Background NHS Newham implemented a General Practitioner (GP) rapid Point-of-care (PoCT) pilot for the testing of HIV in 2010. This was in response to recommendations made by the UK Chief Medical Officer and the British HIV Association for the expansion of routine HIV testing in all health care settings.

Methods Under the 12 month pilot, ten GP practises in Newham were recruited and trained to conduct rapid HIV testing, using the INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 rapid testing kit. An HIV test was opportunistically offered to existing and new patients as routine. Accepting patients were tested following a pre-test discussion. Reactive antibody tests were referred to HIV clinical services.

Results During the pilot, a total of 698 tests were conducted in the participating GP practises. Of those tested, 58% were female and 37% were male. Eighteen percent (18%) of clients tested were Black African. Greater up-take of HIV testing took place in the 25–34 year old age group. There were 11 reactive test results and 5 indeterminate results.

Conclusions Point-of-care (PoCT) testing of HIV is compatible in GP practises and acceptable to patients. Strategies are required for sustaining and expanding Point-of-care HIV testing in GP practises in London.