A NEW test for HIV gives a result within 20 minutes.

Sexual Health West Sussex is now offering point-of-care tests at its main centres in Worthing, Crawley and Chichester.

Testing is free and confidential and no appointment is necessary.

The checks involve a simple finger prick test that is said to be accurate and quick to perform.

Trained staff are offering the test at various satellite clinics across West Sussex as part of HIV Testing Week, starting on Saturday. These include Lancing, Burgess Hill, Horsham, Littlehampton, Bognor and East Grinstead.

The move is part of a national campaign to get more people with HIV diagnosed early so they get access to the treatment they need quicker and cut the risk of passing the virus on to someone else.

For full details of clinics and to find out more about the test and the service itself, visit sexualhealthwestsussex.nhs.uk or call 0845 111 3456.

The charity Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton is also offering checks throughout each day during the third annual National HIV Testing Week later this month.

The charity will offer rapid HIV testing from its centre in Ship Street between 10am and 8pm from Monday, November 24, to Friday, November 28.

Tests will be available from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30.

Call 01273 764200 or email info.brighton@tht.org.uk.