HIV Test London

DocTap specialise in providing the fastest, most convenient, discrete and best value GP let HIV tests and sexual health screens in London.

DocTap provide HIV tests either individually, or as a part of sexual health screen.  The HIV Duo 4th generation HIV test (£55) is the recommended test from 45 days post exposure.  The new early detection rapid HIV test (£159) provides molecular testing for diagnosis from only 10 days post contact. Both are available with next day results.

Simply book an appointment online at any London DocTap clinic.  Same day appointments are available 7 days a week. Your doctor will be able to discuss appropriate options if you wish before carrying out your HIV test.

All records are maintained securely and in the upmost confidence. We will never share your details with your NHS GP or any third party without your express permission.

This is only a small sample of the many sexual health tests which DocTap provide. Our expert doctors can advise you during your consultation on the most appropriate tests for your circumstances. View all blood tests.

What is HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that replicates and damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) describes a number of life-threatening infections and illnesses that only occur when your immune system has been damaged by the HIV virus. AIDS cannot be transmitted from one person to another, but the HIV virus can.

There is currently no cure for HIV, however there are effective drug treatments that enable the majority of people with the virus to live a long and healthy life. 

How do you catch HIV

HIV is found in semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk. It cannot be transmitted through sweat, urine or saliva (because it is a fragile virus that doesn't survive outside the body for long).

The most common way of getting HIV in the UK is through having anal or vaginal sex without a condom.

Other ways of contracting HIV include:

• sharing needles or syringes 
• transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

Symptoms of HIV

Most people experience a short, flu-like illness about 2-6 weeks after the initial contraction of HIV. This flu-like illness can last a week or two. After these symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many years. This means many people with HIV don't know they're infected. In some cases, AIDS can be the first presentation of an HIV infection. 

Certain groups of people are advised to have regular tests as they're at particularly high risk, including:

• Men who have sex with men
• Black African heterosexuals

Testing for HIV

The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test. This involves testing a sample of your blood or saliva for signs of the infection. 

The HIV Duo 4th generation HIV test (£49) is the recommended test from 45 days post exposure. The new early detection rapid HIV test (£159) provides molecular testing for diagnosis from only 10 days post contact.

Prevention of HIV

Anyone who has sex without a condom or shares needles is at risk of HIV infection.  The best way to prevent HIV is to use a condom for sex and never share needles or other injecting equipment, including syringes, spoons and swabs.

Emergency anti-HIV medication called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may stop you becoming infected if started within three days of possible exposure to the virus.

Treatment of HIV

If you test positive for HIV, you'll be referred to a specialist HIV clinic for more tests and a discussion about your treatment options.

HIV is a treatable condition and most people with HIV will remain fit and well.  Antiretroviral medications are used to treat HIV. They work by stopping the virus replicating in the body and allows the immune system to repair itself. These come in the form of tablets, which need to be taken every day. Most people with HIV take a combination of drugs - this is to prevent drug resistance. 

The goal of HIV treatment is to have an undetectable viral load. This means the level of HIV virus in your body is low enough to not be detected by a test.

Common STD Tests

Why Choose DocTap?

DocTap seek to provide the most convenient, fastest, effective and best value private STI testing service in London. With 9 STD clinics across London and same day appointments available 7 days a week, it has never been easier to book an hiv test. We are proud to partner with The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) which has a worldwide reputation for excellence.

Unlike many walk in STI clinics, you will see a UK accredited GP who will be able to offer their expert option on what test is most appropriate for you. Your results will also be accompanied by a written analysis of what they mean and what your doctor advises you to do next. Should additional treatment be required, or if you simply wish to discuss the results in more detail, then you can book a 15 minute follow up consultation for only £25. This can either be at any DocTap clinic or over the phone. When booking your follow up consultation you can request to see you original doctor if you wish (subject to their availability).

Should you require a full consulation before deciding to have an hiv test then there may be insufficient time to also take a blood sample in the appointment. In that case you can choose to either go to our walk in laboratory by Oxford Street (£15 phlebotomy fee applies) or to make a second appointment for the doctor to take the bloods.