Private HIV Early Detection Test in the City of London
HIV early detection testing at our City of London clinic using PCR/RNA technology. Can detect HIV infection from approximately 10 days after potential exposure, before standard antibody tests.
Price
£211
+ £50 blood draw
- Results within 1 day"
- Confidential service
- No GP referral needed
- Professional clinical environment
- Results via secure portal
- Nurse-led expert care
Private HIV Testing at Our City of London Clinic
Our clinic provides confidential HIV testing using fourth-generation laboratory assays that detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies alongside p24 antigen. This combined approach allows for reliable detection from approximately four weeks after potential exposure, though a confirmatory test at twelve weeks is recommended for a definitive result.
HIV testing is an important component of routine sexual health care. Public Health England recommends that individuals who are sexually active consider regular testing, particularly those with new or multiple partners. Early detection of HIV enables timely referral to specialist care and access to antiretroviral therapy, which can suppress the virus to undetectable levels. The principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is well established in clinical guidance, meaning effective treatment prevents onward sexual transmission.
At our clinic, samples are collected by trained nursing staff and processed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. We do not offer rapid or point-of-care HIV tests — all results are laboratory-confirmed to ensure clinical accuracy. If a reactive result is returned, our clinical team will discuss the findings with you confidentially and facilitate an appropriate onward referral to an NHS or private specialist service for confirmatory testing and ongoing management.
Who May Consider This Test
- Individuals who have had unprotected sexual contact with a new partner
- Anyone who has not been tested for HIV in the past 12 months
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), where annual or more frequent testing is advised
- People who have shared injecting equipment or had tattoos or piercings in non-clinical settings
- Those who have had a sexual partner from a region with higher HIV prevalence
- Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a flu-like illness 2–4 weeks after potential exposure
Total: £261
Preparing for Your HIV Test
No fasting or dietary preparation is required before this test
You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications as normal
Consider the window period — testing is reliable from approximately 4 weeks post-exposure, with a confirmatory test recommended at 12 weeks
Bring photo identification to your appointment for registration purposes
Allow approximately 10–15 minutes for your appointment including registration and sample collection
Important Clinical Information
This is a screening test only. A reactive result requires confirmatory testing through an NHS or specialist laboratory service. This clinic does not diagnose or treat HIV infection.
Earlier Detection with RNA Testing
RNA/PCR testing detects the virus itself rather than antibodies, allowing for earlier detection after potential exposure.
- Detection possible from around 10 days post-exposure
- PCR/RNA technology for earlier sensitivity
- Appropriate for recent exposure concerns
- Highly accurate detection method
- Results typically within 2-3 working days
100% Confidential
Your privacy is protected
Fast Results
Results within 1 day"
Expert Care
Professional clinical team
Accurate Testing
Lab-certified results
How It Works
Book Online
Choose a convenient date and time
Visit Clinic
Quick and discreet appointment
Sample Collection
Professional, comfortable process
Get Results
Results within 1 day"
Frequently Asked Questions
Early detection HIV tests can identify infection from approximately 10 days after exposure, compared to 4-6 weeks for standard antibody tests.
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Patient Reviews
We're preparing to welcome our first patients at St Paul's Medical & Dental. Patient reviews will be available once we open our doors in April 2026.
We look forward to providing exceptional dental and medical care to the City of London community.
Meet Our Medical Team
Our experienced medical team is fully qualified and registered with the GMC and NMC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At St Paul's Medical & Dental, we are in process of registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
