Private Rapid HIV RNA Qualitative Test London
Xpert rapid HIV-1 RNA testing can detect HIV from just 10 days after exposure. The earliest possible detection available.
Price
£211
+ £50 blood draw
- Results within 1 day"
- Confidential service
- No GP referral needed
- Professional clinical environment
- Results via secure portal
- Nurse-led expert care
Private Rapid HIV RNA Test in London
South Kensington Medical & Dental provides rapid HIV RNA testing at our CQC-registered clinic. This PCR-based test directly detects HIV-1 RNA in the blood, enabling detection from as early as 10 days after exposure — significantly earlier than antibody-based tests.
The test requires a venous blood sample (vacutainer). Results are available within 1 working day. This test is priced at £211 (includes £50 phlebotomy fee). The sample must be received by the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
No GP referral is required. All testing is performed at UKAS-accredited laboratories using Xpert® HIV-1 technology. Results are communicated confidentially through our secure patient portal.
How Rapid HIV RNA Testing Works
Unlike antibody tests that detect the body's immune response to HIV, RNA testing directly identifies the virus's genetic material (RNA) in the blood. This allows detection during the acute phase of infection, when viral load is typically very high and the individual is most infectious.
The Xpert® HIV-1 platform provides rapid qualitative results. A positive RNA result indicates active HIV infection. This test is particularly valuable for early detection before seroconversion, when antibody tests would still be negative.
Who Benefits from Rapid RNA Testing?
Very recent exposure (10+ days)
The earliest reliable test available, detecting infection before antibodies develop.
Acute retroviral syndrome
Flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after potential exposure may indicate acute HIV infection.
Inconclusive antibody results
RNA testing can resolve indeterminate or equivocal serological results.
Pre-PrEP baseline
Confirming HIV-negative status before starting pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Earliest HIV Detection
Detect HIV RNA from 10 days post-exposure with rapid Xpert technology.
- From 10 days exposure
- Rapid Xpert technology
- Earliest detection
- Direct virus detection
- Reduced anxiety
Strictly Confidential
Your privacy is protected
Fast Results
Results within 1 day"
Expert Care
Professional clinical team
Accurate Testing
Lab-certified results
How It Works
Book Online
Choose a convenient date and time
Visit Clinic
Quick and discreet appointment
Sample Collection
Professional, comfortable process
Get Results
Results within 1 day"
Frequently Asked Questions
From approximately 10 days after exposure - the earliest detection possible.
You May Also Be Interested In
Related tests frequently booked alongside this one
Meet Our Medical Team
Our experienced medical team is fully qualified and registered with the GMC and NMC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
