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.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
HIV has two main types, HIV 1 and HIV 2, and this test checks only for HIV 2, which Better2Know describes as the less common of the two. It suits someone who has a specific reason to test for HIV 2 rather than someone wanting a general HIV check, since a negative result here does not rule out HIV 1.
At £495 it ties with Better2Know's HIV 1 RNA Viral Load test as the most expensive test in this HIV group, well above the £185 group median, and its ten-day turnaround is the slowest of any HIV test in the comparison set, most of which report results within a day or two.
Clarity scores well because the sample type, biomarker and turnaround are all published. value for money and collection convenience both score low, the latter reflecting the longer wait alongside the need for a clinic or nurse-visit blood draw, and results and follow-up score low because there is no doctor review as standard.
This is a narrow test for someone who specifically wants to know their HIV 2 status, for example because of a known exposure to that type or a partner's diagnosis, rather than a general HIV check.
For a broader initial HIV check, Better2Know's HIV 4th Generation Test (£145) or HIV Home Test Kit (£65) cover HIV 1 and the p24 antigen at a lower price and with a much faster turnaround.
A clinician takes a venous blood sample at a Better2Know clinic or during a nurse home visit and sends it to the accredited laboratory for analysis. Results are uploaded to your online patient area around ten working days after the lab receives the sample, with a notification by phone, email or SMS. The fact sheet does not state that a doctor reviews the result before you see it.
This test looks specifically for HIV type 2, the less common of the two HIV types, using a blood sample analysed at the lab. At £495 it costs as much as Better2Know's HIV viral load test and far more than the group's median of £185, and it also has the slowest turnaround of the HIV tests here, at ten working days.
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 10 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.
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.
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.
