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.
No. Positive and negative STI test results go through the same laboratory process and take the same amount of time. A positive result doesn’t require extra processing or a longer lab workflow. If your results are taking longer than expected, it’s almost certainly due to postal delays, lab backlogs, or weekends, not because the result is positive.
If you’re anxiously waiting for results, here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
Waiting is hard. Next time, try a home test with fast turnaround
Why Results Sometimes Feel Slower
You may hear about positive results faster
Clinics actively phone patients with positive results to arrange treatment and partner notification. Negative results are often sent passively by text or letter, which can arrive later or be missed in notifications. This creates the impression that positive results are faster, when actually it’s the notification method that differs.
Confirmatory testing can add time
For HIV and syphilis, a reactive (positive) screening result automatically triggers a confirmatory test on the same sample. This adds 1-3 days. But you won’t know this is happening because you haven’t been told the screening result yet.
Common reasons for delays
- Weekends and bank holidays (labs don’t process over weekends)
- Postal delays (home test kits rely on Royal Mail)
- Lab backlogs during busy periods
- Sample quality issues requiring a retest
Typical Turnaround Times
| Test Method | Expected Wait |
|---|---|
| Sexual health clinic | 1-7 days |
| GP-ordered test | 3-7 days |
| Home test kit (postal) | 2-5 days from lab receipt |
| Rapid HIV test (clinic) | 15-30 minutes |
If you haven’t received results within 7 working days, contact the clinic or test provider. No news doesn’t automatically mean negative.
Read more: How long do STI results take? | Chlamydia results timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I assume negative if I haven’t heard?
Not necessarily. Always confirm by contacting the provider. Some clinics only call for positive results, but this varies. Check your text messages, email, and online portal before assuming.
Can I call the clinic to get results faster?
You can call, but results won’t be available until the lab has processed your sample. Calling won’t speed up the lab. Most clinics will give results over the phone if they’re ready.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Get an STI From Being Fingered?
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
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.
