Confidential HIV Test Wigan

Better2Know offers a private, confidential, and anonymous HIV testing service at our clinics in Wigan. WE have a friendly, non-judgemental team who will help you to get your tests done as easily as possible.

You can call our booking team to book your appointment, 24 hours a day. seven days a week, you can book a test online.

We offer the following options for HIV testing at our Wigan clinic:

  • 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. This will detect any HIV infection up to two months 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 from when the sample is received in the laboratory. This test is available in Wigan along with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

How can you get HIV?

You are at risk of catching HIV, if you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who already has the virus. If you share needles or syringes with someone who is HIV positive, then you are also at high risk.

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

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

The early symptoms of HIV can begin to occur between two to four weeks after exposure, lasting for up to four weeks.  They may include:

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

These symptoms are a sign the body is trying to fight off the infection.  They are common symptoms to many illnesses.  They are not a definite sign that you have HIV. Research carried out by the National Aids Trust suggest that 70% to 90% of those newly infected with HIV may have some symptoms.

The only way you can know if you have HIV is by getting tested. The sooner after exposure you get tested, the greater the chance that the appropriate treatment will be effective.  This means that anyone who tests positive early, and gets the appropriate treatment, can expect to live a normal length of life.

What if I test positive?

If you do test positive then do not worry, we are here to help you. Your Better2Know Doctor will refer you to a specialist HIV Clinic who will help you work our an appropriate treatment and advice plan.

You can also get advice and support through our partner, the Terrence Higgins Trust who have been providing advice to the newly diagnosed for over 30 years.