What Are the Options for HIV Testing?

There are two main types of HIV tests - the Antibody test, which is inexpensive and developed for routine testing and the Antigen test which detects HIV soon following infection. There are 3 main options for taking HIV tests in the UK. These are House, private or NHS screening. We investigate the three choices for taking the test.

HIV House screening was launched in the UK in 2006. The public collects a saliva sample and sends it to a lab to be analysed. The screening was initially banned because there was no counselling available. Nevertheless, post test counselling is now available if the outcome is not "all clear". The problem is that the test is much less dependable that a normal blood test, and a blood test with nonetheless be needed to confirm infection. The saliva test is much less sensitive and is not likely to be able to detect a recent infection. In short the blood test is more reliable, and if you take the test with the NHS, the blood test is also free. There is also a house test that you can buy that enables you to take the sample and get the result at home, nevertheless Avert, the international AIDS and HIV charity, reports that this test is illegal in the UK.

A private HIV screening costs from about GBP 100. The benefit of visiting a clinic is that you can ensure a dependable outcome. A good rapid HIV result which can use either blood or saliva needs to be followed up by a confirmatory test.

Alternatively you can visit a walk in NHS GUM clinic for totally free and confidential screening. The NHS will carry out a easy blood test, nevertheless patients in a greater risk group will also be offered the rapid HIV screening. A positive outcome from the NHS has the advantage of becoming able to offer good counselling and referral to specialist HIV clinics.

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