If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours…
You should contact your local sexual health clinic* or A&E department to access post-exposure prophylaxis (often referred to as PEP or PEPSE).
PEP is for emergency use only
It is only given to people who meet the guidelines for its use. Find out more about it on THT.org.uk
*Please note: We do not provide PEP following needlestick injuries, human bites and human bodily fluids splashes into the eye – in these cases please visit A&E
A HIV fingerprick test is a quick and easy way to get tested for HIV. Your finger is pricked and a very small sample of blood is taken and tested for HIV.
HIV fingerprick testing is available in selected clinics, and the sexual health team in Stoke-on-Trent hold monthly drop-ins in Hanley Town Centre. You can call to find out if your preferred clinic offers this service. Contact details for our clinics can be found in the clinics section.
If you live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire or Telford and Wrekin you may be able to order a test for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea via SH:24.
If you live in Shropshire, you may be able to order a test for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea via sh.uk.
Throughout the year, we offer a free HIV testing drop-in service in Hanley, with results available in 20 minutes.
HIV fingerprick testing drop-ins are currently cancelled due to Monkeypox precautions. Once these are back up and running we will update this page. For HIV testing information, please contact your local clinic.
Why should I get a test?
• Not everyone gets symptoms so you might have HIV and not know
• People who start treatment early can expect to live a long, healthy life
• People who are on effective treatment can’t pass on the virus
• It’s free, quick and confidential
What does the test involve?
The test is a quick fingerprick test and will give you your results in 20 minutes.
What do I need to know before I arrive for the test?
- HIV fingerprick tests give a reactive or non-reactive result, if a reactive result is received you will need to attend clinic for a blood test to confirm your result.
- A HIV fingerprick test can usually give reliable readings four weeks after potential exposure to HIV. The person performing your test will usually recommend that a repeat test is done at the next drop in, for some people it can take up to three months for HIV to be detected.
- If you have taken drugs or alcohol the person doing your test may advise that you return at a different date.
- Interpreter services are available via telephone service where required