References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
A combined finger-prick blood test for HIV and syphilis is one of the most common STI screening panels. Both infections are detectable from a small blood sample and are often tested together because they share risk factors and both benefit from early diagnosis. The test is available free at NHS sexual health clinics and through many home testing services.
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What’s Tested
| Infection | What’s Detected | Reliable From |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 4th-gen antibody + p24 antigen | 4 weeks post-exposure |
| Syphilis | Treponemal antibodies | 3-12 weeks post-exposure |
How It Works
- Finger prick with lancet
- Collect blood drops
- Send to lab or process on-site
- Results in days (lab) or minutes (rapid)
Who Should Test
- Anyone with a new sexual partner
- MSM every 3 months
- Pregnant women (routine antenatal)
- After any possible exposure
Treatment if Positive
- HIV — lifelong ART; near-normal life expectancy
- Syphilis — penicillin injection; curable
Read more: Combined HIV and syphilis test | What is HIV? | What is syphilis?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the finger-prick test accurate?
Yes — comparable to venous blood when processed by accredited labs.
How soon can I test?
HIV from 4 weeks; syphilis from 3 weeks, definitive by 12 weeks.
Is it free?
Yes through NHS services.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Lab Test for Syphilis and Herpes
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
- The 4 Stages of Syphilis Explained
- How Accurate Are Rapid HIV Tests?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
