56 Dean Street set for HIV test world record attempt

Staff at 56 Dean Street are gearing up for a world record attempt to mark World AIDS Day on 1 December by setting a Guinness World Record for administering HIV tests in eight hours at the G-A-Y Bar in Old Compton Street.

G-A-Y will be donating £10 for every test performed to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

56 Dean Street staff will be providing discrete testing and support services at nine HIV testing stations throughout the bar, as well as providing HIV education and counselling advice.

Dr Alan McOwan, Lead Consultant at 56 Dean Street said: “We will be using the world’s fastest HIV antibody test which provides a result in just 60 seconds. One in 20 gay men in London has undiagnosed HIV and two-thirds of undiagnosed men think that they are negative.

“56 Dean Street is now diagnosing one in five of all new HIV diagnosis in gay men in London. Testing early can add, on average, 16 years to someone’s life.”

If you would like to contribute to this world record attempt, drop by G-A-Y Bar from 2–10pm.

G-A-Y Bar
30 Old Compton Street
London
W1D 4UR