Same-Day Private HIV Test in London
Private, confidential HIV testing in London with same-day results. Test from 28 days after exposure, with results within 4 hours at our five clinics with on-site labs, or we refund your test fee.
Book a routine HIV test if you have no symptoms and know when the possible exposure happened, with no need to see a GP. If you have symptoms, have had more than one possible exposure or aren't sure which test or timing is right, choose GP-led HIV testing at any of our London clinics and your GP will help you decide.
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What you should know about HIV
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it gradually weakens the body's ability to fight infection. With early diagnosis and treatment, people with HIV can expect to live a long, healthy life.
How is HIV passed on?
- Vaginal or anal sex without a condom
- Sharing needles or other injecting equipment
- From a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding
- Less commonly, through oral sex
HIV is not passed on through kissing, hugging, sharing cups or cutlery, or toilet seats.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
You can't rely on symptoms. Many people with HIV feel completely well for years. A few weeks after infection, some people have a short flu-like illness, sometimes called a seroconversion illness. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- A rash
- Swollen glands
- Headache, muscle aches or feeling generally unwell
Colds, flu and many other viruses cause the same symptoms, so base your decision to test on risk and timing, not symptoms. If you feel very unwell after a possible exposure, for example with severe shortness of breath, chest pain or confusion, get urgent help from NHS 111, an urgent care centre or A&E.
Why does testing matter?
Finding HIV early means treatment can start long before the immune system is damaged. Modern treatment is usually taken once a day, and people whose virus is undetectable on treatment cannot pass HIV on through sex.
When should I get an HIV test?
After a possible risk
- Sex without a condom with a new or casual partner
- A condom that split, came off or wasn't used properly
- Sex with someone who has HIV or whose status you don't know
- Sharing needles or injecting equipment
As part of regular testing
- At least once if you've ever had sex without a condom and never been tested
- Once a year if you have new or multiple partners
- Every 3 to 6 months if you're at higher risk, for example if you're a man who has sex with men, take PrEP or have partners from areas where HIV is more common
How accurate is an HIV test?
HIV tests are highly accurate when taken at the right time. Every test has a window period, the time after infection before HIV can be detected, and a negative result from 45 days after exposure is treated as conclusive. A positive result is confirmed with a further laboratory test before a diagnosis is made. Your result only applies to you, so partners need their own test. If your exposure was sexual, consider testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis too, as they're passed on in similar ways and often cause no symptoms. An STI screen tests for them all in one visit.
Timing matters
Which HIV test should I take, and when?
The right test depends on how long it's been since the possible exposure. If you're not sure, or you've had more than one exposure, a GP can help you plan your testing.
- Within 72 hours: ask about PEP
It's too early to test. Go to an NHS sexual health clinic or A&E today and ask about PEP, emergency HIV medicine that must be started within 72 hours. You can book an HIV test with us later.
- 10 to 27 days: early detection test
It's too late for PEP, and too early for a standard test to be conclusive. An early detection HIV RNA test can pick up infection from around 10 days. A negative result is reassuring, but you'll still need a fourth-generation test from 45 days.
- 28 to 44 days: fourth-generation test
A fourth-generation HIV test will pick up many infections by now. A negative result is very reassuring, but repeat the test from 45 days for a conclusive answer, especially after a higher-risk exposure.
- 45 days or more: conclusive result
A fourth-generation HIV test now gives a conclusive answer, as long as there have been no further risks since. If you've had several possible exposures, book a GP appointment and we'll work out the right testing plan with you.
Your testing options
Routine or GP-led HIV testing?
Choose routine testing if you have no symptoms and it's been at least 28 days since the possible exposure. Choose GP-led testing if you have symptoms, have had several exposures or want help choosing the right test and timing.
Routine testing
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Best for: No symptoms, and 28 days or more since the exposure.
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No GP consultation required: A trained healthcare assistant will take a quick blood sample.
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Test options: A fourth-generation HIV test from 28 days, or an early detection test from 10 days.
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Results and price: Fourth-generation results within 4 hours, delivered securely through your DocTap account. From £63.
GP-led testing
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Best for: Symptoms, several exposures, a positive partner or help choosing a test.
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GP consultation: Your GP will go through what happened, your timing and your level of risk, and take your blood sample in the same appointment.
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The right test at the right time: Advice on fourth-generation, early detection or wider STI testing.
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Support if positive: Your GP will explain your result and refer you to specialist NHS HIV care.
For routine testing without symptoms
Routine HIV tests
Test for HIV on its own, choose an HIV early detect test from 10 days, or book an STI screen, which includes HIV. A trained healthcare assistant takes your blood sample at one of our five London clinics with on-site labs. Prices include the appointment, test, handling fee and results.
HIV test, 4-hour results
4-hour resultsFourth-generation HIV 1&2/p24 antigen. Suitable from 28 days post exposure; conclusive from 45 days. Results within 4 hours, backed by our money-back guarantee.
- HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
- All-inclusive price
HIV early detection
Next-day resultsHIV-1 RNA. Suitable from 10 days post exposure. If negative, a fourth-generation test should be taken from 45 days to confirm. Results by 6pm the next day.
- HIV 1 RNA
- All-inclusive price
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Suitable from 14 days post exposure.+£45 +£50
STI screen, 4-hour results
4-hour resultsOur most popular STI test. Suitable from 45 days post exposure. Same-day STI results within 4 hours, backed by our money-back guarantee.
- HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
- Syphilis antibody
- Chlamydia by PCR
- Gonorrhea by PCR
- All-inclusive price
- Hepatitis B & C Blood tests for hepatitis B and C. Recommended if you're at higher risk.+£39.60 +£44
- Trichomonas A swab or urine test for trichomonas.+£39.60 +£44
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea (throat) A throat swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as well as the urine or swab test in your screen.+£39.60 +£44
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea (rectal) A rectal swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as well as the urine or swab test in your screen.+£39.60 +£44
For symptoms or advice
GP-led HIV tests
See a GP at any of our London clinics for an HIV test on its own, or combined with a wider STI screen. Your GP can assess your symptoms and risk, take your samples and explain your results. Prices include a 15-minute GP consultation, tests, handling fee and results.
HIV test with GP
4-hour results at lab clinics4-hour results at lab clinics, by 6pm the next day elsewhere.
- HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
- 15-minute GP consultation included
- All-inclusive price
4 STI screen
4-hour results at lab clinicsOur most popular GP-led STI screen. Suitable from 45 days after exposure. 4-hour results at select clinics, next day by 6pm elsewhere.
- HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
- Syphilis antibodies
- Chlamydia by PCR
- Gonorrhea by PCR
- 15-minute GP consultation included
- All-inclusive price
6 STI screen
4-hour results at lab clinicsSuitable from 45 days post exposure. 4 hour results at select clinics, next day by 6pm elsewhere.
- HIV 1&2/p24 antigen
- Syphilis antibodies
- Chlamydia by PCR
- Gonorrhea by PCR
- Hepatitis B surface antigen
- Hepatitis C antibodies
- 15-minute GP consultation included
- All-inclusive price
From booking to results
How your HIV test works
Your visit is confidential from start to finish: discreet online booking, a few short questions, a quick blood test and secure results.
- 1Book discreetlyChoose your clinic and HIV test online in a few clicks. You'll get instant confirmation, with no need to call or explain anything over the phone.
- 2Check in with confidenceCheck in at reception as normal, or use remote check-in from your phone if you'd rather spend less time at reception.
- 3Quick check and blood testYour clinician will ask a few short questions about the contact and your timing, then take a quick blood sample from your arm. It's usually over in a few minutes.
- 4Fast, secure resultsYou'll get a message as soon as your result is ready. Fourth-generation tests processed in our on-site labs are back within 4 hours; at other clinics, results are usually ready by 6pm the next day. View your result securely in your DocTap account.
HIV care and support
If your HIV test is positive
A positive result is a shock for anyone, but you won't be on your own. Modern treatment is highly effective, and we'll guide you through every step.
- A clinician will explain your result
- We'll go through your result with you, explain what it means and answer your questions. If a confirmatory blood test is needed, we'll arrange it straight away.
- Fast referral to specialist care
- If HIV is confirmed, we'll refer you to a specialist NHS HIV clinic and, with your consent, share your results so you don't have to start from scratch. The clinic will arrange further tests and start your treatment.
- Effective treatment
- HIV treatment is usually taken once a day and reduces the virus to undetectable levels. Once your virus is undetectable, you cannot pass HIV on through sex. With treatment, people with HIV can expect a near-normal life expectancy.
- Support with telling partners
- We can talk through who may need to know and how to tell them, and point you to specialist support and charities. You stay in control of who is told and when.
- Your result is confidential
- Your result is part of your confidential medical record and isn't shared with employers, family or insurers without your consent, except where the law requires it.
Fast results, GP support
Why choose DocTap for HIV testing?
Fast, confidential testing from a regulated clinic, with GP support if you need it.
- Results in 4 hours
- Fourth-generation results are ready within 4 hours at five clinics with on-site labs, or your test fee is refunded.
- Early detection from 10 days
- If it's too soon for a standard test, an HIV RNA test can give you earlier information.
- Confidential and judgement-free
- Book online, test in a private clinic and view your result securely in your DocTap account.
- Secure, regulated care
- Care from GMC-registered GPs, provided by a CQC-regulated healthcare provider.
Sexual health clinics in London
Get an HIV test near you
Eight clinics near major London stations, including five with on-site labs for 4-hour HIV test results.
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone while you are in the UK — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.
Know your HIV status
If you’ve had a possible exposure, the most important step is getting tested at the right time for a reliable result.
Frequently asked questions
- How soon after exposure should I take an HIV test?
DocTap’s standard fourth-generation HIV antigen/antibody test can detect many infections by 28 days, but a negative result is treated as conclusive from 45 days after the most recent exposure. The HIV-1 RNA early-detection test is available from 10 days, but a negative early result should still be followed by a standard fourth-generation test from 45 days. The available tests and window periods are explained at https://doctap.co.uk/hiv-tests. Testing earlier than the stated window can miss an infection. If the exposure was within the last 72 hours, seek urgent advice about post-exposure prophylaxis instead of waiting to test.
- Which HIV test should I choose: fourth-generation or HIV RNA?
Choose the standard fourth-generation antigen/antibody test from 28 days after exposure; a negative result is treated as conclusive from 45 days. The HIV-1 RNA early-detection test is available from 10 days for earlier information, but a negative RNA result still needs a fourth-generation test from 45 days. The options are explained at https://doctap.co.uk/hiv-tests.
- How quickly will I receive HIV test results?
At selected clinics with on-site laboratories, the fourth-generation HIV test has results within four hours, backed by DocTap’s stated money-back guarantee. At other clinics, fourth-generation and HIV-1 RNA results are usually available by 6pm the next day. Turnaround times can occasionally be longer if additional laboratory testing is required. See current options at https://doctap.co.uk/hiv-tests.
- Can I get a confidential HIV test without symptoms?
Yes. Your appointment, results and records are stored securely and are not shared with your NHS GP, employer or anyone else without your consent, except where required by law or for serious safety reasons. You can view your results privately through your DocTap account. If you want your NHS GP to have a copy, download the relevant record from the Records tab and send it directly to your NHS GP practice.
- What should I do if my HIV exposure was within the past 72 hours?
If the possible exposure was within the past 72 hours, seek urgent advice about PEP rather than waiting for a routine HIV test. PEP works best when started as soon as possible and must be started within 72 hours. Go to an NHS sexual-health clinic or A&E and explain the exposure and timing. You can arrange follow-up HIV testing later.
- What is PEP, and where can I get it?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency HIV medicine taken for 28 days to reduce the chance of infection after a high-risk exposure. It must be started within 72 hours, and the sooner the better. PEP is given by NHS sexual health clinics and A&E, not routine GP appointments, so go straight there rather than waiting for a DocTap appointment. You can book follow-up HIV testing with us later.
- Do you offer instant HIV tests?
Instant HIV tests usually give a result within minutes from a finger-prick sample. At DocTap, a blood sample is taken from your arm and processed in our on-site laboratories, with same-day results within 4 hours at five London clinics, or your test fee is refunded.
- Do I need a GP appointment for an HIV test?
No, not always. If you have no symptoms and it's been at least 28 days since the exposure, you can book a healthcare assistant-led HIV test directly at one of our five clinics with on-site laboratories. If you have symptoms, a more recent exposure or want advice on which test to choose, book a GP-led appointment instead.
- What happens if my HIV test is positive?
A clinician will explain your result and arrange a confirmatory test if needed. If HIV is confirmed, we'll refer you to a specialist NHS HIV clinic for treatment and ongoing care.