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.
Lab-based NAAT (nucleic acid amplification testing) is the gold standard for diagnosing chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The same sample — urine or swab — can test for both infections simultaneously. Results are highly accurate and typically available within a few days. This combined test is the standard at UK sexual health clinics and home test kits.
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How It Works
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sample | Urine (men), vaginal swab (women), or throat/rectal swab |
| Lab method | NAAT amplifies bacterial DNA for detection |
| Time | 2-5 days for results |
| Accuracy | Over 95% sensitivity and specificity |
Sample Collection Tips
- Urine: first-catch, don’t urinate for at least 1 hour before
- Vaginal swab: self-collected works as well as clinician-collected
- Throat and rectal: ask for these if you’ve had oral or anal sex
Treatment
- Chlamydia — doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days
- Gonorrhoea — ceftriaxone 1g intramuscular injection
- Avoid sex for 7 days after starting treatment
- Partners should be tested and treated
Where to Test
- NHS sexual health clinics — free
- Home postal kits — free in many areas
- GP surgery
- Private services
Read more: What is chlamydia? | What is gonorrhoea? | Home chlamydia tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one test detect both?
Yes — combined NAAT tests both from one sample.
How soon after exposure?
Reliable from 1-2 weeks.
Are home tests as accurate as clinic?
Yes — same lab techniques.
Related reading
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Home Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Tests: How They Work
- Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test
- STI Throat Swab for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
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.
