The test, which can be ordered online, is available to people who are at higher-risk of HIV across the country.
It has been released to coincide with National HIV Testing Week, which starts on 21 November, and involves taking a finger prick blood sample that is then sent off for analysis.
The aim is to improve treatment for HIV by diagnosing it earlier and reducing the risk of the virus spreading further.
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Roughly 20% of the estimated 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, according to new figures from PHE.
Among men who have sex with men, 6,500 remain unaware of their HIV infection, as do a further 3,900 men and women from black African communities.
Continually, there are high levels of transmission in men who have sex with men, as 3,360 people from that category were newly diagnosed in 2014 – the largest number ever recorded.
Overall, 40% of people were diagnosed at a late stage of infection, undermining the benefits of effective therapy and demonstrating the need for expanded testing.
Once you've received the kit, take a tiny sample of blood from your finger.
Once you've taken your sample, ensure you have completed the included form, then place your sample and the form back in the box and seal the box shut.
Pop the box in your nearest postbox (postage has already been paid).
You will receive your results via the method you chose when requesting the HIV test.
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said of the test: "We have made great strides in HIV treatment, and those people speaking out about their condition are helping reduce the stigma around it. But until HIV is a thing of the past, there is more to do and we need to be bold.
"I want today’s launch of the first National HIV Home Sampling service to encourage people at risk to find out their HIV status, using our free kits, so they can get the best care for themselves and partners.
"I hope that all those at risk will take the opportunity to get tested and help us halve new HIV infections by 2020."
Meanwhile Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England said: "Despite national rates of HIV declining, it is still a growing problem within certain communities and levels of HIV testing among high risk people remain too low.
"With National HIV Testing Week approaching, I would encourage all those at higher-risk of HIV, such as men who have sex with men or people from black African communities, to seriously consider testing, especially as they are now able to order a home-sampling kit free online."
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, LGA Community Wellbeing spokesperson, added: "HIV testing is key to prevention. Evidence shows that earlier diagnosis can not only benefit personal health, but has massive public health benefits too, while saving significant sums of money for the NHS and local services.
"Councils now have responsibility for public health and commissioning sexual health services. HIV testing and outreach services are a part of this, whether in GP practices, sexual health clinics or in community settings."
Most Common STIs And Symptoms
Chlamydia(01 of10)
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The most common STI in the UK for a multitude of different of reasons. Chlamydia is unfortunately practically symptomless, meaning you could have it for years and not know. It is also one of the easiest diseases to spread amongst sexual partners, so you might not know you’re spreading it all over town.On occasion Chlamydia can cause a burning sensation when passing urine in both men and women but do not rely on this as a sign. The infection is easily treatable, so it’s best to get yourself checked as a local health clinic as soon as possible. (credit:Jason Hetherington via Getty Images)
Genital Warts(02 of10)
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As the name suggests, this sexually transmitted disease appears as small fleshy growths and bumps on or around your genital or anal area. The warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) of which some types can lead to cervical cancer. Don’t worry; genital warts are not this strain. Genital warts cannot be fully cured and the disease can lay dormant, showing itself a year, two years or even longer after you initially contract it. The unsightly warts can be banished with the use of creams and cryotherapy (they freeze them off). (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Genital Herpes(03 of10)
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Sadly another infection without a cure and with a massive stigma. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is exactly the same virus that causes cold sores. People usually develop symptoms of HSV a few days after coming into contact with the virus. This is when small painful blisters develop which can cause itching, tingling or make it painful to urinate. Once you’ve been infected the virus remains dormant most of the time. If you have herpes be careful, the infection is much more likely to spread when you are having an outbreak so refrain from intercourse when sores and blisters are apparent. (credit:IPGGutenbergUKLtd via Getty Images)
Gonorrhoea(04 of10)
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Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI easily passed on during sex. Roughly half of women and 10% of men don’t experience symptoms and much like Chlamydia, are often unaware they are infected. If you do experience symptoms, in women they usually present themselves as a burning sensation when urinating, vaginal discharge (which is often a watery yellow or green substance), pain in the lower abdomen during sex or bleeding after sex. Men should look out for a burning sensation when urinating, as well as discharge, and should watch out for tenderness in the testicles. Gonorrhoea can also infect your rectum, throat and even eyes. Luckily this infection is easily rid of through a course of antibiotics but should not be left untreated as it can lead to serious health problems. (credit:dolgachov via Getty Images)
Trichomoniasis(05 of10)
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Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a small parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Again it can easily be passed on through sex and unfortunately it’s another infection that can be hard to notice from symptoms alone. Women can get frothy yellow or green discharge and men can also experience the same. Luckily this infection is treatable with a course of antibiotics. (credit:luchschen via Getty Images)
HIV (06 of10)
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HIV is mostly passed on through unprotected sex but it can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood, the most common example of this is by sharing needles to inject drugs. The virus itself attacks and weakens the immune system, causing your body to struggle to fight infections and diseases. There is still unfortunately no cure for HIV but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and healthy life. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection, where your body can no longer try to fight life threatening infections. A simple blood test is used to test for infection. (credit:Adam Petto via Getty Images)
Syphilis(07 of10)
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Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes painless but very infectious sores on your genitals or around the mouth in its early stage. The sore usually lasts up to 6 weeks before disappearing. Symptoms that follow this can come in the form of rashes, flu like illness or patchy hair loss. The late stage of syphilis normally occurs many years after you initially contract the infection and can cause very serious conditions such as heart problems, blindness and even paralysis. Like HIV, a simple blood test can determine whether you have the condition or not and can be treated with antibiotics. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Pubic Lice(08 of10)
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Pubic lice, or crabs as they are more commonly known, are easily passed to others through close genital contact. Much like head lice, they are usually found in hair, be this in your pubic hair or even in your underarm hair. The lice crawl from hair to hair but don’t jump or fly. They can be treated successfully with special creams or shampoos available over counter so you don’t need to go get the razor out. (credit:Dimitri Otis via Getty Images)
Hepatitis C(09 of10)
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Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to your liver. It is most commonly transmitted through the sharing of needles when injecting drugs or steroids, however it can also be spread during unprotected sex. The risk of the disease spread this way is increased if there are genital sores or ulcers from another sexually transmitted infection or if either person has contracted HIV. Hepatitis C is often treated successfully by taking a combination of medicines for several months. (credit:Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(10 of10)
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is caused by an infection developed in the female upper genital tract. In the majority of cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection spread from the vagina all the way into the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Although not technically an STI itself, it can be a bi-product of untreated STIS. It is estimated that one in 10 women with untreated Chlamydia will develop PID within a year. The disease can be treated easily and effectively with antibiotics if it’s caught early enough, however if the condition is left untreated it can lead to more serious complications. (credit:Piotr Marcinski via Getty Images)