Having a HIV test can be difficult for people depending on why you have decided to get tested.

Some people are expecting a positive test, others know they have been at risk; others still get tested just because they want to.

Whatever your reasons for testing you may be struggling to make the appointment and you may be finding it hard to talk about with your partner, family or friends. A common concern that people have is meeting someone they know at the clinic.

Talking to someone

As there are a lot of myths and misinformation about HIV and how it is transmitted, you may not have been at risk. Talking about why you want to take the test with someone who knows about HIV, can help you to sort out fact from fiction and strengthen your resolve for knowledge about yourself.

Prepare

Take the whole morning off work; arrange a babysitter for longer than you think you will need; whatever you have to do to make sure you have enough time so worries about other commitments will not be adding to your stress.

Know the procedure. Ask someone who knows what the test involves.

Bring reading material or something else to keep your mind from worrying.

Think about your sexual history and be ready to answer some honest questions about drug use and sexual activity.

Having someone with you

Some people benefit from just having someone sitting next to them. The wait in the STI clinic or doctors surgery can sometimes be long and often it can feel embarrassing to be waiting for a HIV test.

The journey home after the test can be more difficult as the mind becomes active and the worst scenarios are considered. Having someone else with you for the journey home means you get the opportunity to talk about how you are feeling and will help you to not dwell on the test you have just taken.

You may choose to get tested at the same time as a friend or sexual partner so you can support each other.

Having support whilst you are waiting for the results

Sometimes it can take 2 weeks to receive your results and the wait can often be more difficult than hearing the results. This is when having someone in your life who knows you have taken a HIV test can really help.

You may experience all sorts of thoughts and feelings. Sleeplessness is common whilst waiting for results. Stress is also common and can impact on your day to day life.

REMEMBER: The majority of people who take a HIV test receive a negative result. Just because you have taken a test it does not mean that you will be HIV positive.

Having someone to talk to whilst you are waiting for results means that you will also have support if you do receive a positive result.

Contact Us

We offer support and information before, during and after having a HIV test. This is regardless of whether you are expecting a positive or a negative result, and what result you receive.

Anyone can come into our project or phone our confidential helpline on 061 316661 and talk about the fact that they would like to get tested. We can tell you what the procedure is like and work with you to develop a support plan.

If you need it, we can accompany you to your have your test and receive your results. We can travel with you there and back as well as sitting with you in the waiting room. We will also provide support for you during the two weeks it may take to receive your results.