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.
Same-day STI testing is available for urgent situations like recent high-risk exposure, acute symptoms, or before a planned medical procedure. Some NHS sexual health clinics and private services offer rapid tests with results within hours, while lab-based tests usually take a few days. Knowing the options helps you get timely care when it matters.
Here’s what to know.
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Where Same-Day Testing Is Available
| Service | What’s Offered |
|---|---|
| NHS sexual health clinics | Rapid HIV and sometimes syphilis; walk-in available in many cities |
| Private sexual health clinics | Often same-day results for a broader panel |
| A&E (for emergencies only) | Rapid testing in specific situations like PEP assessment |
| Home rapid tests | Instant results, but less sensitive than lab tests |
What Tests Give Same-Day Results
- Rapid HIV test — finger-prick or oral fluid, 15-20 minute results
- Rapid syphilis test — finger-prick blood, 15-30 minutes
- Point-of-care chlamydia/gonorrhoea — available at some specialist clinics, 60-90 minutes
- Microscopy — for trichomoniasis and some other infections, immediate
What Still Takes a Few Days
- Lab-based chlamydia and gonorrhoea NAAT
- Herpes PCR swabs
- Hepatitis B and C
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Confirmatory testing for any positive result
When Same-Day Testing Makes Sense
- Urgent PEP assessment (within 72 hours of HIV exposure)
- Acute symptoms needing immediate attention
- Before a planned medical or dental procedure
- High anxiety about recent exposure
- Before starting or continuing PrEP
Walk-In Options
Many NHS sexual health clinics offer walk-in access, meaning you can arrive without an appointment and be tested on the same day. Results for some tests may be available during your visit, while others come later.
Private Same-Day Testing
Private clinics offer convenience and speed for those willing to pay:
- Same-day appointments
- Rapid result panels
- Treatment at the same visit
- Costs range from £100 to £500+
What to Expect at a Rapid Test
- Brief consultation about your symptoms and history
- Sample collection (finger-prick blood, urine or swab)
- Result within 15-90 minutes depending on test type
- Treatment or referral if positive
- Follow-up advice
Limitations of Rapid Testing
- Some tests are less sensitive than lab equivalents
- Rapid tests may not cover all STIs
- Positive results often need lab confirmation
- Window period still applies — testing too early can miss infection
Read more: Rapid HIV test accuracy | Gonorrhoea rapid tests | STI test result timelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get same-day HIV results?
Yes, rapid HIV tests give results in 15-20 minutes at many clinics.
Is same-day testing as accurate?
Rapid tests are generally accurate but sometimes slightly less sensitive than lab-based options.
Where’s the quickest place to get tested?
NHS sexual health clinics with walk-in access, or private clinics offering same-day panels.
Related reading
- How Accurate Are Rapid HIV Tests?
- Anonymous STI Testing: What It Means
- Are HIV Tests Accurate If You're on PrEP, PEP or ART?
- Are STI Blood Tests Accurate?
- Before You Get Intimate: Why You Should Ask About STI Testing
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.
