Should I get tested? ·
If you have never had an HIV test or haven’t had one for a while, it may be a good idea, particularly if you have had unprotected sex with your current partner or anyone else. You should think of sexual health screening the same as going to the doctor or dentist and try to have a check up every 6 months.
Having an HIV test can be a scary prospect, particularly if your partner has just received a positive diagnosis. You can’t, though, assume that because he is positive, you will be too. The only way to know is to have a test.
An HIV test requires a sample of blood to be taken and tested for HIV antibodies. These HIV antibodies can take up to 12 weeks to show up in your blood (though in 90% of people they are detectable within four weeks). This period of time is sometimes referred to as the window period.
Because of this window period, if you test less than 12 weeks since you were last at risk, the test may not be accurate and you will need a second test to confirm the results of your first test. HIV tests are available from a number of places across Scotland (link to services) and there is support before and after testing if you have concerns. The tests are free and confidential. It is sometimes possible to get the results of your test on the same day as the test but it may be longer, depending on where you test.
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