In 2010, an estimated 2.1 million HIV tests were performed in England. Assuming 7% repeat testers in a year, an estimated 3.8% of the English population were therefore tested for HIV infection in 2010.

Approximately 931,700 (47%) and 657,500 (31%) of HIV tests were performed in STI clinics (up 2.2% from 911,900 in 2009) and antenatal settings respectively. A further 260,000 were conducted in the primary care setting and 250,000 in secondary care; these settings were the source of one in four HIV tests in 2010.

Of all people who attended an STI clinic in 2010, 69% (825,236/1,188,012) received an HIV test.

Among those receiving an HIV test, uptake was highest among MSM at 82% (51,587/62,995), followed by heterosexual men at 73% (278,847/384,336) and women at 66% (380,764/574,416).

The proportion of HIV-infected STI clinic attendees who left the clinic unaware of their infection because they were either not offered, or had refused an HIV test, has declined from 57% in 2000 to around 27%.

Source: Health Protection Agency: HIV in the UK – 2011 report