A person cannot be tested for HIV without their 'informed consent'. Consent is considered to be informed when a person agrees to an HIV test after being provided adequate information about the test: what the test is for, its risks and benefits, and alternatives, if any. 

Such informed consent must be given freely, without any pressure, force, or misleading information, and in a language that the person can understand. Nobody can trick or force a person into agreeing to be tested.^{[see related links]}

The only exceptions to informed consent for HIV testing are:

1. If ordered by a court
2. For screening in licensed blood banks
3. For medical research or therapy, or
4. For surveillance or epidemiological purposes (only if the HIV test is anonymous).