HIV Tests
At London Doctors Clinic we offer different HIV tests (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as a stand alone or as part of a broader sti test profiles.
These consultations are available at each London clinic of our 18 convenient locations, and all of that time will be spent with one of our doctors. Each HIV Test will require an additional fee for the consultation time with a GP, usually 15 minutes from £89.
| HIV 1 & 2/p24Ag (HDUO) | £49.00 | 4-6 Hours |
| HIV1/HIV2/HBV/HCV Early Detection Screen (STDX) | £316 | 3 Days |
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and affects your body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
How do you become infected with HIV?
HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person, which includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk. It is a fragile virus and does not survive outside the body for long.
HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine.
The most common way of getting HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also be spread by sharing contaminated needles and through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding if a mother is HIV positive.
What are the Symptoms of HIV?
Many people who are infected will experience a flu like illness in the initial stages of the infection. This is known as a seroconversion illness. The symptoms last for 1-2 weeks.
About 8 in 10 people develop symptoms at this time. The three most common symptoms at this time are:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Rash
After this primary infection you can remain without symptoms for a long time. The virus remains active during this time and can cause damage to your immune system.
Should I Get an HIV Test?
You should seek medical advice as early as possible if you are concerned and think maybe you should get an HIV Test. The earlier that it is diagnosed via HIV testing, the earlier you can have treatment and avoid serious complications.
At London Doctors Clinic we do offer an Early Detection Screen HIV test. This is available within 14 days of any unprotected sexual intercourse, however the HIV test is not 100% reliable and we would always recommend that we follow this up with a further HIV tests at 4 weeks and possibly 3 months if required.
This can be discussed in further detail with your doctor.
How will I get my HIV test results?
We can have your HIV blood test results within 4-6 hours. During the initial consultation we will discuss with you how you would like to receive your results, this may be via telephone or via email.
We may ask for you to return to go through the results together.
What is the treatment for HIV?
HIV is a treatable medical condition and most people with the virus remain fit and well on treatment.
If your HIV test result is positive, we can refer you to HIV specialist for further advice and treatment.