1. The National Aids Helpline (0800 567123) offers free, confidential, anonymous 24-hour counselling and information.

2. HIV is not a death sentence. Since 1995, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced the number of deaths from HIV/Aids by 40 per cent and increased life expectancy by more than 13 years.

3. Tests are free at genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics and Terrence Higgins Trust clinics. Find your nearest at www.tht.org.uk/howwecanhelpyou/hivandstitesting/gumsandhivclinics . Testing is confidential and will not appear on your medical records.

4. If you take the test at your GP's surgery it will appear on your medical records, which means that information is available to any clinician who deals with you.

5. Low risk? A preliminary saliva-based screening test from www.drthom.com (£34) may put your mind at ease. A reactive result requires further testing.

6. The most common HIV test checks for antibodies in the blood and the new rapid version give results in 30 minutes. Antibody tests show only what your HIV status was 12 weeks beforehand. If you have been exposed more recently, you will need to repeat the test.

7. If you can't wait three months, the p24 antigen test www.avert.org/hivtesting.htm#q7a can detect HIV within three weeks of infection and if you have it done privately, results are available within 24 hours. However, it's not available at all clinics and you may have to pay to have it done at a private clinic (£110).

8. A negative HIV test result, or the fact that you have taken a HIV test, should not affect your ability to get life insurance and you shouldn't be asked if you have ever taken an HIV test if you are applying for a job.

9. If you are HIV positive, your application for life insurance will be turned down and if you lie about your status the insurance contract will not be valid anyway. A positive HIV test may also affect your ability to get a mortgage because many mortgage providers insist on clients having life insurance.

10. Some countries, including the United States, do not allow people with HIV to enter the country. A full list of international immigration regulations related to HIV can be found at www.aidsmap.com/en/docs/C92D5639-E779-44EC-B8F8-0CECCC23275A.asp

SUZI GODSON

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