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.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
This test measures the amount of HIV RNA in your blood, known as viral load, rather than simply confirming whether you have been exposed to the virus. Better2Know describes it as useful for people who want to know how far an existing infection has progressed or how well antiretroviral medication is controlling it, so it serves a different purpose to the exposure-focused PCR and antibody tests in the same range.
At £495 it sits at the top of this HIV comparison group alongside Better2Know's own HIV 2 PCR Test, also £495, and well above the group's median of £185 and its own HIV 1 PCR test at £295. Results take longer too, at five working days rather than the one-day turnaround Better2Know quotes for several of its other HIV tests.
The clarity and clinical depth scores are strong because the listing sets out the sample type, biomarker and turnaround clearly. value for money scores poorly given the premium over the rest of the group, and results and follow-up scores lower still because results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard and the wait is longer.
This is a monitoring test rather than a first check, so it suits people who already know they are living with HIV and want a viral load reading to discuss with their own doctor or track how treatment is working, rather than someone wondering whether they have been exposed.
If you are looking for an initial HIV check after a specific exposure, Better2Know's own HIV 1 PCR test (£295) or HIV Home Test Kit (£65) are built for that purpose and cost less.
You give a venous blood sample at a clinic or during a nurse home visit. The sample goes to the laboratory for RNA viral load analysis, and results are uploaded to your online patient area around five working days after the lab receives it, with an email or SMS alert when they are ready. Better2Know says you can discuss the result with your own HIV doctor or one of its own doctors, though the fact sheet does not state that a doctor reviews the result before you see it.
This test measures HIV viral load rather than screening for infection from scratch, making it suited to people who already know their HIV status and want to track how well treatment is working. At £495 it is among the most expensive tests in this HIV comparison group, and like Better2Know's other HIV tests, 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 5 days, slower than similar tests.
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.
£495.00 against a comparison-group median of £185.00 (+168%).
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.
PCR HIV test priced well above most peers in this group
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.
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.
