Rapid HIV Testing Service

Dears Pharmacy in partnership with Better2Know’s offers an instant HIV test. Our test will bring you accurate results just 26 days after any incident that you are concerned about. The test is performed by our pharmacy team while you wait. You will have your HIV result in no longer than 20 minutes.

Key HIV and Testing Information:

STI Type: Virus
Transmission Infected body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate and breast milk / Unprotected sex with an infected person / Contaminated objects such as needles / Mother to child before or during birth
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy
Consequences: Lifelong medical treatment / Weakened immune system / Increased risk of acquiring other STIs / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Sample needed: Finger Stick (blood)
Incubation Period: 26 days
Results time: 20 minute

When can I get tested?

You can receive confidential instant HIV testing as early as 26 days after an incident of concern. This period of incubation is recommended to ensure the accuracy of your rapid HIV results. If you choose to get tested before this suggested time has elapsed, your HIV results may not be as accurate.

Regular HIV testing is important to maintain your health and that of your partners. HIV is a viral infection which will reduce your CD4 immune cells, weakening your body’s ability to defend against the infection and other foreign pathogens.

What happens during my appointment?

Please attend your appointment on time. Our pharmacy colleague will greet you, explain the instant HIV testing process to you, and collect your samples.
Your clinician will collect a small blood sample for your instant HIV test. This will either be with a finger stick using a lancet or a normal blood sample. Your sample will be applied to the instant HIV test strip, along with a chase buffer solution. The test takes around 20 minutes to run.

What happens when I receive my result?

You will receive your confidential results within 20 minutes after sample collection. You will be given a signed and completed copy of your Rapid Test Results Report, outlining the results of your instant HIV test.

If your instant HIV test is reactive, further testing will be conducted as no medical diagnosis should be based on one test. A confirmation test is included in your Better2Know test.

If your confirmation test is positive, you will be referred to a specialist who will help to determine the right pathway for you. You will be asked to provide more blood samples to determine the effect of HIV on your system, before beginning treatment.

How does the test work?

Better2Know’s instant HIV test uses your blood sample to detect the p24 antigen (a protein associated with HIV) and the HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies. If either of these are found by the test, it will show a reactive result.

If your test is negative for either the p24 antigen or HIV antibodies there will only be one line, in the control section of the test strip.

If you are reactive for the p24 antigen or HIV I/II antibodies, there will be two lines. A red line will appear in the relevant sections on the test strip, as well as the control line. We will then do confirmatory testing at our CPA accredited laboratory at no further cost to you.

How accurate is my instant HIV test?

Better2Know’s private instant HIV test is highly sensitive and specific. The test is 99.8% accurate at 26 days post exposure.

Is my appointment confidential?

Your personal information, testing and results is completely confidential. You can remain completely anonymous and you do not have to give us your real name.

What other STIs can I get tested for?

You can choose an instant HIV test on its own or combine it with other instant tests or laboratory-based tests to create a more extensive screen. As well as HIV, you can also receive instant STI results for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. We can help advise you on how to choose the most suitable testing options for your personal needs.

Service details

Price: Our testing service costs £160 per person.