Having an HIV Antibody Test
If you are thinking of having the test, or if you are advised that you need to take the test for health reasons, you will be given the opportunity to speak to a trained staff member prior to and after you take the test.

This gives you the chance to talk about why you want to take the test and the feelings you might have when you receive your result, whether the result is positive or negative.

You can arrange an HIV antibody test at the Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis centre or at any Genitourinary Medicine clinic.  Your GP can usually also arrange for an HIV test.  These tests are completely free and confidential.

When you take the test, a nurse will take a small sample of your blood which is then sent to the laboratory for testing. You may also be asked if you want a full sexually transmitted infection screen.  It is up to you to decide if you want a full screening or just an HIV antibody test. It can take up to a week to get the results back of your HIV antibody test, depending on where you take the test.