Confidential HIV Test Salisbury

Better2Know offers a private, confidential, and anonymous HIV testing service, at our clinic in Salisbury.  The clinic has clean and modern facilities and a discreet, friendly team.

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

We offer the following HIV tests at our Salisbury clinic:

  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. Provides very accurate HIV testing results, for 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 any HIV infection 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 to come back from the laboratory. This test is available in Salisbury as our Early Detection Screen, with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.   

How can you get HIV?

There is a risk of exposure to HIVwhenever there is an exchange of bodily fluid, with someone who is carrying the HIV virus (whether they are aware of this or not). The most common form of transmission is through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has the HIV virus.

If you share needles or syringes with someone who is HIV positive, or have sex with someone who does, then you are at high risk exposure to the virus.

You can also become infected with HIV through blood transfusions.  This is now rare in the UK, as all blood is now screened.

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

The early symptoms of HIV can occur two to four weeks after exposure. They can last for up to four weeks.  They may include:

  • High fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

These symptoms are a sign that the body is trying to fight off the HIV infection.  Theyare common symptoms of many other illnesses. Research carried out by the National Aids Trust suggest that 70% to 90% of those newly infected with HIV show signs of some early symptoms.

The only way to know if these symptoms relate to HIV is to get tested.

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 HIV Consultant, who will help you with advice and support.

Better"Know is supported by the Terrence Higgins Turst, and we can help you to get advice and support through them.  They have been providing advice to the newly diagnosed for over 30 years.