Birmingham has one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnosis in the West Midlands. The most important factor in successfully managing HIV is getting tested as early as possible, and then seeking appropriate treatment. At our Birmingham clinics, you can get tested for HIV as soon as ten days after exposure.

Confidential HIV Test Birmingham

Better2Know offers fast results and confidential appointments for HIV testing in Birmingham. Our service is discreet and our clinics are clean, modern and Care Quality Commission approved. Our HIV tests require a simple blood sample.

Our team are friendly and non-judgmental, and will make your test as easy as possible. You can call our helpful booking team 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also book your test online.

HIV testing options in Birmingham:

  • Rapid HIV Test. Provides a highly accurate HIV test result within 20 minutes while you wait. This test is appropriate for detecting HIV exposures that have occurred more than 26 days ago.
  • 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 allows for detection of any HIV infection sooner than a traditional antibody test.
  • HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test. This test provides accurate HIV results for possible exposures that occurred at least ten days ago. While it is slightly less accurate than HIV DUO testing, it can provide you with 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 your sample is received in the laboratory. This test is also available as part of our Early Detection Screen.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV transmission can commonly occur if you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who is HIV positive. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV also risks exposure to the virus.

It is also possible to become infected with HIV through blood transfusions. This is rare within the UK, as all blood products are screened prior to use.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The early symptoms of HIV are similar to many common illnesses, often occurring between two to four weeks after initial exposure and lasting up to four weeks.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Body rash
  • Tiredness
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Swollen glands
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea.

The only way to find out if you are HIV positive is to get tested. Better2Know offers you a choice of tests depending on how long ago your potential exposure was.

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 in HIV, who will help you with the next steps in managing HIV.

Better2Know is supported by the Terrence Higgins Trust, who have been providing advice to the newly diagnosed for over 30 years. We can help you to speak to an advisor at the Trust if you choose.