Hard to reach individuals who could be at risk of HIV are being targeted as part of a pilot testing trial where they could find out the result in just 20 minutes.

There are four target groups, one of which is prisoners with risk factors at Elmley prison in Eastchurch.

The others are gay men, black, minority ethnic individuals who have an increased risk of HIV and at risk patients who are seen at the Gate GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic in Canterbury.

About 200 people are to take part in the six week pilot which involves a simple finger prick test.

The rapid test devices analyse the blood sample to detect the presence of an HIV antigen and/or an HIV antibody.

The test allows healthcare professionals to give the result and complete HIV counselling in a single visit. It is hoped this may reduce the problem of patients failing to collect their positive results.

The pilot is being led by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent’s Gum and HIV Consultant Physician Dr Mun-Yee Tung, who said: “Our aim is to evaluate the benefits of a new rapid technology for HIV testing to help expand the availability of testing outside of sexual health clinics which can sometimes be a barrier to people going for the tests.

“We hope to trial this technique on hard-to-reach groups with risk factors for HIV infection and who may not be keen to wait for a routine HIV test or who may not wish to attend a GUM service.”

Around 300 people in eastern and coastal Kent are living with HIV and about 80,000 people are living with HIV in the UK - a quarter of whom do not know they are infected.

Sexual Health Promotion Co-ordinator Fiona Thomson said: “Stigma and discrimination around HIV remains a barrier to people getting tested.

“The misconception remains that it is something that just gay people get. It is not. It can happen to anyone and wearing a condom is still the best way to protect yourself against contracting the virus.

“Thanks to advances in medicine the majority of people can live a near normal life expectancy with HIV and the quicker people are diagnosed the more effective treatment is and the easier it is to stop the spread of this disease.

“The best way we can do this is encouraging safe sex and making sure people who think they have put themselves at risk get tested regularly.”