HIV test in Chiswick

What the test measures

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) affects the immune system. Many people have no symptoms for years, so a test is the only way to know your status. Finding HIV early means treatment can start sooner, and modern treatment, which is free on the NHS, allows people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.

This is a fourth generation laboratory test. It looks for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, which your body makes in response to the virus, and for p24 antigen, a part of the virus itself that appears before antibodies do. Checking for both shortens the time before a reliable answer is possible.

Testing at Omnia is confidential and non-judgemental. The price includes your blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed and most results are ready within a few working days.

Who it is for

• You have had sex without a condom, or a condom split, with a partner whose status you do not know.
• You have a new partner, or you both want to test before stopping condoms.
• You have shared needles or other injecting equipment.
• A partner has told you they have HIV.
• You simply want a routine check for your own peace of mind.

Free HIV testing is available at NHS sexual health clinics, and they are an excellent option. Private testing suits people who want speed, privacy, or a booked clinic appointment that fits around work.

Understanding your result

Negative: no HIV antibodies or p24 antigen were found. Under current UK guidance from BHIVA and BASHH, a fourth generation laboratory test is reliable from 45 days after the last possible exposure. If you tested sooner than that, the result is reassuring, but you should repeat the test once 45 days have passed.

Reactive: a reactive result does not on its own mean you have HIV. It must be confirmed with further tests on a second blood sample. Your practitioner will talk it through with you in private, explain what happens next and help you get a prompt appointment at an NHS HIV or sexual health clinic for confirmation and specialist care.

Get urgent help: if you think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, do not wait for a test. Go to a sexual health clinic straight away, or to A&E if the clinic is closed, and ask about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is emergency HIV medicine that may stop you becoming infected.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast, and you can eat and drink as usual. Note the date of your last possible exposure so your practitioner can confirm whether 45 days have passed. If you have recently taken PEP, tell your practitioner, as they will advise on the right time to test.

HIV is often checked alongside other infections. You can compare all STI tests, including blood screens that add syphilis and hepatitis, or pair this with our syphilis test. Our overview page lists every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an HIV test in Chiswick?

The HIV test costs £49 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a confidential practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

How soon after exposure can I have an HIV blood test in London?

A fourth generation test like ours is reliable from 45 days after exposure. You can test earlier for peace of mind, but you will need a repeat test after 45 days to be sure.

How long do results take?

Most results are ready within a few working days. Your practitioner will contact you to go through the result, whatever it shows.

Is the test confidential?

Yes. Your result is discussed with you alone, and a GP feedback report is only prepared if you ask for one.