Confidential HIV Test Portsmouth

Our Better2Know clinics in Portsmouth, provide a confidential, anonymous and discreet HIV testing service for you.  They have a clean and modern environment. Our staff are friendly and non-judgemental. They will make your test as easy as possible.  Your sample will be sent to our accredited laboratory.   We have fast results times, and will provide you with highly accurate and quick results.

To book your appointment, you can call our booking team, or book on online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At our Portsmouth clinic there are three HIV testing options for you to choose from:

  • Rapid HIV Test. Provides you with an accurate HIV 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 very accurate HIV testing results for exposures that occurred at least four weeks ago. Results are available the same day your sample is received in the laboratory. This HIV Duo test combines an HIV antibody and HIV antigen test.  This will detect an HIV infection sooner than a traditional antibody test.
  • HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test. This test provides accurate HIV testing results for possible exposures that occurred within at leat 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 receipt of the sample by the laboratory. This is available in Portsmouth with Hepatitis B and C, as part of our Early Detection Screen.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV

The only way to tell if a you have HIV is to be tested.The early symptoms are similar to those found in many common illnesses. These symptoms, when the occur, usually start between two and six weeks after initial exposure.  They can last for up to four weeks.  They may include:

  • High fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

How is HIV Transmitted?

There is a high risk of HIV transmission if you have unprotected vaginal, or anal sex with someone who already has the HIV virus. It is possible, but less common, for HIV to be transmitted through oral sex.

If you share needles or syringes with someone who is HIV positive, or have sex with someone who does, then you are at high risk of catching the virus.

You can also become infected with HIV through blood transfusions.  Now thatall blood in the UK is screened, this has become much rarer.

What happens if I test positive?

If you test positive, do not worry, we are here to help you. Your Better2Know doctor will refer you to a specialist, who will help you with your treatment.  The Terrence Higgins Trust will provide any support, and advice you need. They are experts with over 30 years’ experience of providing advice, and have over 30 centres nationwide.