A PCR blood test that looks directly for HIV genetic material and the p24 antigen, which can be used sooner after a suspected exposure than antibody-only HIV tests. Suited to anyone who wants an early check after a specific incident.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
This test uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to look for HIV's genetic material directly in a blood sample, rather than waiting for the antibodies the immune system produces in response to infection. The single result covers HIV and the p24 antigen, and the underlying method is a recognised way to check for infection sooner than an antibody test would reliably pick it up.
Within Better2Know's own HIV range this sits below the two most expensive options, an HIV 1 RNA Viral Load test and an HIV 2 PCR test, both £495, but it costs far more than the group's cheaper alternatives: a Medichecks HIV Blood Test at £49, a LloydsPharmacy at-home kit at £32.95, and Better2Know's own HIV Home Test Kit at £65. Against a comparison-group median of £185, this test costs 59% more.
The scores reflect that trade-off. It does well on clarity, because Better2Know publishes a full description, the sample type, the biomarker and a stated turnaround. It scores poorly on value for money given the premium over cheaper tests in the same group, and only moderately on results and follow-up because the result is not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
This suits someone who has had a specific exposure they are worried about and wants a blood test that looks for the virus itself rather than only antibodies, with a result the next working day. Because it requires a venous blood draw at a clinic or nurse visit rather than being available as a home kit, it works best for people happy to attend an appointment.
If price matters more than the specific method, Better2Know's own HIV Home Test Kit covers the same single marker for £65, and Medichecks offers a HIV Blood Test for £49; both are considerably cheaper if you do not need the PCR approach specifically. For anyone who wants a fuller sexual health picture rather than HIV alone, a multi-marker screen from the same catalogue may be a more efficient starting point.
You provide a venous blood sample at a Better2Know clinic, or a nurse can take it during a home visit. The sample is sent to the laboratory for PCR analysis, and results are uploaded to your online patient area within a day, with an email or SMS alert when they are ready. The fact sheet does not state that results are reviewed by a doctor as standard before you see them.
Better2Know's HIV 1 PCR test checks a blood sample for HIV genetic material and the p24 antigen, with results back the next working day. At £295 it costs considerably more than most other HIV tests we track, including Better2Know's own home kit at £65, and results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
A single-marker test measuring exactly what it sets out to; depth is not the point of this comparison group.
Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 1 days, well ahead of the sexual health norm of 2.
Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.
£295.00 against a comparison-group median of £185.00 (+59%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
This test belongs to our HIV test comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.
HIV screen well below the group's £185 median price
A single blood test that checks for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies plus the P24 antigen, suited to anyone who wants to check their status after a potential exposure or as routine sexual health screening.
Cheapest HIV test in Better2Know's own line-up
A finger-prick HIV home test kit you collect yourself and post to the lab, checking HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, with results the next working day.
Cheaper than the group median, with next-day results
A standard 4th generation HIV blood test checking for HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen together, with results the next working day. Suited to a first check after the recommended incubation period.
Cheapest single-marker HIV test in our comparison set
A single-marker at-home blood test that checks for HIV using a finger-prick sample, for adults without symptoms who want a private HIV check.
Same-visit HIV result, priced right at the group median
An instant HIV test giving a result at the clinic in around 20 minutes, using a finger-prick or blood sample, for anyone who wants a same-visit answer rather than waiting for lab results.
Median-priced HIV check, though home kits are far cheaper
A same-day blood test for HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, for anyone who wants an in-person result rather than a postal or home kit.
Viral load monitoring test, not an initial HIV screen
A blood test measuring HIV viral load, aimed at people who already know their HIV status and want to check how the infection or its treatment is progressing, rather than a first exposure check.
Tests specifically for the less common HIV type 2
A blood test that checks specifically for HIV type 2, the less common of the two HIV types, using PCR technology on a venous sample.
HIV screen well below the group's £185 median price
A single blood test that checks for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies plus the P24 antigen, suited to anyone who wants to check their status after a potential exposure or as routine sexual health screening.
Cheapest HIV test in Better2Know's own line-up
A finger-prick HIV home test kit you collect yourself and post to the lab, checking HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, with results the next working day.
Cheaper than the group median, with next-day results
A standard 4th generation HIV blood test checking for HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen together, with results the next working day. Suited to a first check after the recommended incubation period.
Cheapest single-marker HIV test in our comparison set
A single-marker at-home blood test that checks for HIV using a finger-prick sample, for adults without symptoms who want a private HIV check.
