For Peace of mind

If you are concerned about being exposed to HIV, we at Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy, in partnership with Better2Know, offer an instant HIV test that can give you accurate results from just 26 days after any situation that is causing you concern. The finger stick test is carried out by one of our pharmacy team and you will get the results in 20 minutes.

Key HIV and Testing Information:

STI type: Virus
Transmission infected body fluids: Semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, blood and breast milk / through unprotected sex with someone who is infected / contaminated items such as needles / from mother to child through birth
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy
Consequences: Weakened immune system, increased risk of contracting other STIs, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), lifelong medical treatment
Sample needed: Blood from finger prick
Incubation period: 26 days
Results time: 20 minutes

When can I get tested?

Our instant and confidential HIV testing system is available from 26 days after an incident of concern. This is the recommended period of incubation to ensure your rapid HIV test results are accurate. If you have a test before this recommended time, the results may not be accurate.

To maintain your health and that of any sexual partners, it is important to have regular HIV testing. It is a viral infection which reduces what are called CD4 immune cells, leaving your body less able to defend itself against HIV and other foreign pathogens.

What happens during my appointment?

When you arrive at our pharmacy, the pharmacist will greet you and explain the HIV testing process before they begin. We ask that you arrive on time for the test. Once the pharmacist has explained the process, they will collect a blood sample by either using a lancet for a finger stick test or they will take a normal blood sample. This is put on an instant HIV test strip with what is known as a chase buffer solution, and it takes about 20 minutes to run.

What happens when I receive my result?

Your confidential results will be available within 20 minutes of the sample being taken. One of our pharmacy colleagues will give you a completed and signed copy of the results of your test in a Rapid Test Results Report.

If the HIV instant test is found to be reactive, you will be given further testing, as a medical diagnosis cannot be based on one sole test. The Better2Know test includes a confirmation test in this case.

If this confirmation test is found to be positive, we will refer you to a specialist for further advice about a medical pathway. Before beginning treatment, more blood samples will be taken from you in order to determine how HIV is affecting your system.

How does the test work?

The instant HIV test from Better2Know looks at the blood sample to detect a protein associated with the HIV virus called the p24 antigen as well as HIV 1 and 2 antibodies. If any of these are discovered during the test, you will receive a reactive result.

If neither the p24 antigen nor the HIV antibodies are present, there will be just one line on the test strip control section and the result is negative.

When two lines come up, it means your body is reactive for the p24 antigen or either of the two HIV antibodies. One red line will come up on the control line and another in the corresponding section of the test strip. Our pharmacists will then arrange for a confirmatory CPA-accredited lab test at no additional cost.

How accurate is my instant HIV test?

At 26 days after exposure, the Better2Know instant private test is a reliable 99.8% accurate, due to it being specific and highly sensitive.

Is my appointment confidential?

Rest assured that all your personal details, tests and results remain completely confidential. Everything is anonymous and you do not have to give your real name if you don’t wish to.

What other STIs can I get tested for?

You can have one of the HIV tests on its own or choose to combine with others for more extensive sexual health screening. We offer instant tests for Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Herpes. Our pharmacy colleagues can advise you on which tests are most suitable for your own personal requirements.

Availability

Pop in to your local Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy or visit their page on our website to enquire.