HIV and Hepatitis Blood Test: What It Covers, When to Test and Where to Book

No, an HIV test does not detect hepatitis. HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are separate viruses, and each one needs its own test marker. If you want them checked together from one sample, choose a combined test such as Swift’s STI and Viral Hepatitis blood test (£155).

What each test detects

Infection	What the blood test looks for	When it’s reliable
HIV	A 4th-generation test detects both the p24 antigen and HIV antibodies	A lab test is conclusive 45 days after exposure
Hepatitis B	Surface antigen shows current infection; core antibody shows past exposure; surface antibody shows immunity	Usually within three months of exposure
Hepatitis C	Antibodies to the virus; a positive result needs an RNA test to confirm current infection	Usually within three months of exposure

Two points are worth knowing:

• Hepatitis B results answer different questions depending on the marker. A surface antigen test checks for current infection, while antibody tests show past infection or immunity from vaccination.
• A positive hepatitis C antibody test can mean a past infection that has cleared. A follow-up RNA test shows whether the virus is still present.

Blood tests don’t detect chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Those need a urine or swab test.

Full STI test or a single test?

A full STI test usually means checking for several infections at once. Blood tests cover blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, while chlamydia and gonorrhoea need a swab or urine sample. Swift’s options include:

• Combined STI and Viral Hepatitis (£155). One blood draw for the main blood-borne infections.
• HIV 4th generation test (£75). The right choice if HIV is your only concern.
• Hepatitis B and C screening (£165). A detailed hepatitis profile covering surface antigen, surface antibody, core antibody and hepatitis C antibody. Useful if you have questions about vaccination or immunity.
• Genital swab PCR test. For chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

View the combined STI and hepatitis test to see the full marker list and compare it with the single tests.

Timing after a possible exposure

When you test matters as much as which test you choose:

• Within 72 hours of a high-risk HIV exposure: go to a sexual health clinic or A&E straight away and ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP works best the sooner it’s started. Don’t wait for a test.
• From 45 days: UK guidelines say a negative 4th-generation lab HIV test at 45 days or later is conclusive, provided there’s been no further exposure.
• Before 45 days: an earlier test can still be useful, but you’ll need to repeat it after the window period.
• Hepatitis B and C: these can take longer to show up. If you test early, your clinician may advise a repeat test around three months after the exposure.

Other reasons people test

Testing isn’t only for after a possible exposure. People also book these tests:

• before starting a new relationship;
• for work, for example in healthcare or tattooing;
• before fertility treatment;
• when travelling or moving abroad;
• after a tattoo or piercing in an unregulated setting.

NHS or private?

NHS sexual health clinics offer free, confidential testing, and they’re an excellent option. Private testing suits people who want to choose their appointment time or have the sample taken at home. Whichever route you choose, any reactive result needs confirmatory testing and specialist care, which is provided through the NHS.

Clinic or home collection

Swift takes venous samples at clinics across Essex, plus Bromley and Sunbury, and on home visits across Essex, Bromley and Surrey. Use the clinic finder to choose a location.

How booking works

1. Choose the combined test or a single test online.
2. Pick a clinic or home appointment, allowing for the window periods above.
3. Have a quick venous blood draw.
4. Receive your results and act on any reactive result with a sexual health service.

What to expect at the appointment

The test is a standard venous blood draw and takes only a few minutes. You don’t need to fast. If you feel anxious about the test or the result, it can help to bring someone with you, or to have the sample taken at home. If any result is reactive, you’ll be advised on next steps, and NHS sexual health services can provide confirmatory testing and treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Does an HIV test detect hepatitis?

No. Hepatitis B and C need separate markers. A combined test checks for them alongside HIV in one draw.

How soon can I test for HIV after exposure?

A 4th-generation lab test is conclusive from 45 days. Earlier tests should be repeated after that point.

What is the best test for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C together?

A combined blood panel that includes an HIV antigen/antibody test and hepatitis B and C markers.

Does this test check for chlamydia?

No. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea need a urine or swab test.

What happens if a result is reactive?

You’ll need confirmatory testing and referral to a sexual health or specialist service.

Where can I get tested for HIV and hepatitis near me?

At an NHS sexual health clinic, or privately at a Swift clinic or on a home visit.

Book your test

If you’d like HIV and hepatitis checked together, book Swift’s STI and Viral Hepatitis blood test at a clinic or at home.