There are a number of types of tests that you might have. The most common are:

Physical examinations – your doctor will look at your body and examine it to look for any unusual signs or symptoms. 

Blood tests – samples of blood will be taken and these will be examined in a laboratory. These tests are used to assess how HIV is affecting you, how well any treatment is working and to check your general health. Often your doctor will order several different blood tests. It may look like you’re having a lot of blood taken, but only about a teaspoon of blood is taken in each test tube.

X-rays, scans, ultrasounds – if you have some specific symptoms, then you may need to have tests such as X-rays, scans or ultrasounds that allow your doctor to see inside your body.

Small surgical procedures – very occasionally it may be necessary to remove a small sample of body tissue for examination in a laboratory. This is called a biopsy and it’s normal to have this done using a local anaesthetic.