• SERVICE CLOSURE - 2nd April

    For the purpose of staff training the service will not open until 2pm

  • Telephone Lines

    Due to staffing shortages there may be some delay in responding to calls.  Please bear with us at this time and we will endeavour to answer all calls as soon as possible.

  • Results Hub

    Due to staffing shortages and testing delays at the laboratory there will be a delay in obtaining your results.  We will process them as soon as we receive them.  Thank you for your patience

  • Continuing building works at St Hughs

    Please bear with us for any disruption during the ongoing repairs to the roof

HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) affects the immune system. HIV is a treatable infection, although not curable at present.

Page Graphic HIV header image

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) affects the immune system. HIV is a treatable infection, although not curable at present.

HIV testing in Sefton Sexual Health Service

The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test. All Sefton Sexual Health clinics can offer a free and confidential HIV test. The test involves taking a small amount of blood from your arm. The results will become available from the clinic in two weeks’ time.

The most accurate results from the test come from blood taken three months after the exposure to HIV. However, a test can also be taken after 4 weeks if you are concerned that you have been at risk.

By following this link below you can now order home STI testing kits for the following STIs, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. This service is available to people aged 16 and over who do not have any symptoms (asymptomatic), have not knowingly been in contact sexually with someone with an infection.

If it has been within 72 hours since you think you have been exposed to HIV then please contact Sefton Sexual Health, A&E or any sexual health service in order to enquire about PEPSE (post exposure prophylaxis for HIV) as soon as possible.

For more information on HIV and what to do if you have been at risk see our HIV Risk page

For more information visit NHS HIV & AIDS

Condoms
by post!

If you are aged 16 and over you can now get free condoms sent to your home. Click here for more information.

Self-help
information

You may be able to get advice or treatment sooner for some health related matters. For information on how you might be able to get quicker acess to alternative options click here.

Tell us what
you think

Please tell us about your most recent experience at Sefton Sexual Health by completing our Friends and Family Test.

Free and
confidential

Sefton Sexual Health offers a free and confidential service in clinics across Sefton.