The number of people living with HIV in Manchester is more than 2.5 times higher than the England average. Our clinics in Manchester offer you a range of HIV testing options to suit your preference. To book your appointment, you can call our booking team who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or book online.

Confidential HIV Test Manchester

You will be seen by a friendly and discreet clinician in clean and modern facilities. The test needs a small blood sample, to be sent to our accredited laboratory. With fast analysis times, we will provide you with highly accurate and quick results.

In our city centre clinics, you can choose our rapid HIV test. This test provides you with accurate test results just 20 minutes after your finger is pricked for a tiny blood sample. The rapid HIV test is appropriate for detecting HIV if exposure occurred more than 26 days ago.

If HIV is detected and appropriately treated early enough, then you can expect to lead a normal length life. The longer HIV remains untested and without treatment, the greater the chance that the immune system will be damaged permanently and the greater the chance that any treatment you receive will be less effective.

Our range of HIV testing options in Manchester:

  • 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. This test will detect HIV sooner than a traditional antibody test.
  • HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test. This test provides accurate HIV testing results for possible exposures that occurred at least ten days ago. While it is slightly less accurate than HIV DUO testing, it can give 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 the sample is received in the laboratory. This test is available in Manchester as part of our Early Detection Screen.

The right HIV test for you depends on your own circumstances, including how long it has been since the incident that you are concerned about and how quickly you want to receive your results.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is commonly transmitted during unprotected vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who carries the HIV virus. It is possible to transmit HIV through oral sex, but this is less common.

A high risk of infection is through the shared use of a needles, syringes or other drug injecting equipment which has been used by someone who is HIV positive.

It is also possible for HIV to be transmitted through blood transfusion. Most western countries routinely screen all blood products to prevent this occurring.

Symptoms of HIV

Early symptoms of HIV are often described as flu like. They usually occur two to six weeks after initial exposure, and most commonly include: fever, sore throat and body rash, but can also include tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain, swollen glands, nausea and diarrhoea. These symptoms are common to many illnesses, and do not mean you have HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

Research has shown that early detection of HIV is important, as it allows the virus to be monitored and managed, making sure the person receives the most appropriate care available to them.

What if I test positive for HIV?

If you do test positive for HIV, do not worry. We are here to help you. Your Better2Know Doctor will discuss your results with you, and together you can discuss the options, including referral to an HIV Specialist.

You can also speak to the Terrence Higgins Trust. 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.