HIV
Testing
It is possible to have a blood test to determine whether you have HIV. This is usually done using an antibody test.
Antibodies are created by the infected person's immune system in response to HIV.
The blood test will only be accurate if you have waited 3 months or more after infection (i.e. the time you were at risk). Anything less might not give an accurate result. This is known as the 'window period or 'seroconversion', which simply refers to the time it takes for the antibodies to develop and show up in a test.
It is possible to get a confidential blood test at your local GUM clinic.
You may have to wait a few days for the results.
It is important to think very carefully before you have a test and make sure you can access support should you need to.