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20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL

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HIV Testing

We believe that regular HIV testing is a crucial step toward maintaining your health and protecting your loved ones. For this reason, we are committed to providing private testing services for all our patients to ensure comfort.

BOOK NOW 020 7183 2362

Why HIV Testing is Important

  • Knowing your HIV status empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and relationships.
  • A diagnosis made early allows for early treatment, hence improving the quality of life.
  • Effective treatment reduces the risk of HIV infection in others.
  • Testing during pregnancy ensures appropriate measures are taken to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
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When to Get Tested for HIV

Routine testing: Everyone aged 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.

High-risk groups: Test more frequently (every 3 to 6 months) if you:

  • Are a man who has intercourse with men.
  • Have multiple sexual partners or a sexual partner who lives with HIV.
  • Share needles or drug injection equipment.
  • Trade sex for money or drugs.
  • Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI), hepatitis, or tuberculosis.

Post-exposure testing: If you think you have been exposed to HIV, get tested immediately. Then, follow up with a second test after 45 to 90 days.

During pregnancy: Testing during each pregnancy reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help - get in touch or book your appointment today.

BOOK NOW 020 7183 2362

How HIV Tests Work

Types of tests:

  • Antibody tests: Detect antibodies produced in response to HIV, which are done using blood or oral fluid. The results are quick, often within 30 minutes.
  • Antigen/antibody tests: These will detect HIV antigens (p24) and antibodies against the virus. It is done using blood drawn from a vein in the lab or a finger prick, which is used for a more rapid test.
  • Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT): Detect the HIV itself. It is the most sensitive test; hence, it is ideal for early detection. Requires blood drawn from a vein.

Window periods:

  • NAT: It detects the presence of HIV within 10-33 days after exposure.
  • Antigen/antibody lab test: HIV can be detected 18-45 days after exposure.
  • Rapid antibody tests: Can detect HIV 23-90 days post-exposure.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help - get in touch or book your appointment today.

BOOK NOW 020 7183 2362

How HIV Tests Work

Types of tests:

  • Antibody tests: Detect antibodies produced in response to HIV, which are done using blood or oral fluid. The results are quick, often within 30 minutes.
  • Antigen/antibody tests: These will detect HIV antigens (p24) and antibodies against the virus. It is done using blood drawn from a vein in the lab or a finger prick, which is used for a more rapid test.
  • Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT): Detect the HIV itself. It is the most sensitive test; hence, it is ideal for early detection. Requires blood drawn from a vein.

Window periods:

  • NAT: It detects the presence of HIV within 10-33 days after exposure.
  • Antigen/antibody lab test: HIV can be detected 18-45 days after exposure.
  • Rapid antibody tests: Can detect HIV 23-90 days post-exposure.
BOOK NOW 020 7183 2362

Where to Get Tested

In-person testing options
  • Sexual health clinics.
  • General practitioners or family doctors.
  • HIV testing sites such as community-based organizations.
At-home testing
  • Self-testing kits: Finger prick and oral gum swabs can be used, and results can be provided within minutes.
  • Postal tests: A sample is sent to a lab, and the results are returned in about one week.
Free or low-cost testing
  • Many clinics and organizations offer free or subsidized HIV testing.
  • Testing is usually covered without co-pays under health insurance.

Steps for Getting Tested

Choose your testing method:

  • Visit the clinic, testing center, or your GP.
  • Order a self-test or a postal test online.

Perform the test:

  • With self-tests, carefully follow the instructions for an accurate result.

At the clinic, this procedure will

Results:

Rapid tests provide results in 15-30 minutes. However, getting the results with lab tests may take 1-7 days.

Follow-up (if necessary):

  • Positive results should be confirmed by testing.
  • A negative result after possible exposure may be repeated following the window period.
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Testing Frequency Guidelines

General recommendation:

Test at least annually if sexually active.

High-risk groups include:

  • Gay, bisexual men, and others having condomless sex: Every 3 to 6 months.
  • Black African men and women with new or casual partners: Every year or every 3 months.
  • Transgender individuals with risk factors. Every year or every 3 months.

Post-exposure situations:

Test immediately and after the window period recommended.

What to Do After Testing

Positive results:

  • Confirm diagnosis with follow-up testing.
  • Start treatment immediately to suppress the viral load so that it is undetectable.
  • Inform sexual or needle-sharing partners to prevent further transmission.
  • Seek out emotional and medical support via professionals and community resources.

Negative results:

  • Continue with the methods of prevention, including condom use and not sharing needles.
  • Retest periodically if you are in a high-risk category.
  • Discuss preventive options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP with a healthcare provider.

Why Choose Us for HIV Testing

  • Accessible services: We offer convenient, in-person testing at our clinic.
  • Discretion:Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.
  • Comprehensive care:We assist you from testing through treatment.
BOOK NOW 020 7183 2362

We are open

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday & Sunday by Appointment Only

Call Us

020 7183 2362

E-Mail Us

[email protected]

Address

20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL