How Accurate are Instant STD Tests?

If you’re short on time but are worried about your sexual health, an instant STD test could be a great option with results in as little as an hour. But, are they accurate and reliable? In this blog, our experts explain how instant STD tests work and how accurate tests are for common STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes. 

So, how accurate are instant STD tests? On average, instant STD tests are 90% accurate in terms of sensitivity (ability to detect a true positive) and 96% accurate in terms of specificity (how reliable a positive result is). These figures are comparable with STD tests but offer a quicker service for those with busy schedules.

Read on to learn more about instant STI tests and how accurate they are for a range of common STIs.

Are Instant STI Tests Reliable?

Instant STI tests solve a number of problems for individuals that are short on time but worried about their sexual health. Such tests allow individuals to receive results in minutes rather than days and begin treatment immediately, but, how accurate are they? Are they just as accurate as regular STI tests?

On average, instant STI tests are 90% reliable in terms of sensitivity, and 96% reliable in terms of specificity. This means;

• Sensitivity – how well an instant STD test detects true positives (the percentage of cases with correctly identified STIs, therefore few false negative results)
• Specificity – how well an instant STD test identifies an individual without the infection as negative, few false positives)

What STDs Can Instant STI Tests Detect and How Accurate Are They?

There are a number of STDs in which instant STD tests are effective, however, the sensitivity and specificity accuracies vary.

Chlamydia

Instant STD tests can be used to test against Chlamydia with an accuracy of 86% sensitivity and 97% specificity. At Your Sexual Health, our instant Chlamydia tests are accurate from 14 days after exposure with same-day results, while you wait. Book an Instant Chlamydia Test now.

Gonorrhoea

Instant STD tests can be used to test against Gonorrhoea with an accuracy of 86% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Instant Gonorrhoea tests can be taken from 14 days after exposure and provide accurate results in just 30 minutes. Book your Instant Gonorrhoea Test now.

Herpes 1 & 2

Instant STD tests can be used to test against the Herpes Simplex Virus with an accuracy of 93% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity. At Your Sexual Health, our Instant Herpes test can detect both forms of Herpes, including Facial Herpes (HSV1) and Genital Herpes (HSV2) with accurate results in 30 minutes. 

Syphilis

Instant STD tests can be used to test against Syphilis with an accuracy of 85% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Instant Syphilis tests can be taken from 14 days after exposure and provide accurate results in 30 minutes, while you wait. Check whether you’ve been infected with our Instant Syphilis Test.

HIV

Instant STD tests can be used to test against HIV with an accuracy of 92% sensitivity and 99% specificity. At Your Sexual Health, our Instant HIV tests are available at 16 clinics nationwide and provide accurate results in 30 minutes, while you wait.

How Do Instant STI Tests Compare with Regular Tests?

When comparing the accuracy of instant STI tests with regular Laboratory STI tests, it appears they have similar accuracies and reliability. The table below compares both sets of data.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Tests

Instant Test Accuracy – Sensitivity: 86%, Specificity: 97%

Regular Test Accuracy – Negative Test Accuracy: 99%, Positive Test Accuracy: 90%

Herpes

Instant Test Accuracy – Sensitivity: 93%, Specificity: 99.9%

Regular Test Accuracy – 96% accurate with a PCR test

Syphilis

Instant Test Accuracy – Sensitivity: 85%, Specificity: 91%

Regular Test Accuracy – 85% accurate with a blood test

HIV

Instant Test Accuracy – Sensitivity: 92%, Specificity: 99%

Regular Test Accuracy – 99.5% accurate with a blood test

Instant STD Tests at Your Sexual Health

Instant STD tests are a quick and convenient way to determine whether or not you have an STD. At Your Sexual Health, our instant STD tests are available at 16 clinics across the UK and offer accurate results in under an hour. 

• Choose the instant STD test you think you need

With Your Sexual Health, you can choose from 6 individual tests if you know what you’re testing for, or a profile test which checks for a range of common STDs if you’re unsure.

• Book your appointment

Book your appointment at your local clinic at a time that suits you. Booking is quick and easy via our online form.

• Attend your appointment

When you attend your appointment, you’ll be asked to deposit a sample (either a swab, blood or urine sample) with a qualified Nurse or Doctor, and you’ll receive accurate results in under an hour. For some STDs, in the case of a positive result, your sample will also be sent to our laboratory for confirmatory viral load testing free of charge

In the unfortunate event that your results come back positive, these can be discussed and actioned by your own GP. We can also recommend an independent private GP service if you prefer who can discuss your circumstances and manage further as required.

If you’re not sure that our instant STD tests are right for you, or you don’t live locally to our 16 chosen clinics, we also offer a wide range of regular STD tests that are available nationwide. Or, why not take a look at our at-home testing kits for the ultimate convenience?