Contaminated Blood Inquiry: How Better2Know Can Help You

In the 1970s and 1980s, 5000 people with blood disorders such as Haemophilia were treated with contaminated blood products. In many cases, this resulted in the development of HIV or Hepatitis C or both. Though a public inquiry was launched in July 2017, almost 3000 infected people have died. There is an estimate from one campaigner that as many as 300,000 may have been infected with contaminated blood. Early detection for blood-borne infections is extremely important. Even if you think you have not been affected directly by contaminated blood from the 1970s and 1980s, you can still contract these types of infection from affected individuals through sharing personal items, such as needles or razors. Bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C can also be sexually transmitted during unprotected sex. This includes oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested. The earlier you get tested, the earlier you can receive the treatment you need.

Better2Know’s private STI clinics are conveniently located throughout the country including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Swansea, Birmingham and many other locations.

Better2Know is the UK’s leading provider of private STI testing services. Our wide range of confidential and anonymous sexual health screens or tests will provide fast, accurate results for a variety of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Better2Know’s team of highly trained sexual health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen to your sexual health concerns, help you choose the most appropriate STI test or screen for you, and to arrange your confidential booking.

Better2Know’s HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Testing Options

Better2Know provides a variety of STI screens and tests that are designed with your sexual health concerns in mind. Your personal information is completely confidential, and a choice of anonymity will be offered upon arranging your private appointment. You will receive swift, efficient testing for a range of infections including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

A recommended period of incubation is associated with Better2Know’s STI tests and screens. This is the time between potential exposure to infection and your Better2Know test. If you decide to test before the suggested time, then your results may not be as accurate as they can be.

Instant HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Testing

Better2Know’s instant testing range provides rapid results for seven sexually transmitted infections. Aside from HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, this also includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Herpes I/II.

• Instant HIV Test: Available from a 26-day incubation period, Better2Know’s instant HIV test will report your results from 20 minutes after sample collection. This test will test for the p24 antigen and HIV I/II antibodies. Our rapid HIV test is 99.8% accurate from 26 days post exposure.
• Instant Hepatitis B Test: You can have Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis B test after an incubation period of 28 days. Highly sensitive and 100% accurate, our rapid Hepatitis B test will detect the Hepatitis B surface antigen. You will receive your results from 15 minutes after you have provided your blood sample.
• Instant Hepatitis C Test: Better2Know’s instant Hepatitis C test looks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. Available after a 10-day period of incubation your results will be reported from 15 minutes once you have provided your blood sample. This confidential testing option is 100% accurate following the suggested period of incubation.
• Instant Four Bloods Screen: This thorough confidential screening option combines instant tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis. Using a single blood sample, you will receive rapid results less than 30 minutes following sample collection.

Recommended STI Screens for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

You can receive individual testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. You may also combine tests to give yourself a more comprehensive view of your sexual health, this is referred to as an STI screen. Better2Know’s provides a wide range of STI screening options for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing. Our suggested sexual health screens are mentioned below:

Fast Four Bloods: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis

• Available from 28 days of incubation.
• Results are reported just one working day from receipt of sample at our CPA accredited laboratory.

Early Detection Screen: HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

• You can have this STI screen just 10 days after potential exposure.
• Earliest available testing for these three STIs thanks to our fully certified laboratory’s cutting-edge PCR technology.
• You will receive your results after three working days of your sample’s arrival at Better2Know’s laboratory.

Platinum Screen: HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and Gardnerella

• Better2Know’s Platinum Screen is available after a 28-day period of incubation.
• Our most extensive STI screening option, with tests for eleven infections.
• Your results will be reported after three working days, following the arrival of your samples at our laboratory.

Positive STI Results

If your blood test is reactive for infection, Better2Know’s laboratory will conduct confirmatory testing free of charge. If your instant test for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or Syphilis is reactive, you will be asked to provide an additional venous blood sample (if you previously gave a finger prick lancet blood sample) for confirmatory testing.

If you test positive for a blood-borne STI, Better2Know will help you access the treatment and advice you need. Our experienced sexual health advisors can help you arrange private doctor’s consultations, refer you to a specialist, or arrange a confidential appointment with our qualified counsellor if you are feeling overwhelmed with your STI test or results.

Arrange Your Private Appointment in the UK Today

Book your confidential STI test or screen now by selecting the orange button at the top of the page. If you would like additional guidance, please phone Better2Know’s expert sexual health advisors on the number above. They will answer any questions you may have before arranging your private appointment.