The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test. Everyone in Scotland, including refugees and asylum seekers, can access free and confidential HIV testing. HIV treatment and care is available from the National Health Service.
An HIV test can only tell you about your HIV status. It cannot tell you if your current of previous partners are infected. Other people can only find out if they go for a test themselves.
Who should test for HIV?
You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have HIV so the only way to know is by having a test. You should have a test for HIV, if you have:
- had unprotected sex with a man or a woman
- ever injected drugs, even if it was a long time ago
- had unsterile medical treatment abroad, or treatment in countries where infection control procedures are sub-standard
- had tattoos or body piercing in circumstances where infection control procedures are suboptimal
- were born or who have lived in a country that has a high prevalence of HIV
Where can I get an HIV test?
Testing is free and confidential in all NHS services. There are a range of places to get a test including:
- Your GP
- Sandyford Sexual Health Services
- Addictions Services (not open access, available to existing clients only.)
In addition, some voluntary sector organisations also offer testing.
Waverley Care
Waverley Care offer Dried Blood Spot Testing.
Telephone: 0141 332 2520
Terrence Higgins Trust
The Terrence Higgins Trust has both a Postal Testing Service and a Fast Test rapid HIV service in their Glasgow city centre office.
Telephone: 0141 332 3838
How soon will HIV be detected by a test?
After someone is infected with HIV, it can take some time for their body to develop antibodies to the virus. It is these antibodies that a test looks for. This is known as the ‘window period’. This means that if you were infected shortly before you have a test, it might not show up. Most of the HIV tests used are very sensitive and will detect HIV one month after someone is exposed, so a negative test is highly likely to be accurate. However, it is recommended that an additional HIV test is offered at 12 weeks to everyone who tests to make sure that they were not in the window period and are not infected.
If you are asked to have a follow-up test, you should take the following precautions while waiting for your second result: