HIV Testing
We offer swift, confidential testing for HIV.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is probably the most well-known STI. When the virus first became known to the world, the risk of death was incredibly high and it was very scary. Thanks to incredible scientific research, HIV is now completely manageable and most people will live a completely normal life with the help of medication.
Early detection and treatment is crucial to stopping the spread and managing the effects of the virus. The only way to know if you have contracted the virus is to get tested.
We understand that testing for HIV can be daunting but it is important to not delay testing out of fear. Our team of highly experienced and friendly doctors and nurses are on hand to talk through your concerns, guide you through testing and treatment options, and are there for all on-going care. All our sexual health services are discreet and completely confidential.
We have a number of different tests available, including an instant testing option which will provide you with same-day answers.
For early detection, and to assure complete peace of mind, it is important to have regular HIV tests.
- If you have no symptoms, simply book a general sexual health check-up with one of our nurses.
- If you are displaying symptoms, it is important to book in with a doctor.
How is my sample taken?
A HIV test requires a small blood sample
Regardless of which type of test or turnaround time you choose, the method remains the same. Using a lancet (a small needle), your finger will be pricked and a few drops of blood will be used as the sample.
When can I do my test after possibly being exposed to HIV?
HIV testing will not pick up an infection right away.
Antibody tests can be taken 4 weeks after exposure and provide highly accurate results. Whilst you wait for your results, you should refrain from sexual activity just in case you are HIV-positive. It can take up to 28 days for antibodies to start to form, so taking a test earlier may mean that it is too soon to detect these antibodies, giving a misleading false negative result.
How will I receive my result?
All our sexual health results are shared in the strictest confidence.
During your initial appointment, we will ask you your preferred method of communication of your results. We can provide them by email, text or a phone call. Whichever method you choose during your appointment will be the way we communicate your results.
Instant HIV testing with immediate results
Our instant HIV test uses a finger prick blood sample and can provide accurate results in 60 seconds.
During your appointment our nurse will take the blood sample, explain the results and provide you with further information, if required.
The test is suitable for use from 90 days post contact, with sensitivity of 99.3 -100% & specificity of 99-99.8% - meaning it is highly accurate.
What is HIV?
HIV attacks and damages cells in the immune system
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which attacks and damages cells in your immune system. This weakens your body’s ability to fight off infections and disease.
It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids (blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids).
HIV can be transmitted during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal and oral), through sharing injecting equipment, from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, and though contaminated blood transfusions needles, surgical instruments or piercing.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Symptoms may initially be minimal.
Those who are infected may show minimal symptoms, or none, for the first couple of years.
Within six weeks of being infected, flu-like symptoms are likely to appear alongside other symptoms such as chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms progressively get worse with time and will develop into AIDS, the later stages of infection, serious and life threatening conditions.
You can’t rely on symptoms to tell you if you have HIV, the only way to know is to get tested.
How does HIV affect the body?
HIV attacks CD4 helper cells, damaging the immune system.
HIV attacks a specific type of white blood cell in the immune system, known as the CD4 helper cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off infections as it dramatically weakens the immune system. If left untreated, even minor infections such as colds, can become life threatening.
Over time, HIV leads to a number of more serious, life-threatening conditions – collectively known as AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
Our Patients Speak for Us
Mark Tebbit
On repeated occasions over the last year, I have received A1 treatment from the Fleet Street Clinic. Short-notice appointments, face to face and on the phone, for emergency conditions and quick prescriptions from excellent doctors have helped me enormously. The Reception Team are also highly professional. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.
AES
The best in London. I have been coming here for over 20 years. Professional, easy and provide a comprehensive offering. Travel vaccinations, shingles vaccine & most recently covid vaccine.
Nay Chadbourne
Have had all my work travel vaccines at FSC and they have always been exemplary. Easy to book appointments, pleasant reception staff (both over email and phone) and appointment times to suit me. Never been kept waiting past my time and quick/easy vaccines done. Highly recommend.
Mark A
My wife and I have attended the Fleet Street Clinic for many years now and found Dr Belinda Griffiths and her team exemplary in all departments. On the back of this I have recommended the clinic to all my family members and Senior Management team.
David Butler
Very easy to set up the appointment, warm and professional welcome - very transparent medical advice on a vaccine. They were all fabulous!
Nina
I wanted to get a private covid vaccination as soon as it is available. The Fleet street clinic must be one of the first places in London, where the private Covid vaccination is available. I booked on Saturday for my appointment on Monday. When I got to the clinic I waited for less than 5 minutes. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Overall a very pleasant experience. I'm glad to have the vaccine as I'm not eligible under new NHS rules.
Geoff Neville
Always responsive and focused. Strong customer service culture. Have a 10 year plus relationship and never a glitch.
Georgina Hogwood
Friendly, prompt, professional service. My options were explained really well and all my questions were answered by experienced professionals. Very satisfied.
Nicholas Grundy
I recently sought treatment at Fleet Street Clinic for painful ears; I was quickly diagnosed by Dr Hartmann. He prescribed ear drops and arranged an appointment for me a week later with Lucy Mildren. Within a week my ears were better. Everything was very efficient and I was treated with care and skill.
P Croft
I went for a covid booster vaccination and my experience was excellent. I arrived 10 minutes early for my appointment, the lady doing it (Lucy) immediately swallowed the last of her doughnut and took me through. She put me at my ease by chatting pleasantly while she prepared things, and then the jab itself was so quick and painless – I literally didn’t feel a thing, including her applying the plaster afterwards! It was a first class experience, all in the delightful setting of the quaint shop in historic Fleet Street.
FAQs
If you are concerned you have been exposed to HIV, give us a call immediately and we can advise you on the best course of action. A test is unlikely to detect HIV straight away. It is advised to wait 4 weeks after being exposed to the virus for accurate results. It can take up to 28 days for antibodies to start to form, so taking a test earlier may mean that it is too soon to detect these antibodies giving a false negative.
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for the HIV test specifically. However, you should abstain from sex until you have your test result back.
While there is no cure for HIV, there are very effective treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long, healthy, normal life. HIV treatment is able to reduce viral load down to undetectable levels, such that the risk of passing the virus on to another person is zero.
There are several things you can do to prevent getting HIV. Firstly, always use a condom every time you engage in sexual activity (vaginal, anal and oral sex) and limiting your number of sexual partners will reduce your risk. Getting tested regularly for HIV so you know your HIV status is important to stop the spread. There is also the possible use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly if you are a man who has sex with men (MSM) – talk to one of our GPs for more information.
Absolutely. Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to have an HIV test because HIV can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces the chances of passing HIV on to the baby.
If HIV is left completely untreated, it can affect the body’s immune system to the point that the body is much less able to protect itself from disease. This means that common viruses such as a common cold, can become potentially fatal. It is also common for cancers to form in a person with untreated HIV. The average time from infection to death in an untreated HIV case is usually 8-10 years.
Yes, they are different. HIV is the name for the actual virus which infects the body. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name given to the potentially life threatening infections and illnesses that can occur when your immune system has been weakened by HIV. Untreated HIV will at some point develop into AIDS and in most causes prove fatal.
If you test positive, you will still be able to have a sex life. Your doctor will explain how HIV medication can reduce your viral load to drop your infectious levels. Once your viral load is undetectable the chances of passing on HIV to your sexual partner is virtually zero.
Your partner, if not already infected, may also be advised to use PrEP. The doctor will discuss these options with you.
Without HIV medication, the only way to guarantee you do not spread the virus through sex is to abstain from it.
Life expectancy studies have shown that nowadays you can have normal life expectancy with the appropriate HIV medication. Without medication, HIV can still dramatically shorten your life.
