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'Waiting three months for a test result can be agonising' - but technology has moved on
THT
New THT test detects HIV only a month after infection
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is offering a new type of HIV test which can detect the presence of the virus only four weeks after infection, compared with earlier tests which were only reliable three months after exposure.
Available at THT's Fastest clinics, the new test uses a finger-prick sample, and the result will normally be available within approximately 20 minutes. If the result is positive, staff will always advise another test is done to confirm the diagnosis.
Dr Michael Brady, medical director at THT, said: "If you're worried you've been exposed to HIV, waiting three months for an accurate test result can be agonising. Technology has now moved on, so we're able to offer reliable tests earlier. If you think you've been at risk or you're in a high risk group you should consider getting a test. It's quick, confidential and could put your mind at rest."
In the UK, the groups at highest risk of HIV infection are Africans and gay men. THT says that over a quarter of those infected with HIV don't know it and almost a third are diagnosed late, potentially increasing the risk to their health.
The locations of Fastest clinics can be found at www.tht.org.uk/clinics or by calling THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200
