How long does it take to get an STI test result?
The length of time it takes to receive an STD test result depends on the test that you’ve taken and the laboratory that is processing your result. In this blog, we provide the turnaround times for each test available from Your Sexual Health and compare them to NHS turnaround times.
Chlamydia
Your Sexual Health Turnaround Time: 1-3 Working Days
NHS Turnaround Time: 7-10 Day
Choose the FAST Chlamydia Test from Your Sexual Health
Gonorrhoea
Your Sexual Health Turnaround Time: 1-3 Working Days
NHS Turnaround Time: Up to 2 Weeks
Choose the FAST Gonorrhoea Test from Your Sexual Health
Syphilis
Your Sexual Health Turnaround Time: 1-3 Working Days
NHS Turnaround Time: 1-2 Weeks
Choose the Syphilis Test from Your Sexual Health
HIV
Your Sexual Health Turnaround Time: 1-3 Working Days
NHS Turnaround Time: 1-2 Weeks
Choose the HIV Test from Your Sexual Health
Herpes
Your Sexual Health Turnaround Time: 3-4 Working Days
NHS Turnaround Time: 2 Weeks (not regularly tested)
Choose the Herpes Test from Your Sexual Health
How are STD Test turnaround times worked out?
We’ve worked out the turnaround times above based on the time it takes to receive the sample from the clinic and the time it takes the laboratory to process the sample.
Our tests will usually be sent at the end of each day and will be received by the laboratory 24 – 48 hours later.
Each test will then take anywhere from 4 hours to 4 days to be processed by the laboratory, depending on the equipment used.
You can see the turnaround times for each test on our website. This is the time it takes the laboratory to process the sample.
Why are results quicker with Your Sexual Health?
Your Sexual Health is a private STD testing provider offering a premium service. We’re able to deliver results faster than the NHS for a number of reasons:
- We use a private laboratory with lower demand and the most up to date equipment
- We offer a streamlined service between our clinics and our laboratories
- Results are processed by our dedicated team on the day they are received
Your Sexual Health also has a wider range of tests, some of which have an even faster turnaround time.
How long does it take to collect my sample and return results?
As well as offering a fast laboratory turnaround time, Your Sexual Health sets itself apart by offering a streamlined in clinic service. All you have to do is arrive at your appointment time and your samples will be collected straight away.
Many NHS services have no availability to book appointments which often requires you to wait in busy clinic waiting rooms for an indefinite amount of time.
Before you take your test, it is important to wait the correct amount of time after having sex for accurate results. Find out more in our recent blog: How Long After Sex Should You Test For STDs?
