If you want to take a HIV test then you may be trying to weigh up whether it’s best to visit an NHS clinic or a private clinic. Both have their benefits but whilst you may not need to pay for treatment at an NHS clinic there are some distinct advantages of choosing a private clinic instead:

If you inform your GP it can affect insurance policies

Most people would be surprised to know that there are certain parts of your medical records that can be shared with an insurance company. If you request STD testing via your GP it will be on your records. This information can be provided to mortgage or life insurers which can affect your eligibility and premiums.

At a GUM clinic you can choose to remain anonymous and the HIV test will not be added to your records.

At a private clinic you can avoid long waits and pick a time that suits you

Waiting times at NHS GUM clinics are still much longer than their private counterparts. The waiting times at NHS clinics can be up to several hours which make a discreet visit in your lunch hour very difficult. A private clinic will offer flexible opening times which can include the weekend and some evenings.

There’s no three month wait for testing at a private clinic

Most NHS GUM clinics provide the HIV antibody test only. This looks for the presence of HIV antibodies in your bloodstream however it will only confirm an infection that occurred three months previously. If you think you may be HIV positive three months can be a long time to wait.

Private clinics offer a wider range of tests including the HIV PCR test which can detect the infection from just ten days prior.

At samedaydoctor.co.uk we offer a range of discreet tests.