How can I get tested?
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV is free, confidential and easy!
You can come and see us at one of our MOT community clinics, make an appointment at the sexual health clinics in Ninewells Hospital Dundee or Drumhar Health Centre Perth or you can use our postal testing service.
To access our community clinics follow us on social media, check out THT’s website for details or call 07880 172047.
To book an appointment at Ninewells or Drumhar call us on 01382 425542 or use our online booking system.
To order postal STI tests click here.
To order postal HIV tests click here.
The advantages of going to an MOT or sexual health clinic are that they have more in-depth knowledge and experience about HIV and other infections. The MOT service can also offer rapid HIV tests, where provisional results are available within 20 minutes. The rapid HIV test offered by MOT involves taking a small sample of blood from a finger-prick. If the result is “reactive”, a further blood test will be required and the result of this will be available within 24 hours.
What if the result is positive?
The tests are very accurate but they will ask you for another blood sample to be sure. You will be put in touch with the HIV specialists who will arrange to see you very quickly and the MOT team can also provide advice and support.
What if the result is negative?
If you’ve had unprotected sex in the last three months then we can’t be sure that you don’t have HIV. You are in what is called the “window period”. This is because it can take your body up to three months to make HIV antibodies which is what the test is looking for. So a negative test doesn’t always mean you don’t have HIV. You should have another test three months after the last time you had unprotected sex to be sure. The test is very accurate and a negative test three months after a risk means you don’t have HIV.
You should have a test once a year but you can have it more often if you need to or want to.