OBJECTIVE: In Germany there are 3,100 new HIV infections per year (2016), mainly homosexual men and intravenous drug users. According to experts from Robert Koch Institute, about 30 % of people with HIV are diagnosed late, well past the optimal moment to start the antiretroviral therapy. The high rate of late presenters seems to be a strong argument for an intensification of voluntary counseling and testing services. The main objective of this literature analysis was to describe the barriers to HIV testing. METHODS: A systematic literature search was done to evaluate current knowledge on theory and practice regarding barriers that keep vulnerable groups from getting tested. The analysis includes all publications between 2000 and 2014 from western industrial states. RESULTS: 132 publications have been included in a full text analysis. Most of these publications present the result of surveys of clients attending counseling and testing services. Hence, we have a clear idea of the elements that are relevant for clients when they decide whether or where to get tested for HIV. First, the individual risk perception influences the decision on getting tested or not. The risk perception can be influenced through public relations and outreach services. All processes within the counseling and testing service should be adapted to assure confidentiality and anonymity. In addition, clients want to have counseling that is accepting and free of prejudices. These elements are therefore important since HIV is often associated with getting stigmatized. Similar concerns regarding stigmatization occur if clie nts have sexual preferences that can be considered as deviant. The clients' fear of stigmatization, judgment and social exclusion requires a high sensitivity for the situation of the clients and acceptance of their lifestyle. CONCLUSION: We have a clear insight into how clients decide on getting tested or not. The factor with the greatest influence in the decision-making process is the individual risk perception and anxiety regarding stigmatization. Stigmatization is suspected as a societal reaction to deviant sexual behavior or to being infected with HIV. Public relations should inform about risk factors and risk perception as well as on confidentiality and anonymity of the service. The use of social media and social networks is highly recommended. New approaches such as home testing could eliminate the concerns regarding confidentiality and anonymity.