Confidential HIV Test Preston

If HIV is detected and appropriately treated early enough, then there is less reason to fear the virus than there has been in the past. A person who is tested, and effectively treated, at all stages of the infection can still lead a normal length life.

The longer HIV remains untested, and without treatment, the greater the chance that the immune system will be permenantly damaged.  This also means that any treatment started late, will be less effective.

Our clinic in Preston offers two HIV testing options.  Our clinic is clean and modern.  The team are friendly and discreet.  They will ensure that your test is as easy as possible.

Your sample will be sent for anallysis in our accredited laboratory.  Better2Know has a fast results reporting to provide highly you with accurate and fast results.

You can call our booking team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or book a test online.

Our HIV testing options in Preston include:

  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. Provides very accurate HIV testing results 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 in order to detect 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 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 to come back from the laboratory. This test is available in Preston with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

How can you get HIV?

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluid, most commonly during unprotected vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who carries the HIV virus.  It is also possible to gain exposure to HIV through oral sex. although this is less common.

Another high risk of infection is through the sharing a needle, syringe or other drug injecting equipment which has been used by someone who is HIV positive.

It is also possible for HIV to be transmitted through blood transfusion.  Most western countries routinely screen all blood products to prevent this occurring.

Symptoms of HIV

Early symptoms of HIV are the outward sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection.  They are often described as “flu-like” in nature. These symptoms usually occur two to six weeks after initial exposure, and can last for up to four weeks. Research carried out by the National Aids Trust shows that 70% to 90% of people newly infected with HIV develop these symptoms.

They most commonly include a fever, sore throat and body rash, but can also include tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain, swollen glands, nausea and diarrhoea.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

What if I test Positive for HIV?

If you do test positive then do not worry, we are here to help you. Your Better2Know Doctor will refer you to a specialist in HIV, who will help design the best treatment and advise for you.

Better2Know is supported by the Terrence Higgins Trust, who have been providing advice to the newly diagnosed for over 30 years.