HIV lab test
Blood test
Take a small blood sample from a finger prick - we send you everything you'll need
Get your results by text within 72 hours of your sample arriving at the lab.
Test 7 weeks (45 days) after unprotected sex for most accurate results
Add other test kits to your order at checkout.
Other HIV tests available
£83.70
Test for all 3 types of chlamydia and gonorrhoea - oral, rectal and genital - in 1 order.
£120.80
Test for 6 STIs; gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV & syphilis
What happens next
Order online
We’ll ask you a few questions about your health. We’ll text you when we dispatch your order.
Free discreet delivery
We’ll deliver your order by 1st Class post. And we'll include a Freepost box to return your samples to our lab.
Results and support by text
We’ll send your results within 72 hours of your samples arriving at our lab. Get support by text whenever you need it. Our clinicians are here to help.
A dedicated clinician
If you have a reactive result, one of our clinicians will call you to talk through the next steps.
What our users say
Great service. Removed an awkward barrier. I'm sure the service has helped many people test.
Extremely professional and efficient service. Very responsive. Open 7 days a week so great if you work long hours.
I think it is a great initiative. I've always wanted to know my status, but stigma and fear (especially in my home country) stopped me from getting tested. The privacy was comforting.
I usually need sedation for blood tests as I'm very anxious with blood. Intially found using the lancet hard to work up to, but was honestly thrilled I was able to do it myself! Great service. Thank you!
What's in the HIV self-test kit?
For home HIV tests, we use a blood sample from a finger prick. You’ll find an instruction card in your kit.
Sterile wipes and plasters
Use the wipes to clean your fingertip before you start. You might need a small plaster for your fingertip.
Small lancets
Use the lancet to make a tiny cut in your fingertip. We send some spares in case you need to try more than once.
Blood sample tube
Drop a small amount of blood into the tube. Make sure to fill it to the line. You can use more than one finger if you need to.
Protective bag and return box
It’s easy to send your sample safely to our lab. Use our protective bag and Freepost box to return in any Royal Mail postbox.
How to collect a blood sample
Many people find it easier and quicker to collect their blood sample after watching this short video.
Top tips
make sure your hands are warm by having a bath or shower, or exercise to warm up
drink lots of water before you test
push the lancet firmly into the side of your finger. Avoid the more sensitive middle part of your fingertip
keep your arm as straight as you can
massage from your palm to your fingertip to help the blood flow
If you need more lancets, do not order a new kit. Text us and we'll send you some more.
Multiple tests from 1 blood sample
Add more tests to your order and use just 1 blood sample for them all
HIV: the basics
Prevent infection with PEP
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 3 days, go to your local sexual health clinic, or A&E department, immediately to get post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
PEP is a medication that can prevent infection even after you've been exposed, if taken within 72 hours. The sooner that you start this medication, the more likely it is to work.
When to test for HIV
HIV infection does not show in tests immediately, so you need to wait for the right amount of time to get an accurate result. The best time after risk to test depends on which types of HIV test you use:
HIV lab test: 7 weeks
Insti HIV test: 12 weeks (3 months)
OraQuick test: 12 weeks (3 months)
If you’re not sure when you might have been exposed, test now and do a second test in 7 or 12 weeks.
People can carry HIV without showing symptoms or knowing that they have it. So routine testing is important. If you have sex without condoms, particularly if you've changed partners, are a man who has sex with men, or have multiple partners, you should get tested for HIV every 3 months.
Treatment for HIV
Modern treatment means most people living with HIV have a long and healthy life. Treatment involves antiretroviral medications.
If your test gives a reactive result, one of our clinicians will call you to explain the next steps. We’ll help arrange another test to confirm your result.
How accurate are the STI tests?
Our simple home STI test kits are highly accurate when you:
wait the recommended window period before you test
follow the kit instructions carefully
complete additional tests in a clinic setting, if recommended by our clinicians.
Your samples are sent to our partner laboratory to be processed by specialist technicians. We use similar tests that are used by many NHS clinics.
If you are experiencing any STI symptoms, you should visit your local sexual health clinic for further testing and examination.
Who sees my details?
Regardless of whether you have an infection or not, only our clinicians and service managers will see your test results.
All our staff sign a data protection agreement, similar to the ones used by NHS staff. Your results will never be shared with anyone else without your permission.
How will I get my results?
Most people are sent their results by text. In some cases, one of our clinicians will call you to talk about your results and treatment. We’ll always text you first to agree on a good time to speak.
If we cannot contact you by text or phone call about a positive or reactive result, we may also send you an email or letter.
Do you need help with something else?
Find your local sexual health clinic.
Find out where you can access medication to reduce your chance of becoming infected with HIV. It must be started within 3 days of exposure.
Medication people at risk of contracting HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
Find out about your emergency contraceptive options.
