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.
1 biomarker as listed by Medichecks.
This test looks for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies together with the P24 antigen in a single blood sample. Testing for antibodies and antigen together is commonly used to shorten the window after a potential exposure in which a result can be considered reliable, which is why combination tests like this are used for sexual health screening.
Against the eight comparable HIV tests we track, this one is priced well below the £185 median: Better2Know's equivalent kits range from £65 up to £495 for PCR-based options, and only LloydsPharmacy's £32.95 at-home kit undercuts it. Collection is flexible, with finger-prick, clinic, home nurse and venous draw options all available, and results come back within 3 days.
The high overall score is driven mostly by value for money and collection convenience: at this price, with several ways to give a sample and a fast turnaround, it beats most of the group on both counts. It also scores well on trust signals, reflecting Medichecks' Trustpilot rating and its use of UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs. Clinical depth is unremarkable, but that is expected for a single-marker test where the comparison group itself has narrow scope.
This suits anyone who wants to check their HIV status after a potential exposure, as part of routine sexual health screening, or before starting a new relationship. The range of collection options, including a home nurse visit, makes it a reasonable choice if you would rather not attend a clinic in person.
If price is the only consideration, LloydsPharmacy's at-home HIV test kit is around £16 cheaper at £32.95. Anyone who thinks they may have been recently exposed and could need post-exposure prophylaxis should go straight to a sexual health clinic or A&E rather than wait for a postal result.
You can collect your sample at home with a finger-prick kit, at an in-store clinic, via a home nurse visit, or with a venous draw at a clinic. Once your sample reaches the lab it is tested for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies and the P24 antigen, and a doctor reviews the result as standard. Results are available within 3 days.
This single-marker HIV-1/HIV-2 and P24 antigen test costs £49, well under the £185 median for the eight comparable HIV tests we track, though LloydsPharmacy's kit is cheaper at £32.95. You can collect the sample at home, in a clinic, or with a home nurse visit, with a doctor reviewing every result within 3 days. Anyone who thinks they may need post-exposure prophylaxis should go straight to a clinic or A&E rather than wait for this result.
The listing publishes a short 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.
A finger-prick sample you take at home; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 3 days, slower than similar tests.
Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.
£49.00 against a comparison-group median of £185.00 (-74%).
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.
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.
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.
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.
