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.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
This test checks for HIV antibodies together with the p24 antigen from a blood sample, aimed at people who want a same-day, in-person result rather than waiting for a postal kit. Better2Know's information states the test is intended for use from 90 days after a possible exposure, to allow time for antibodies to develop.
At £185, it lands exactly at the median across the eight HIV tests in its comparison group, but that group spans a very wide range: LloydsPharmacy's at-home kit is £32.95, Medichecks' HIV blood test is £49, and Better2Know's own postal HIV Home Test Kit is £65. At the other end, Better2Know's HIV1 and HIV2 PCR tests reach £295 to £495. So while this sits at the midpoint of the group, several cheaper alternatives check the same antibodies for a fraction of the price.
Clinical depth and value for money both score moderately, reflecting that a single marker suits this test's purpose and that the price matches the group median even though cheaper options exist. Clarity is strong given the detailed listing. Results and follow-up score lower because a doctor does not review the result as standard. Better2Know is CQC registered, holds a 4.2 Trustpilot score from 775 reviews, and has been trading since 2008.
This suits someone who wants a same-day, in-person HIV result, for example ahead of travel or a same-day decision, and is willing to pay for that speed. If cost matters more than speed, Better2Know's own HIV Home Test Kit is £65 and LloydsPharmacy's at-home kit is £32.95, both checking HIV antibodies for well under a third of this test's £185 price, though neither gives a result on the same day.
A small blood sample, usually taken by finger prick, is applied to a test strip along with a buffer solution. Better2Know states results are available from around 20 minutes after the sample is taken, and you receive a signed results report on the day. If the result is reactive, the provider includes a confirmatory blood test at the lab at no extra cost, and arranges a referral to a specialist if that confirms positive, rather than reviewing every result with a doctor as standard.
HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen are checked together here from a blood sample, with a result given at the clinic the same day. At £185 it sits exactly at the median for its HIV test comparison group, but Better2Know's own HIV Home Test Kit is £65 and LloydsPharmacy's at-home kit is £32.95, both far cheaper than this instant clinic version. The trade-off is a same-day, staffed result versus a much lower-cost postal option.
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 visit to a clinic; results in around 0 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.
£185.00 against a comparison-group median of £185.00 (-0%).
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.
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.
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.
