Superdrug is offering instant HIV tests at one of its Brighton stores.
The test will be carried out by a registered nurse and a result given in 60 seconds.
Trials suggest that the £79 test is 99.96 per cent accurate and requires only a fingertip blood sample.
Patients found to have HIV will be referred to an NHS clinic for a follow-up test and treatment.
Existing tests at NHS genitor-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics or community health centres have taken weeks. It has, though, been possible to go private.
Superdrug said that its nurses had been trained to use the HIV test kit and further training on sexual health counselling.
Martain Crisp, Superdrug’s superintendent pharmacist, said: “Our nurse clinics are high street health hubs offering advice and tests on common health problems from weight management and travel innoculations to mole checks.
“Although HIV remains rare it is something that our customers worry about.
“This simple test can give a clear indication of the virus and out nurses can give those worried about HIV the advice and information they need to stay healthy.”
The National Aids Trust said: “If someone gets diagnosed early they can live a long, active life with HIV.
“But if they delay, they can become very ill and put their partners at risk too.”
The shop in Western Road, Brighton, is one of six across the country to offer the instant HIV test.
The other stores offering the InstiTest are in Croydon, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester.
