Three reasons to have an HIV test with Better2Know:

  • All our HIV tests use a blood sample to ensure the most accurate results
  • We offer the fastest HIV results in Australia
  • All tests are performed in our certified laboratories to the highest clinical standards

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that has infected millions of people worldwide. When left undiagnosed and untreated, an HIV infection can lead to a condition known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. When a person suffers from AIDS, their immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening infections that the body would ordinarily be able to fight off naturally.

HIV Transmission

You can get HIV from contact with infected semen, blood, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Unprotected sex (vaginal and anal) are accepted to be high risk activities for HIV infection. Sharing needles when taking drugs, or any other activity when blood or other bodily fluids are exchanged between people, also puts you at high risk of contracting HIV. It is rare, but completely possible, to contract HIV through oral sex. You can find our more about HIV Transmission here.

HIV Symptoms

In the early stages of HIV infection, symptoms may be mild or non-existent. Shortly after contracting HIV, you may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and abdominal pains. However, the presence or absence of any of these symptoms should never be interpreted as a diagnosis of your HIV status. The only way to be certain of your HIV status is to get tested. You can find out more about HIV Symptoms here.

Did you know...?

At the end of 2015, an estimated 25,313 people were living with HIV in Australia, of whom 10% were unaware of their HIV positive status. Read more.

Testing for HIV

Better2Know's 4th generation, 28 Day HIV DUO Test is available for exposures that occurred at least four weeks ago.

If your exposure was high risk, it is suggested that you repeat this test 4 to 6 weeks later.

Treatment for HIV

Whilst there remains no cure for HIV, the condition is no longer considered life-threatening if it is detected early and managed appropriately by specialists. With the correct treatment and monitoring, you should remain healthy and can expect to lead a healthy and normal life.

Potential Consequences

HIV attacks your immune system by reducing the number of CD4 cells that fight off foreign infections and illnesses. This results in an inability to fend off infections that a healthy body would be able to deal with naturally. If left untreated, this will lead to AIDS.

Babies born to HIV infected women may become infected before or during childbirth, or through breastfeeding.

Book your HIV test

To arrange your HIV test with Better2Know today, or to find out more about our other tests, clinics and services in Australia, please call our welcoming Patient Services team on the number above. Alternatively, you can organise your appointment online by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.