About the HIV/Syphilis Screen

The HIV element of this test is a 4th Generation test assay that can detect the p24 antigen in blood as early as 10 days post infection. A negative result at 10 days is NOT conclusive and a further test is required. A negative result at 6 weeks is considered conclusive. Further information on this element of the test can be found here.

The Syphilis test is an EIA assay that detects the IgM and IgG Syphilis antibodies. This test can detect as early as 9 days after infection. The window of detection is 9 - 21 days. A negative result at 21 days should provide significant comfort, but a confirmation test is required at 12 weeks. Please note that this test will be capable of detecting a previous treated Syphilis infection, so a further confirmation test will be required to assess whether a reactive result indicates an active infection or not.

Providing A Sample

You will be supplied with an easy-to-use sample collection kit using a finger prick. A small amount of blood is collected from the finger prick in a specially designed registered medical device. You then send your sample back in the pre-paid Royal Mail 24 Tracked envelope. Once your sample is received at the lab, it normally takes 4 - 6 hours to process your results.

Packaging

All packing is very discreet and there is no mention of us or the contents on the outside. All packaging is marked Private & Confidential.

Results

Your results will be notified via your patient profile, which can only be accessed by you. If you have a reactive result (indicating that you may have HIV) you will be required to have a confirmation screen from a venous sample at a clinic near where you are located. We provide a list of clinics in the event of a reactive result.

A reactive Syphilis result also requires a confirmation test to establish whether it is an active infection or a past and treated infection.

Treatments

We cannot provide treatments for HIV or Syphilis. Treatments for the management of HIV are highly effective and produce excellent patient outcomes if the treatment is commenced at the appropriate stage. Treatment for Syphilis requires an intramuscular injection (for most patients), and this must be administered by a healthcare professional.