How Epicentre Tests: Research-Grade Accuracy, Made Accessible
Epicentre uses the same laboratory infrastructure built for 24 years of published clinical research. Two testing methods, two report formats, and a home kit option that brings the lab to your door.
Two Testing Methods
Every test Epicentre offers uses one of two methods. Which one you need depends on what you are testing for.
PCR Molecular Testing
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplifies the genetic material of a pathogen until there is enough to detect. If the organism is present in your sample, even in tiny quantities, PCR finds it. This is why it catches infections from just two weeks after exposure, before your immune system has responded.
Used for: STI panels (4 – 35 targets), HPV (27-strain typing), UTI screening, gut health (17 – 44 strains), BV/vaginal microbiome, respiratory panels. Read more about PCR testing.
Blood Tests (Antibody, Antigen and Biomarker)
A nurse draws blood from your arm. The sample is analysed for antibodies (proteins your immune system produces in response to infection), antigens (proteins on the pathogen's surface), or biomarkers (hormones, enzymes, vitamins, cholesterol).
Used for: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, herpes (antibody), hormones (testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, fertility), cholesterol, liver function, kidney function, vitamins, diabetes markers, and over 180 individual tests.
PCR vs Blood Test: When to Use Which
Need both? For complete STI coverage, combine the Sexual Health Express (blood: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, chlamydia, herpes) with the Medium PCR Package (swab: 9 targets including mycoplasma and ureaplasma). Which STI test do I need?
Your Results: Two Reports
Every test at Epicentre produces two reports delivered via email:
Standard lab report. The clinical format your doctor recognises. Test codes, reference ranges, flagged values. Take this to any GP or specialist.
ODx Functional Health Report
Epicentre's ODx (OptimalDX) report analyses your results against functional ranges, not just pathological thresholds. A standard lab report only flags a result when disease is already present. The ODx report identifies when markers are drifting away from optimal before they become clinical problems.
Written in plain language. No medical degree required to understand your results. Included free with every blood test.
Home Test Kits: The Lab at Your Door
Every PCR test that uses a swab or stool sample is available as a home collection kit delivered anywhere in South Africa. You collect your own sample at home, seal it, and post it back with the prepaid return label. The same laboratory analysis is performed on home-collected samples as on clinic-collected ones.
Kits arrive in discreet, unmarked packaging. No logos, no medical stickers. Free delivery and pickup within 10km of any branch, or R300 nationwide. Stellenbosch students can collect from Stelkor pharmacy pickup points.
Blood tests require a walk-in visit. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hormones, thyroid, cholesterol, liver function and all other blood-based tests need a venous blood draw by a registered nurse. Find your nearest branch.
Why Epicentre's Results Are Different
Research-grade infrastructure. Epicentre Research NPC (est. 2001) has published 65+ peer-reviewed papers in The Lancet HIV, JAMA Network Open, Nature and PLOS Medicine. The same GCP- and GCLP-certified laboratory processes used in those studies are applied to every walk-in patient test.
Quality assurance. Dr Veron Ramsuran oversees the STI PCR lab. Invalid samples are flagged proactively. Urine and swab material can be combined to improve DNA yield. Free resampling is provided if a sample is technically insufficient. This level of quality control is unusual for a private lab.
Urgent turnaround available. Standard: blood 2 – 5 days, PCR 5 – 7 days. Urgent antibody tests (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, herpes): under 24 hours at no extra charge. Urgent PCR: from 48 hours for an additional fee.
How a Visit Works
Walk in or book online
Three branches: Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg. No doctor's referral. No appointment needed (booking guarantees your slot).
Choose your test
Tell reception which test you want, or ask for guidance. Take the 30-second quiz to find the right package.
Sample collection (15 minutes)
Blood draw by a registered nurse, or self-collected swab/urine in a private room. Quick, professional, confidential.
Pay
Cash, card, EFT or Payflex (4 interest-free instalments). 10% student discount. 10% pensioner discount. All prices include VAT.
Results via email
Two reports: colour-coded ODx summary (plain language) plus standard lab report (for your doctor). If positive, Test and Treat connects you to a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What testing methods does Epicentre use?
PCR vs blood test: which do I need?
What is an ODx report?
Can I test at home?
How does Epicentre ensure accuracy?
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Research-Grade Testing. No Doctor's Referral.
Walk in, order a home kit, or WhatsApp us for guidance.
Epicentre Walk-In Labs does not provide medical diagnoses. For medical diagnoses and advice, please consult your healthcare practitioner. Practice #1117394.