There is a tiny chance of a false positive when using a self test. On average, 997 in every 1,000 positive results are correct but it’s still important to confirm your result with a follow-up test.
A sexual health clinic or doctor will be able to carry out this test. They will also be able to answer questions about HIV and, if your positive result is confirmed, provide advice on starting treatment and living well with HIV.
The sooner you start treatment, the better it is for your health. Modern HIV treatment means you can expect to live as long as anyone else and can prevent you from passing the virus on.
You can search for sexual health services via the public health websites for:
We recommend calling ahead to confirm that they are able to carry out the right test. Explain to them that you have had a positive result from an HIV self test and want a ‘confirmatory test’.
Alternatively, you can search for a clinic and in some cases book an appointment online via SXT.
You may find it helpful to take along the detachable card from the cardboard cover your test arrived in.
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