of HIV testing available in the UK - Everything you need to know

HIV testing is a vital part of protecting your health and the health of others. Knowing your HIV status empowers you to make informed decisions and, if necessary, begin treatment early.

In the UK, there are several types of HIV tests available, offering different levels of convenience, speed, and privacy. Whether you're looking for a fast result or prefer to test in the comfort of your own home, there’s a testing option that suits your needs.

This guide breaks down the main types of HIV testing available in the UK, including HIV self-testing kits, and highlights the benefits and disadvantages of each approach.

1. HIV Self-Testing (At-Home Testing)

HIV self-testing is one of the most convenient and discreet ways to check your status. These rapid test kits allow individuals to test for HIV in the privacy of their own home. Using either a finger prick blood sample or oral swab, the test provides results in as little as 15–20 minutes.

Benefits of HIV self-testing:

• 100% private and confidential
• No need to visit a clinic or doctor
• Fast and reliable results
• Available at a low cost online
• Tests available that required no needles or blood

Disadvantages of HIV self-testing:

• Does not test for other STIs
• Will need a follow-up confirmation test if positive

HIV self-test kits like the OraQuick test are CE-marked and approved for use in the UK. They're an excellent option for people who may be hesitant to access in person testing.

 

2. HIV Postal Testing

HIV postal testing is a confidential service offered in many areas of the UK. With this option, you order a test online, complete a blood finger prick sample at home, and send it back to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically delivered within a few days via text, email, or phone.

Advantages of postal HIV testing:

• Widely available in the UK
• Safe and accurate
• Discreet packaging for privacy

Disadvantages of postal HIV testing:

• Requires mailing the sample back, which can delay results
• Risk of sample being lost or delayed in the post
• No immediate results
• Requires the use of blood

For those who want the convenience of at-home testing with the reassurance of lab-verified results, postal testing is a great option.

 

3. HIV Testing at linics and Sexual Health Services

You can also get tested for HIV at sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and community-based testing centers across the UK. These tests are administered by healthcare professionals and often include pre- and post-test counselling.

Clinic-based HIV testing options include:

• Rapid tests (results in minutes)
• Standard blood tests (results in a few days)
• Combination tests (4th generation tests that detect both HIV antibodies and antigens)

Benefits of clinical HIV testing:

• Professionally supported
• May include screening for other STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis)
• Accurate and reliable

Disadvantages of clinical HIV testing:

• May require time off work or travel
• Less privacy compared to at-home options

Many clinics now offer walk-in HIV testing or bookable appointments, making it easier than ever to get tested.

4. Community-Based HIV Testing

Numerous HIV organizations and charities offer community HIV testing in local hubs, places of worship, barbershops, and pop-up events. These are often run during National HIV Testing Week and focus on increasing awareness and access in underrepresented communities.

Advantages:

• Friendly, non-clinical settings
• Often run by trusted local organisations
• Great for starting conversations around HIV prevention

Disadvantages:

• Availability may be limited to certain times or events
• May not include other STI screenings
• Some individuals may feel uncomfortable testing in public or semi-public spaces

 

Why HIV Testing Matters

Regular HIV testing is a key component in ending HIV transmission in the UK. According to the UK Health Security Agency, thousands of people may be living with undiagnosed HIV, which makes it essential to test regularly—especially if you are sexually active or part of a high-risk group.

Testing is:

• Free (or low cost) and confidential
• The first step to getting life-saving treatment
• Critical in reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about sexual health

Where to Get an HIV Test in the UK

• Visit your local sexual health clinic. Find A Sexual Health Clinic - NHS
• Buy a HIV self-test kit from trusted distributors like Invitech
• Look for testing events during throughout the year. You can check out many events at the Terrence Higgins Trust

Final Thoughts

No matter your background or lifestyle, HIV testing is a smart, responsible, and empowering decision. With a variety of HIV testing options in the UK, there’s never been a better time to check your status. Regular testing helps you stay in control of your health and helps move us closer to a future free of new HIV transmissions.

For more information on where to get HIV test kits and how to test, explore our resources or reach out to your local health service today.