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.
Gonorrhoea has traditionally been tested using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) run in laboratories, which take a few days for results. Rapid tests are now emerging that give results in 15-60 minutes, allowing faster treatment decisions. Understanding the pros and cons helps you choose the right testing approach.
Here’s what to know.
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Types of Gonorrhoea Test
| Test Type | Time to Result | Accuracy | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab-based NAAT | 2-5 days | Very high (>95%) | Standard at UK clinics and home kits |
| Rapid NAAT (point-of-care) | 60-90 minutes | High, comparable to lab NAAT | Some specialist clinics |
| Rapid lateral flow | 15-30 minutes | Lower — more false negatives | Limited; not routine |
| Microscopy | Same visit | Good for symptomatic men; less sensitive for women | Many sexual health clinics |
Why Rapid Testing Matters
- Quicker treatment decisions — useful in walk-in clinics
- Reduces time at risk of complications
- Allows same-visit treatment, which may improve uptake
- Supports public health response in outbreaks
Sample Types
Rapid tests can be performed on:
- Urine (men and women)
- Vaginal or cervical swab
- Throat swab (important for people who have oral sex)
- Rectal swab (important for people who have receptive anal sex)
Multi-site testing catches infections that single-sample tests miss.
Limitations of Rapid Tests
- Lateral flow rapid tests are less sensitive than lab-based NAATs
- A negative rapid result doesn’t always rule out infection
- Rapid tests may not include the confirmatory step that lab tests provide
- Some rapid tests don’t reliably detect pharyngeal (throat) infections
Antibiotic Resistance Concerns
Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics over the years. This makes prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment increasingly important. Some clinics now offer resistance profiling alongside diagnosis to guide treatment choice.
Current UK Treatment
Standard first-line treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea in the UK is:
- Ceftriaxone 1g intramuscular injection
- Alternatives for specific situations (allergy, resistance)
- Abstain from sex until 7 days after treatment
- Test of cure recommended, particularly for pharyngeal infection
Home Testing for Gonorrhoea
Home test kits for gonorrhoea use lab-based NAAT from self-collected urine or swabs. They are highly accurate and available free through many NHS services. Rapid at-home gonorrhoea tests are not yet widely available or recommended for routine use.
Read more: What is gonorrhoea? | Home chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests | Rapid test accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a rapid gonorrhoea test?
Depends on the type. Rapid NAAT tests are comparable to lab tests. Lateral flow tests are less sensitive and may miss cases.
Can I buy a rapid gonorrhoea test?
Rapid home tests are not routinely recommended or widely available for gonorrhoea in the UK. Lab-based postal kits are the standard home option.
How soon after exposure can I be tested?
Modern NAATs can detect gonorrhoea 1-2 weeks after exposure.
Related reading
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Lab Test
- Home Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Tests: How They Work
- Lab Test for Gonorrhoea
- Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test
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.
