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.
A lab-based chlamydia test uses NAAT to detect the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria from urine or swab samples. It’s the standard UK diagnostic method, offering high accuracy and reliable results within a few days. Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in the UK, and testing is widely available and often free.
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How the Test Works
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Method | NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) |
| Samples | First-catch urine, vaginal swab, throat or rectal swab |
| Accuracy | 95-98% sensitivity |
| Results | 2-5 days |
Who Should Test
- Sexually active people under 25 — at least yearly
- Anyone with a new partner
- After unprotected sex
- If a partner tests positive
- If you have symptoms
Treatment
- Doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days
- Avoid sex for 7 days
- Partners tested and treated
- Retest at 3 months to catch reinfection
Complications if Untreated
- PID in women
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Epididymitis in men
Read more: What is chlamydia? | Home chlamydia tests | Can chlamydia clear on its own?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chlamydia testing accurate?
Very — NAAT is the gold standard with over 95% accuracy.
Can I test at home?
Yes — postal kits use the same lab technology.
How soon after exposure?
Reliable from 1-2 weeks.
Related reading
- Can You Have Chlamydia and Test Negative?
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Lab Test
- Chlamydia Rapid Test Kits: What to Know
- Home Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Tests: How They Work
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.
