Sexual health & BBV testing,
Harley Street, London.
Confidential blood-borne virus screening at our Harley Street clinic. Frequently requested by cosmetic and transplant clinics before procedures, and a sensible regular check for anyone who wants to know their status.
Onsite laboratory: samples are processed in the same building within minutes of collection, never in external transit. Faster turnaround, no sample degradation, results you can trust.
Sexual health panels
All panels include clinical review by a GMC-registered doctor. Standard 2-working-day turnaround; faster options may be available on request depending on the marker.
BBV Screen
Confidential blood-borne virus screening covering HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Required by most UK hair transplant clinics and suitable for anyone wanting a discreet BBV check.
- HIV P24 antigen + antibody (4th generation)
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis C antibodies
⏱ Standard turnaround 2 working days. Urgent 2-hour turnaround available on request.
A wider STI panel is in development for late 2026. Call 020 3239 3378 to discuss any specific testing requirement in the meantime.
Confidential, same-day appointments
BBV screening on Harley Street with discreet results delivery.
What the BBV screen tests for
Blood-borne viruses are infections passed through blood and certain body fluids. The standard UK BBV panel covers the three viruses your clinic, surgeon, or insurer is most likely to ask about. Here is what each one is and what we measure.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
Affects the immune system. We use a fourth-generation HIV test that detects both the p24 antigen (detectable from around two weeks after exposure) and HIV antibodies (detectable from around three to four weeks). A negative result at 45 days (approximately 6 weeks) is considered conclusive under BHIVA/BASHH 2020 UK guidance and does not require routine confirmation. Modern treatment means HIV is now a manageable chronic condition rather than a life-limiting one, but knowing your status is the first step.
Hepatitis B
A virus that affects the liver. We test for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which indicates current infection. Around 90 to 95 percent of immunocompetent adults clear hepatitis B without treatment, but 5 to 10 percent develop chronic infection. UK routine infant hepatitis B vaccination was added to the schedule in August 2017, so adults born before then who have not been separately vaccinated may not be immune.
Hepatitis C
Another virus affecting the liver, transmitted mainly through blood-to-blood contact. We test for hepatitis C antibodies, which appear within about three months of exposure. Modern antiviral treatment cures hepatitis C in over 95 percent of cases, but early detection matters because untreated hepatitis C silently damages the liver for years before symptoms appear.
When to test after a possible exposure
Each virus has a window period: the time between possible exposure and when the test can reliably detect it. Testing too early can return a falsely negative result. These are the recommended timings used in UK sexual health services and at WMG Health.
HIV (fourth-generation test)
45 days
Conclusive from 45 days (approximately 6 weeks) after exposure, per BHIVA/BASHH 2020 UK testing guidelines. An earlier 4-week test will detect most infections but is not regarded as conclusive on its own; a negative fourth-generation result at 45 days does not require routine confirmation.
Hepatitis B
6 to 12 weeks
The surface antigen (HBsAg) is typically detectable from 6 weeks, with 12 weeks recommended for definitive clearance. If symptoms are present sooner (jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain) testing can be done earlier and repeated.
Hepatitis C
12 weeks
Antibodies become detectable from 8 to 12 weeks after exposure. A negative result before 12 weeks should be repeated at 12 weeks for definitive clearance.
Syphilis (where added)
6 weeks
If you have added syphilis as a custom marker, the treponemal antibody is reliable from 6 weeks after exposure. Earlier testing can be done if a painless ulcer is present, but should always be repeated at 12 weeks.
If you have had a higher-risk exposure within the past 72 hours, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be available from an NHS sexual health clinic or A&E and is more useful than testing in that window.
How we keep your test confidential
Discretion is one of the main reasons patients choose private BBV testing. These are the specific things we do to protect that.
- Your results are not shared with the NHS or your GP unless you specifically ask us to.
- Bookings can be made under your name only, with no need to disclose the reason for the appointment in advance.
- Reports are delivered through your secure patient portal, accessed only by you. Nothing is posted or emailed in plain text.
- You can choose to share the formal written report with a specific clinician (your surgeon, GP, or insurer) at the point you decide to, and not before.
- In-clinic visits at 134 Harley Street take place in a private consultation room with no waiting-room signage indicating the reason for your visit.
- Records are kept under UK GDPR and accessed only by the GMC-registered doctor reviewing your case and the technical team maintaining the patient portal.
When BBV testing makes sense
Pre-procedure clearance
Many UK and international hair transplant and cosmetic surgery clinics request BBV screening before booking, and some dental clinics do too. Our formal report is suitable for any clinician to file.
After potential exposure
Whether the concern is occupational (needlestick), travel-related, or after unprotected contact, a baseline BBV screen gives a clear status on file.
Tattoos, piercings, cosmetic work
Studios and clinics increasingly require recent BBV screening before any procedure that breaks the skin. We provide a formal report on official letterhead.
Confidential & discreet
Same-day appointments at 134 Harley Street. Results delivered to your secure patient portal. No GP referral, no shared NHS record.
Book a confidential BBV screen
Same-day appointments. Standard 2-working-day turnaround; faster options may be available on request. Formal report on official letterhead, suitable for any UK or international clinic to file.
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Also at WMG Health