Have I been at risk of HIV? Expand You might have been at risk of HIV if you have: Had condomless sex with a partner where you didn’t know their HIV status; Had sex with someone with HIV who has a detectable viral load Shared injecting equipment with someone. You will not have been at risk of HIV if you have: Had sex with a condom; Had condomless sex with someone who is living with HIV and has an undetectable viral load; Had sex whilst using PrEP correctly.
I’ve been at risk of HIV – what can I do? Expand If you’ve been at risk in the last 72 hours, you might be able to prevent HIV infection by taking PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This is a course of medication designed to prevent you becoming HIV-positive. You need to start PEP ideally within 24 hours of the risk, and no later than 72 hours. The longer you wait, the less chance there is of PEP working. You can get PEP from a sexual health clinic or hospital A&E department. A doctor will advise you if PEP is suitable for you based on the level of risk. For more information about PEP, click here. If you were at risk of HIV more than 72 hours ago, PEP is not suitable but you do need to get tested. You should wait for 4 weeks before going to get a test, as this will make sure the test is accurate. This is because there is a window period between exposure to HIV and when it will show up on a test.
Where can I get a HIV test? Expand Whilst sexual health clinics are reducing their overall service, if you need a HIV test you will be able to access one. You may have to wait a bit longer than you normally would, or you might be advised to access an at-home testing service if you are able. See below for more information about at-home testing. You should call your nearest clinics before visiting to double check their opening hours and clinic times. Use SX’s Service Finder to find your nearest sexual health service. Click here to head over to their page.
Can I get a HIV test sent to my house? Expand There is currently no free, at home testing service in Scotland. If you can pay, you can take advantage of a couple of testing options from the comfort of your own home. Check your eligibility and take advantages of a discounted self-test kit from THT, online here. There are two approved manufacturers of self-test kits in the UK, and you can buy direct from their websites. Check them both out before you make a decision on which one to buy. Insti HIV Self-Test - £19.95 BioSure HIV Self-Test - £29.95 If you get a HIV Self-Test and you have a reactive result, you should phone your nearest clinic to arrange a follow-up appointment. Make sure you let them know that you have done a home-test and that you’ve had a reactive result. Use SX’s Service Finder to find your nearest sexual health service. Click here to head over to their page.