It’s National HIV Testing Week from Monday, 10 February, encouraging everyone to head out and get tested for HIV. It´s never been easier. While there’s been loads of great progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS over the last few years, it’s still not over. In particular, in recent years HIV infections have increased. The best way of stopping it once and for all is for everyone to know their status.
Getting and taking an HIV test is easier than you think. It’s free and confidential. You can choose to visit a sexual health clinic, consult your GP, or enjoy the convenience of using an at-home test kit.
During National HIV Testing Week, you can request a free self-test that provides results in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose a postal test, where you collect a sample yourself and send it to a lab. The lab will then contact you with your results.
Regular HIV testing is beneficial for everyone.
If you are HIV-negative, you can take preventive measures like using PrEP or condoms to maintain your status. If you are HIV-positive, you can start treatment and lead a long, healthy life—people on effective HIV treatment cannot transmit the virus to their partners.
The sooner you know your HIV status, the sooner you can begin treatment if necessary, which helps you stay healthy and prevents the virus from being passed to others. Most people will receive a negative result, but regardless of the outcome, it is important to know that anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK has access to free treatment and support.
HIV testing is quick, easy and confidential.
When getting tested, it’s important to pick the best option for you. There are loads of places around London where you can get tested quickly, discreetly and for free! We’ve listed them below.
Get tested at an LGBTQ venue
Vault139, Sweatbox Soho, Admiral Duncan, Comptons, G-A-Y, ADONIS, Rupert Street Bar, Halfway To Heaven, Dalston Superstore, The Village Soho, Clone Zone, Zodiac Bar, SBN, Duke of Wellington, Arch Clapham, Ted’s Place, London LGBTQI+ Community Centre, Bootylicious, Sailors Sauna and more.
HIV testing is taking place in LGBTQ+ venues across London during National HIV Testing Week. Find a comprehensive testing events diary here: https://gmipartnership.org.uk/events/
Order a free postal HIV test
You can order a free postal HIV test to your door via https://freetesting.hiv– as well as find information on where to test locally, wherever you live.
Get tested at a London clinic
Dean Street
34 Dean Street, W1D 4PR. Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road
The Beyonce of sexual health clinics, Dean Street is perhaps the best-known clinic around, offering exceptionally quickservices in a squeaky clean, modern environment. The staff are fun and friendly, and it all runs like a well-oiled machine. Although 56 Dean Street is their flagship establishment, if you’re just getting a quick HIV test it’s actuallybest to head to their sister clinic Dean Street Express down the road. https://www.dean.st
Mortimer Market Centre
Capper Street, WC1E 6JB. Nearest station: Warren Street
Mortimer Market is a quiet, calm little clinic just near Warren Street Station. It’s not as widely known or as widely used as Dean Street, so it’s perfect if you want to be a little more anonymous. Book online at https://www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/clinic/mortimer-market-centre-including-margaret-pyke-centre/
80 Leadenhall Street
80 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 3DH. Nearest Station: Aldgate East
Part of Homerton Hospital, 80 Leadenhall Street is located slap bang in the centre of The City, perfect if you’re a high-powered office worker gay. It only opened last year, so it’s got all the mod cons and is super bright and clean. Book online at homerton.nhs.uk
John Scott Health Centre
Green Lanes, N4 2NU. Nearest Station: Manor House
A little-known gem for all you bougie North London queers! John Scott Health Centre on Green Lanes offers walk-in sexual health services on weekday afternoons.homerton.nhs.uk
Clifden Centre
Homerton Row, E9 6SR. Nearest Station: Hackney Central/Homerton
The go-to clinic if you’re one of those East Londoners who hates setting foot in Central London. Part of Homerton University Hospital so they’ve got loads of great resources and often staffed by friendly medical students. Book online athomerton.nhs.uk
Camberwell Sexual Health Centre
94-104 Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS. Nearest Station: Denmark Hill
Large sexual health clinic in South East London. The lack of sexual health services in the area means it’s often quite busy, which means it’s best to book online beforehand. Appointment atkch.nhs.uk.
Falcon Road
160 Falcon Road, SW11 2LN. Nearest Station: Clapham Junction
Comprehensive and efficient sexual health centre in Clapham, right next to Clapham Junction Station. As well as walk-in testing services, they also offer a free home testing service to residents of Merton, Richmond or Wandsworth boroughs. They run a clinic that caters specifically to gay men on Mondays, 5pm – 7pm. To make an appointment or order a home test, head toshswl.nhs.uk/clinic-locations/falcon-road.
Other sources for Home HIV Self Testing Kits.
Make sure you get it from a verified website, and when it arrives, make sure it’s sealed, that there’s no damage to the packaging and that it’s within its expiry date. Also look for the CE Quality Assurance Mark – this means that it will work properly and is safe.Two great self-test kit resources areFreedoms Shopand Biosure (available at Boots, Superdrug and other pharmacists).
If you’d like more information on HIV, HIV Testing Week and more, head totht.org.uk.