Confidential HIV Test Newcastle

Better2Know offer an anonymous and confidential service in Newcastle upon Tyne. Our service is for you if you are looking to be tested for HIV and want fast results. Our staff in our Newcastle clinics are friendly and discreet.

HIV is no longer the life threatening infection it once was.  The key to succesful HIV management is detecting HIV as early as possible.  This allows you to receive the most appropriate care. With correct management, an HIV positive person can expect to lead a normal length of life.  With our Early Detection Screen, we can detect the virus from just 10 days after any potential exposure.

You can call our booking team 24 hours a day seven days a week, or book your test online

Our range of HIV testing options in Newcastle:

  • 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.  This test is available in the City Centre clinic.
  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. Provides very accurate HIV testing results for any 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 detects an HIV infection sooner than a traditional antibodyonly 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 laboraoty.  This HIV test is available in Newcastle along with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

How is HIV Transmitted?

Unprotected vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who is HIV positive is a high risk activity. It is also possible to become infected with HIV through oral sex, but the risk however is lower.

Sharing a needle or syringe with someone who already has HIV, or having sex with someone who does, increases the risk of exposure to the virus.

It is also possible for HIV to be transmitted through blood transfusions.  In most Western countries, blood products are now routinely screened. This form of transmission is rare.

What are the Symptoms?

Early symptoms typically occur two to four weeks after exposure.  They can be similar to many common illnesses such as colds and flu. These can include fever, headaches, a sore throat, rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Due to the common nature of these symptoms to other illnesses, the only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

What if I test Positive for HIV?

By getting tested, you are taking the first steps to protecting your long term health.  If you do test positive, we are here to help you with the next steps.  We will discuss the options with you and refer you to an HIV specialist.

You can also get advice and support from the Terrence Higgins Trust who have been providing advice to the newly diagnosed for over 30 years. They  have a dedicated website www.myhiv.org.uk  and app where the HIV positive community can share their experiences and feelings.