How Long Do STI Test Results Take? NHS vs Private Clinics Explained

How Long Do STI Test Results Take?

If you have recently had an STI test, it is completely normal to feel anxious about how long the results will take. Waiting for test results — particularly after a potential exposure — can be one of the most stressful parts of the testing process. Understanding typical timelines can help manage that uncertainty.

How long STI test results take depends on several factors, including the type of test, the infection being screened for, the laboratory processing the sample, and whether the test was carried out through the NHS or a private clinic. In many cases, results are available within a few working days, though some tests may take longer depending on the method used and whether confirmatory testing is required.

Both NHS and private sexual health services follow validated laboratory procedures, but differences in how samples are processed and results are delivered can affect the overall turnaround time. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect.

Quick Answer: Typical STI Test Result Times in the UK

The table below outlines general turnaround times for common STI tests. These are typical processing times and may vary depending on laboratory workload, weekends, and confirmatory testing requirements.

*Turnaround times are typical estimates and may vary depending on laboratory workload, weekends, and confirmatory testing requirements.*

How Long Do NHS STI Test Results Take?

NHS sexual health clinics provide free STI testing services across the UK. When you attend an NHS clinic or use a postal home testing kit, your samples are sent to NHS laboratories for processing.

NHS labs typically batch-process samples, meaning tests are often run in groups rather than individually. This is an efficient approach but may add time to individual turnaround. For common infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, NHS results are usually available within one to seven working days. HIV and syphilis blood tests may take slightly longer, depending on local laboratory capacity.

Results from NHS clinics are often delivered via text message, phone call, or through an online portal, depending on the service. Postal home testing kits — available through services such as SH:24 or local authority schemes — typically return results within a few days of the laboratory receiving the sample, though postal transit times should also be considered.

It is worth noting that NHS services are subject to demand fluctuations, and during busier periods, processing times may be extended. This does not reflect the quality of the test — it simply relates to laboratory scheduling.

How Long Do Private STI Test Results Take?

Private STI clinics often follow a direct-to-laboratory processing model, where samples collected on-site are sent to partner laboratories — in some cases on the same day. This can sometimes result in shorter turnaround times compared with batched processing, though results are still dependent on laboratory scheduling.

In many private clinics, samples are collected during a face-to-face appointment, reducing the delays associated with postal transit. Results are typically delivered through a secure digital platform, email notification, or a confidential patient portal, allowing individuals to access their results privately and at a time that suits them.

Some private clinics may offer expedited processing for certain tests where this is available through their laboratory partner. However, turnaround times are never guaranteed, as they remain subject to laboratory workload, the complexity of the test, and whether confirmatory analysis is required.

What Affects How Quickly STI Results Come Back?

Several factors can influence how long it takes to receive STI test results. Understanding these can help set realistic expectations.

Type of Test

Different testing methods have different processing requirements:

• NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test): Used for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and mycoplasma. NAAT detects genetic material from the organism and is highly sensitive. Results are typically available within one to three working days.
• Antibody tests: Used for HIV (4th generation), syphilis, and hepatitis. These detect the body's immune response to an infection. Processing usually takes two to five working days.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Used for herpes and some HIV testing. PCR amplifies viral DNA to detect active infection. Turnaround is usually two to five working days, though HIV PCR test accuracy testing may return within one to three working days at some laboratories.

Window Period Timing

Every STI has a window period — the time between exposure and when the infection becomes reliably detectable. If a test is performed too early, it may return a negative result even if an infection is present. In these cases, repeat testing after the appropriate window period may be recommended.

For example, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can typically be detected from around two weeks after exposure, while HIV antibody tests may require four to six weeks. Understanding when STI symptoms appear can help inform testing timing, though many infections remain asymptomatic.

Confirmatory Testing

Some initial test results — particularly for HIV and syphilis — may be classified as reactive or preliminary. When this occurs, the laboratory will usually run a second, confirmatory test to verify the result before it is released. This additional step is essential for accuracy but can add one to three working days to the overall turnaround time.

Weekends and Bank Holidays

Most laboratories do not process samples over weekends or on bank holidays. If a sample is collected on a Friday, processing may not begin until the following Monday. This means that results for tests taken late in the week may take slightly longer to arrive. Planning testing earlier in the week can sometimes help reduce waiting time.

Can You Get Same-Day STI Results?

In some circumstances, certain tests can provide preliminary results on the same day. Rapid HIV finger-prick tests, for example, are point-of-care tests that can produce a result within 15 to 30 minutes during a clinic appointment. These tests detect HIV antibodies and can be a useful screening tool.

However, it is important to understand the limitations of rapid testing. Point-of-care tests may have a longer window period than laboratory-based tests, meaning very recent infections could be missed. Additionally, any reactive rapid test result typically requires laboratory confirmation before a definitive result is issued.

Not all infections can be screened using rapid or same-day methods. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, and mycoplasma all require laboratory processing, and results for these infections are not available on the same day in most clinical settings.

Why Waiting for STI Results Can Feel Stressful

It is entirely normal to feel anxious while waiting for STI test results. The period between taking a test and receiving the outcome can be emotionally challenging, particularly if you are concerned about a specific exposure or have noticed symptoms.

Many people find themselves searching online for symptom information during this waiting period, which can sometimes increase anxiety rather than reduce it. It is worth remembering that online symptom checkers cannot replace testing, and many STIs — including some of the most common — are frequently asymptomatic STDs, meaning symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of infection status.

Structured testing through a clinical service — whether NHS or private — provides a clear, evidence-based pathway to knowing your status. If anxiety about results is significant, some clinics offer support or can discuss results by phone in a way that allows you to ask questions in real time.

What Happens If an STI Test Is Positive?

Receiving a positive STI result can feel overwhelming, but it is important to know that the vast majority of sexually transmitted infections are manageable with appropriate care.

Bacterial STIs

Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and mycoplasma are typically treated with a course of antibiotics. Treatment is usually straightforward, and follow-up testing may be recommended to confirm that the infection has cleared. Results are delivered confidentially, and treatment can often be arranged through the same service that carried out the test.

Viral STIs

Viral infections such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B require ongoing management rather than a single course of treatment. With modern antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load and live full, healthy lives. Herpes can be managed with antiviral medication to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Follow-Up Testing

In some cases, follow-up testing may be recommended — either to confirm that a bacterial infection has been successfully treated or to retest after an initial test was performed within the window period. Understanding how soon after unprotected sex should you get tested can help ensure that the timing of your test provides the most reliable result.

Partner Notification

If a test is positive, it may be appropriate to inform recent sexual partners so they can also access testing. Many clinics offer anonymous partner notification services that allow this to be done discreetly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do chlamydia results take?

Chlamydia test results are usually available within one to three working days when processed using a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). The exact timing depends on the laboratory and whether the sample was collected in clinic or sent by post. NHS postal kits may take slightly longer due to transit time.

How long do gonorrhoea test results take?

Gonorrhoea results typically take one to three working days using NAAT testing. As with chlamydia, turnaround may vary depending on the laboratory's processing schedule and whether the sample is collected on-site or sent by post.

How long does an HIV test take to come back?

A 4th generation HIV blood test usually returns results within one to five working days. HIV PCR tests may return within one to three working days. Rapid finger-prick HIV tests can provide a preliminary result within 15 to 30 minutes, though reactive results require laboratory confirmation.

Can STI test results be wrong?

While modern STI tests are highly accurate, no test is perfect. False negatives can occur if a test is performed before the window period has elapsed. False positives are rare but possible, which is why confirmatory testing is used for infections such as HIV and syphilis. Testing at the appropriate time after exposure improves accuracy.

Do private clinics give faster STI results?

Private clinics may sometimes provide shorter turnaround times due to direct-to-laboratory processing and on-site sample collection. However, results are still dependent on laboratory scheduling and the type of test performed. Turnaround times are not guaranteed by any provider and may vary.

Can I get same-day STI test results in the UK?

Same-day results are available for certain tests, such as rapid HIV finger-prick screening, which can provide a preliminary result in 15 to 30 minutes. However, most STI tests — including those for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and herpes — require laboratory processing and are not available on the same day.

When Should You Consider Retesting?

Retesting may be appropriate in several situations, even after an initial negative result. Consider retesting if:

• Your initial test was performed before the recommended window period had elapsed — retesting after the appropriate interval ensures a more reliable result
• You have developed new symptoms since your original test
• You have had a further potential exposure since testing
• A sexual partner has subsequently been diagnosed with an STI
• You received treatment for a bacterial STI and want to confirm that the infection has cleared — this is sometimes called a test of cure and is typically recommended two to four weeks after completing treatment

Repeat testing is a normal and responsible part of sexual health management. It does not indicate that anything was wrong with the original test — it simply ensures that the most up-to-date information is available.

Confidential STI Testing in the UK

If you would like confidential STI testing with secure result delivery, appointments are available at our UK clinic. Turnaround times vary depending on the test type and laboratory processing. Results are delivered through a secure, private channel, and clinical support is available throughout the process. Book a confidential appointment at a time that suits you.