Early Detection HIV (PCR)

This test is for anyone who has had unprotected sex with someone and is particularly concerned about the HIV risk. Standard HIV Tests require you to wait at least 28 days following exposure, which for many can lead to a stressful wait for answers. The PCR HIV test allows you to gain accurate results just 10 days following your exposure ensuring you can get diagnosis and treatment at an earlier date.

Results for this test will be available a day after reaching the laboratory. All samples are sent to the laboratory by either Royal Mail 1st Class post or by courier.

This test offers accurate results 10 days after potential exposure to the condition, meaning you don’t have to wait the usual 28 days for most STI blood tests. If you believe you’ve come into contact with the condition more recently than 10 days, contact our customer services team who will discuss your options and advise on your earliest possible time to be tested.

You order a phlebotomy station test. A sample collection kit will then be sent to you by post. The sample kit can be dispatched to an address of choice or, if discretion is required, the order can be delivered to a post office for collection.

Upon receipt of the test, the patient is required to contact YSH to book their appointment. This can be done via email ([email protected]) or telephone (0161 660 2599).

Once the appointment is booked, you will receive a confirmation of appointment, including the full address of the clinic, with instructions.

If urine or swabs are required, these should be done prior to attending the clinic appointment.  Only the blood sample will be taken in a clinic.

Photographic ID must be taken to the appointment and you must remember to take the sample collection kit with you.

Once the nurse has drawn blood, they will hand the sample back to you for posting. You need to take a photograph of the tracking label, before placing the sample kit in a post box.

Results will be uploaded to the online portal once available from the laboratory.

By selecting a clinic test you’ll be assisted by a nurse or doctor in one of our sexual health clinics located across the country.

To book this test, simply press the ‘Select This Test’ button above. You’ll then be taken to our booking page where you can choose the best clinic for your needs.

Our clinics are all based in a discreet setting and because many of them are general health clinics, there’s no reason why anyone will know that you’re there for a sexual health screening. Just let the receptionist know who you are upon arrival.

The Early Detection HIV (PCR) test requires a blood and urine sample. The blood sample is collected by a trained nurse or doctor. They’ll take care of you and ensure you’re comfortable, but it will require the use of a needle.

Once you’ve deposited your sample, we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll notify you of your results using our online portal as soon as they’re reported by the laboratory.