Before you start PrEP, some testing belongs with it. It usually involves an HIV test, an STI screen, a check of your kidney function and a test for hepatitis B. During PrEP, those check-ups return at fixed intervals. That keeps PrEP safe and lets you know where you stand.
That testing is not a hurdle to fear. It is exactly what makes PrEP reliable.
Why test beforehand?
PrEP only works well if the basics are right. The HIV test confirms you do not have untreated HIV, because PrEP is meant to prevent HIV, not to treat it. The other tests map out your baseline. According to the RIVM, these check-ups are a fixed part of PrEP.
Which blood tests are involved?
The check before starting usually has a few fixed parts. The overview below shows what is often tested and why. Your doctor decides what exactly is needed in your case.
| Moment | Test | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Before starting | HIV test | Rule out untreated HIV |
| Before starting | STI screen | Detect existing STIs |
| Before starting | Kidney function | Assess safe use |
| Before starting | Hepatitis B | Establish status before treatment |
| During PrEP | Repeat of the above | Monitor and adjust |
This overview is a guide, not a medical prescription. You set the exact schedule with the doctor who prescribes your PrEP.
Check-ups during PrEP
During PrEP the check-ups return at fixed intervals, often roughly every three months. That keeps you and your doctor informed about your HIV status, your kidney function and any STIs. How often exactly you test is covered in PrEP and STI testing: how often should you get checked?.
If you first want to know what PrEP actually is, start with what is PrEP and who is it for?.
Possible side effects
PrEP is well tolerated by most people. Some notice mild complaints at the start, such as nausea or headache, which often ease on their own. Kidney function is monitored because PrEP can affect it. Always discuss complaints with your doctor; do not simply stop on your own.
What can you check anonymously yourself?
The kidney function and hepatitis B checks belong with the doctor who prescribes your PrEP. The STI and HIV side you can also do anonymously with us, for example with an HIV test or the hepatitis screening. Read more about hepatitis in understanding hepatitis screening.
Honestly, this is the reassuring part of PrEP: you are not going in blind, you are being followed. And part of that monitoring you simply arrange discreetly, whenever it suits you.
How do you prepare for the first check-up?
You do not need to do much before the first appointment, but a few things help. Note since when you have been at risk and whether you have any complaints, because that helps decide which tests make sense. Also bring which medicines you already use.
Many people find the first time nerve-racking. That is understandable, but the check-up itself is calm and routine. It is mainly a baseline: where do you stand now, so your doctor can follow from there.
If you have a question or complaint between two check-ups, do not wait for your next appointment. An interim STI test or a quick call to your doctor can take away a lot of uncertainty.
Frequently asked questions about PrEP check-ups
Why is my kidney function checked? PrEP can affect the kidneys, and with a simple blood test your doctor keeps an eye on that. It keeps your use safe.
How often are the check-ups repeated? Often roughly every three months, but your doctor sets the rhythm. With complaints or changes it can be adjusted in between.
Can I test part of it anonymously myself? Yes. The HIV and STI side you can do discreetly with us; the kidney function and hepatitis B checks belong with the doctor who prescribes your PrEP.
What if a check-up shows something unusual? Your doctor then discusses what it means and what the next step is. An abnormal result does not automatically mean stopping, it mainly means: take a closer look.
Can I stop PrEP myself? Always discuss stopping with your doctor first. That way you avoid being unprotected at a moment when you did not intend to be.
Every STI result we provide is assessed by a BIG-registered doctor. PrEP and PEP are medicines arranged through the GGD or your GP; always discuss starting, stopping and your check-ups with them.
Want to know more about reliability, the window period and anonymous testing? Read our HIV test guide.
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