Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV. If you have HIV, it’s very important that it is diagnosed as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.
You should get an HIV test if you think you have exposed yourself to risk by, for example, having sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status you do not know, or sharing injecting needles or drug equipment.
It is recommended to have an HIV test at least once a year, and more regularly if you have unprotected sex with new or casual partners. HIV tests are also recommended as part of a routine sexual health check-up. If you are not offered a test at a routine in-person check-up, you are within your right to request one.
If you have recently had sex without a condom, and you experience severe flu-like symptoms (sore throat and fever) plus a rash on the chest, these could be symptoms of recent HIV infection, and you should get tested as soon as possible.
How soon after a possible exposure should I test?
Watch this simple video from aidsmap which explains how soon a test can give you an accurate result.
Where can I get a test?
It is now easier than ever to get an HIV test! If you live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire (BNSSG), you can access free STI and HIV testing kits via Yuno Sexual Health.
If you have symptoms, you should contact your nearest clinical service.
Yuno Community-Specific Testing Options and Services
As part of its work with Yuno Sexual Health, Brigstowe runs a number of HIV and STI testing options that are designed to make access easier for particular communities or groups. Information on mainstream and clinical testing options can be found here.
Common Ambition Bristol (CAB) is a project working with African and Caribbean heritage communities in Bristol to reduce HIV diagnosis, stigma, and generally improve sexual health. If you are of African or Caribbean heritage, you can access a choice of two walk-in clinics:
First Thursday of the month from 1:30pm to 6pm at Montpellier Health Centre, Bath Buildings, BS6 5PT – last check-in is at 5:30pm
Last Thursday of the month from 1:30pm to 6pm at Charlotte Keel Health Centre, Seymour Road, BS5 0UA – last check-in is at 5.30pm
No appointment is necessary and it is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service where you can test for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis.
You can also get free PrEP here, as well as free condoms and HIV oral self-test kits.
Improved Access Testing and Advice Drop-in
East Trees, every Monday from 11.30am to 5.30pm
This is a walk-in service (no appointment needed) for advice, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, blood testing for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, and free condoms and lube.
Please note that these testing drop-ins are a non-clinical service in which an outreach professional helps facilitate user-activated test kits, and therefore no examinations or prescriptions for medicine can be provided at this venue.
This service is designed for:
- People who struggle to use postal testing kits but do not have major symptoms
- People who need assistance or guidance in regards to testing
- People who struggle to access or engage with clinical services for whatever reason
- People who need extra information while testing
LGBTQ+ Testing Options
These drop-in services are entirely staffed by LGBTQ+ people to ensure a sensitive and relevant service, and welcome all LGBTQ+ people.
Bristol Drugs Project, Prism, second Thursday of the month from 5pm to 7.30pm
This is a walk-in service (no appointment needed) for advice, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, blood testing for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, and free condoms and lube, as well as access to needle exchange and drug/alcohol support and advice.
Please note that these testing drop-ins are a non-clinical service in which an outreach professional helps facilitate user-activated test kits, and therefore no examinations or prescriptions for medicine can be provided at this venue. Directions can be found here.
North Somerset LGBT Forum, first Thursday of the month from 12pm to 3pm
This is a walk-in service (no appointment needed) for advice, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, blood testing for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, and free condoms and lube.
Please note that these testing drop-ins are a non-clinical service in which an outreach professional helps facilitate user-activated test kits, and therefore no examinations or prescriptions for medicine can be provided at this venue.
Live Outside of BNSSG?
If you live outside of BNSSG, please visit https://test.tht.org.uk/finder, where you can search for free online HIV testing services in your area.