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HIV Test

Complimentary treatments available at ChemistDirect.co.uk

Although we no longer offer treatments for this condition through our Online Doctor service, you could find something to help at our sister company Chemist Direct. Receive 10% off your order when you quote 10NEWCD*

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*Excludes Slimfast, Regaine, Nicorette and baby milk

What is a HIV Test?

Our HIV test is a blood test which can be conducted from the convenience of your own home. We will send you a blood collection kit so that you can collect a small sample of blood and send it off for testing. Please click here to see a video that explains how to collect the blood sample and send it off. A leaflet explaining what to do is also available here. It’s a simple painless process that takes less than 5 minutes.

When collecting the blood sample it's important to avoid squeezing the finger to get the blood to flow.  This can cause haemolysis of the sample and make it useless for testing.  Please follow the instructions on the leaflet provided carefully and remember the following tips:

  1. Do not squeeze the finger when collecting the blood sample.  A good firm prick from the lancet is needed, and then take your time.
  2. Warm the hand before sample collection, this can help a great deal.
  3. Use the little finger and gently milk the hand rather than squeezing the finger.
  4. Stand up when collecting the blood sample, as this can really assist blood flow.

The test looks for the two forms of the human immunodeficiency virus in your blood. Both HIV1 and HIV2 antibodies and the marker protein p24 antigen could be detected. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids). Aids is a condition in which the immune system becomes deficient, allowing life threatening infections and cancers to thrive.

This test is appropriate for screening for HIV after four weeks post exposure to the virus.

Why should I have a HIV Test?

HIV infection causes Aids, which if left untreated is a lethal condition. If you suspect you may have been exposed to HIV, it is very important to determine whether you have become infected. Whilst Aids is lethal if left untreated, there are many treatments available to suppress HIV replication and so significantly delay progression to Aids. It is therefore important to know if you are HIV positive so that you can get appropriate treatment. In addition if you are HIV positive it is very important that you do not infect other people.

Test results

The results of the test will be sent to the “Test Results” area of your Pharmacy2U Online Doctor account. You will be notified by email when the results are there, and the doctor will also be notified of the results.

The result will tell you if the HIV virus has been detected in your blood. A negative result rules out HIV infection, while a positive one must be followed by further testing to confirm a positive result is correct.

If we do find the result is positive for HIV, the doctor will get in touch with you to recommend the appropriate course of action.

Please note: These can not be sent overseas, only to UK residential addresses.