Good Question!

Let's start with the "science bit", as they say in the adverts ...
At the end of 2008 an estimated 83,000 people were living with HIV, a quarter of whom were unaware of their status. Diagnosing HIV infections earlier will reduce transmission of this infection as those unaware of their positive status pose a greater risk to future sexual partners.

Almost a third (31 per cent) of individuals are being diagnosed with HIV late which means that they are missing out on the benefits associated with early diagnosis including prolonged life expectancy. Despite increases in HIV testing, almost one in five Men who have Sex with Men is still diagnosed after the point at which treatment would normally begin.

"Late diagnosis also has a major impact on disease and life expectancy and it is vital that people are diagnosed early”. (Source: HPA website)

 

What about the human side of testing?
Here are some personal opinions of people who have tested, both positive and negative.