Confidential HIV Test Bristol

Better2Know has an anonymous, confidential, and discreet HIV testing service at our Clinic in Bristol. Our Clinic is clean and modern.  Our staff are friendly and non-judgemental. They will assist you with your test with the minimum amount of fuss. Better2Know is supported by the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading sexual health charity. If you would like pre or post test counseling, we can help you to speak to them if you choose.

Your HIV test, only needs a blood sample.  This is sent, the same day, to a leading accredited laboratory, which has fast turnaround times, so you will get your results quickly.

On Wednesdays, we can also offer you a Rapid HIV Test.  This test gives a highly accurate result while you wait.  It takes around 20 minutes, and is appropriate for detecting HIV in exposures that have taken place at least 26 days ago.

You can call our booking team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to book your appointment. If you do not want to speak to anyone than you can request your appointment online.

The full range of tests in Bristol are:

  • Rapid HIV Test. Provides a highly accurate test result within 20 minutes while you wait. This test is appropriate for detecting HIV exposures that have occurred more than 26 days ago.
  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. Provides a very accurate test result for possible exposures that occurred at least four weeks ago. Results are available the same day your sample is received in the laboratory. The HIV Duo test combines an HIV antibody and HIV antigen test.  This combination detects any HIV infection sooner than a traditional antibody-only test.
  • HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test. This test provides accurate HIV testing results for possible exposures that occurred at least ten days ago. While it is slightly less accurate than HIV DUO testing, it can give peace of mind earlier.  It should be followed up at 28 days with a DUO test. The results for this HIV test take three working days from when the sample is received in the laboratory. This test is available in Bristol with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as part of our Early Detection Screen.

Symptoms of HIV

Many people who are infected with the HIV virus, experience flu-like symptoms for a short period of time shortly after they first become infected.  These early symptoms are a sign that your immune system is putting up a fight against the infection. These symptoms occur two to six weeks after infection.  They can last up to four weeks.  They are not a definite sign that you have HIV.  The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever (raised temperature)
  • Sore throat
  • Body rash

Other symptoms can include:

  • Tiredness
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Swollen glands

These symptoms are common in many illnesses, including colds and flu.  The only way to know you have HIV  is to get tested. The earlier you get tested, the better your prognosis.  An early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, means that HIV is no longer the life-threatening illness it once was. 

What if I test positive for HIV?

Firstly, do not worry, we are here to help. Your Better2Know Doctor will refer you to a specialist where you can get advice and support.  We are also supported by the Terrence Higgins Trust who have been providing expert guidance to people newly diagnosed positive for over 30 years. We will be able to help you to speak to an advisor at the Trust if you would like.