How our vending machines work
Vending machines that give out STI and rapid HIV test kits are a convenient and discreet way to test if you don’t want to visit a sexual health clinic or have a test kit delivered to your home. They are completely free and confidential.
Vending machines are available at convenient locations across Brighton & Hove. We’ll ask you a few simple questions such as your age and mobile number. We’ll help you choose the right test kit for you. The machine will then dispense it instantly. The test kit includes all the information that you need to complete the tests.
You should be 16 years or older and not have any symptoms to use this service. If you’re under 16 , or have symptoms, please call us on 01273 523 388 for further advice.
Getting your test kit
Getting a kit from a vending machine is a simple process:
- Find your most convenient vending machine
- Answer a few quick questions and choose your test kit.
- If you choose an OraQuick rapid HIV self-test, you’ll get your result in 20 minutes.
- If you choose a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test kit, you complete it and return it by freepost, and receive your results via text message.
Choosing a test kit
You can choose between an OraQuick rapid HIV self-test or an STI test kit for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.
OraQuick rapid HIV self-test:
- Easy mouth swab – blood free
- Results at home in 20 minutes
- We give further information about understanding your results from the OraQuick test
STI test kit:
- Tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis & HIV
- Finger-prick blood sample, swabs and/or urine sample
- Results via text message – takes 1-2 weeks
- We’ll help you choose a test kit when you use the vending machine
- We provide instructions for how to take your samples
- We provide information about which samples to take for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people ordering an X pack
Find your nearest vending machine
The vending machines are in locations across Brighton & Hove:
- Jubilee Library – Central Brighton @BN1 1GE
- University of Brighton – Lewes Road @BN2 4AT
- BMECP Centre – Central Brighton @BN1 4GQ
- Brighton Sauna – Central Brighton @BN2 9JA
- Prowler – Kemptown @BN1 4ZE
- Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC – Whitehawk @BN2 5FL
- University of Sussex – Falmer @BN1 9RH
- Wish Park Surgery – Hove @BN3 5JA
About us
Our award-winning touch-screen digital vending machines were originally developed by the Martin Fisher Foundation to help reduce undiagnosed HIV. Since launching in 2017, their success has grown, and we’ve expanded our offer to include sexual health tests for a range of sexually transmitted infections. The machines have been instrumental in expanding access to HIV testing and supporting individuals to take control of their sexual health.
Brighton & Hove is part of a global network of Fast Track Cities – our aim is to stop new cases of HIV by 2030. You have a part to play, so join us towards ‘zero new cases of HIV’ and ‘zero stigma’. Test regularly, be kind to those with HIV, and tell your friends.