HIV Screening | Confidential HIV ELISA Blood Test | Epicentre
Sexual health · HIV

A confidential HIV test, when you need it

A single HIV ELISA blood test, done in private with a quick turnaround. No fasting and no doctor's referral needed.

No doctor's referral 1 test Confidential Results in 2 to 5 days
HIV ELISA · single test
R168
A private, confidential HIV ELISA blood test. Payflex available, about R42 a month over four payments.
1test
Nofasting
2 to 5day results
Book a visit Ask on WhatsApp

No doctor's referral, no fasting. Private and confidential.

Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director. Reviewed 2 June 2026.
Quick and flexible

How would you like to get tested?

Walk in

No appointment needed. Come through any branch, Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00.

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Ask first

Not sure which tests you need? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you decide.

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4.7
Google rating
25 yrs
Open since 2001
100k+
Tests done
SANAS
Accredited labs
What's tested

What does the test check for?

A single HIV ELISA blood test that looks for signs of HIV. Quick, private and confidential.

Free options exist too: HIV testing and treatment are available free at public clinics across South Africa. This is a private, confidential alternative with a quick turnaround and a result certificate, for anyone who prefers it.

HIV ELISA blood test

HIV ELISA. A laboratory blood test that looks for signs of HIV. A reactive result is always confirmed with a second, different test before it is treated as a diagnosis.

How it works

Three steps, no GP needed

1

Book a slot or walk in

Reserve a time at your branch, or walk straight in. No doctor's referral, and no fasting needed.

2

Quick blood draw

A nurse takes a small blood sample, just a few minutes, in private.

3

Results in 2 to 5 days

A clear, confidential result within 2 to 5 working days, with a free certificate you can share with your doctor.

When this helps

Who is this for?

For anyone who wants a confidential HIV result, whether as a routine check or after a possible exposure.

Possible exposure

Unprotected sex, a new partner, or a condom that failed, and you want to know your status.

A routine check

You test regularly as part of looking after your sexual health.

A new relationship

You and a partner want to test together before stopping barrier protection.

Peace of mind

You simply want a confidential, up-to-date result.

Planning ahead

Knowing your status is part of fertility or pregnancy planning.

Travellers and newcomers

Visiting or new to South Africa and want a private test.

From our patients

What people say

★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 based on verified Google reviews
★★★★★

Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.

A
Agata G.
Parktown North · 3 months ago
★★★★★

The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.

A
Abedah M.
Parktown North · Local Guide · 3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.

N
Nadia P.
Observatory · 8 months ago
★★★★★

Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.

C
Caitlin C.
Observatory · 1 year ago
★★★★★

I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.

L
Laura S.
Hillcrest · 1 month ago
★★★★★

Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.

A
Aaron R.
Hillcrest · 1 month ago

What this does not do

This is a screening blood test. A non-reactive (negative) result is reassuring, but timing matters and serious recent exposures need urgent care.

  • There is a window period: a test soon after a possible exposure can miss a recent infection, so a repeat test may be advised. Ask us or your doctor about the right timing.
  • If you may have been exposed in the last 72 hours, seek care urgently, as preventive treatment can only be started in a short window. Do not wait for this test.
  • A reactive (positive) screening result is always confirmed with a second, different test before it is considered a diagnosis.
  • This test looks for HIV only; it does not screen for other sexually transmitted infections. Ask about an STI screen if that is your concern.
Common questions

Quick answers

A single HIV ELISA blood test that looks for signs of HIV. It costs R168, with a confidential result in 2 to 5 working days.
Yes. Your visit and result are private. You receive a result certificate you can choose to share with a doctor or a partner.
After a possible exposure it can take a few weeks for a test to detect HIV. If your exposure was recent, a repeat test may be advised, so ask us or your doctor about the right timing.
A reactive screening result is always confirmed with a second, different test before it is treated as a diagnosis. We will guide you on the next step, and treatment is available both privately and free at public clinics in South Africa.
No doctor's referral and no fasting. Book or walk in to any branch in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg.
At our three walk-in labs: Observatory in Cape Town, Hillcrest in Durban and Parktown North in Johannesburg, Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00.
Where to test

Three walk-in labs

Related packages

Round out the picture

Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.

Know your status, in private

No doctor's referral and no fasting needed, with a confidential result in 2 to 5 working days. Book a slot, walk in, or message us with any questions.