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Private HIV Testing in London
HIV in London

Private HIV Testing in London

If you're in London and at risk of HIV infection, it's important to seek medical advice as soon as possible and get tested to know your status. The earlier HIV is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin—significantly improving long-term health outcomes.

For accurate results, HIV testing is typically reliable from around two weeks after potential exposure, depending on the type of test used.

At STI Clinic UK, we provide reliable, discreet, and private HIV testing—giving you clarity and peace of mind with every service we offer.

You can book our services online.

Pricing

£66
  • Timeframe 1 day
Sample type
  • Blood
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Private HIV Testing

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) targets and weakens the immune system by attacking specific white blood cells, making it harder for the body to fight infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection.

While there is currently no cure for HIV, the condition is highly manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a daily treatment that helps control the virus, protect the immune system, and prevent transmission to others.

When is a test required?

An HIV test becomes a necessity if you suspect being a carrier of the virus or if you need reassurance that you aren’t infected with HIV.

You should visit STI Clinic UK as early as 10 days after possible exposure if you:

  • Have sex with multiple partners
  • Had sex with a new partner without the use of protection
  • Have any other STI (Sexually transmitted infection)
  • Are pregnant or expecting pregnancy
  • Have recent exposure or worries about being exposed or infected

Getting tested as early as possible is vital when it comes to the management and treatment of this virus.

Why should I get tested for HIV?

Knowing your HIV status is vital for your well-being and also protects your friends and loved ones. Early diagnosis of HIV alongside treatment can significantly impact the outcome of your health and reduce the risk of other people getting infected with the virus. If you want to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, then getting tested is the right step to take, and it also promotes your health.

Step by Step procedure

Getting prepared for the test:

HIV testing needs no special preparation. Nonetheless, ensure you are adequately hydrated and eat prior to the test. Coming along with a means of identification and some information about your health history would also be good.

During the test:

Our healthcare practitioner will do a finger prick or draw a blood sample from your arm based on your chosen test. Sometimes, the test may require a mouth swab. With the help of our expertly trained medical personnel, you can be sure that this will be done quickly and with zero to little discomfort.

Getting your result:

Your result could be ready within a few minutes or after a couple of days, depending on the type of test chosen. Regardless of the outcome, our medical practitioners will guide you and provide the needed support, from management to further testing or treatment. You can be guaranteed very discreet and professional services.

Symptoms of HIV

In the first 2 to 4 weeks after infection, some people may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. This is known as acute HIV infection and is the body's initial response to the virus.

With the right HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy), the virus can be well controlled, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives. However, without treatment, HIV continues to multiply and gradually weakens the immune system. Over time, this can lead to persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, recurring fevers, and increased vulnerability to infections.

If left untreated, HIV may progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) within 8 to 10 years, though this timeline can vary between individuals.

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted in several ways, most commonly through the exchange of certain body fluids. These include:

  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV, particularly if there's no use of barrier protection such as condoms.
  • Mother-to-child transmission, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is HIV-positive and not receiving treatment.
  • Exposure to infected blood, including the use of unsterilised needles, sharing injecting equipment, or receiving unscreened blood products (though blood is routinely screened in the UK).

Our STI packages

We have a wide range of packages to suit every individual, ranging from a series of tests to the types of tests included. Kindly speak to a medical personnel member for advice on the most suitable test for you.

Get tested today

For more information regarding your confidential HIV testing in the UK, kindly contact us via phone or email, and we will be sure to provide you with the necessary professional guidance you require.

FAQs

Infected individuals might not show any symptoms in the first 10 years. A very common symptom is seroconversion – this is a flu-like phase occurring within 2-4 weeks post-infection to the virus, but some people are asymptomatic.

It could be through oral, anal, or vaginal sexual intercourse. The most common method in the UK is via unprotected sex. It can also be spread through sharing objects such as needles or undergoing surgeries without proper sterilisation.

A mother also has the ability to transmit to her baby through breastfeeding or at birth. The viral infection remains in the bodily fluid of an infected person, such as vaginal, breast milk, anal, and blood. The virus can’t be contracted through urine, sweat or saliva.

We have different offerings, but you can be guaranteed private HIV testing. Our range of offerings is tailored to suit each individual’s needs. Using our standard HIV test, it takes a minimum of 28 days post-exposure for the virus to be detected.

Our early-detection viral test option can provide accurate results 10 days after exposure to the virus.

If you are required to provide an HIV status certificate due to a visa application process, we can issue you a certificate once your result is ready.

Most STI tests are accurate, so it is very unlikely. Regardless, STI tests may show false positive results on the following occasions:

  • The test was taken before the incubation period was over. To avoid this, accurately check the ‘from date’ before each test.
  • The test was wrongly taken: If the test was taken at home, strictly follow the laid out instructions. If you are unsure of the procedure, make sure you reach out to our team or book an appointment with our experts, where a specially trained practitioner will take the test for you.

At STI Clinic UK, we follow a detailed procedure and ensure re-testing for all HIV-positive samples in order to provide accurate results. Upon your appointment, our sexual health doctor will provide guidance and support, provide all the information that may be needed, and provide the steps to take if necessary.