How Long Do STD Test Results Take?

Waiting for results is the hard part. How long it lasts depends on the type of test, where it is processed, and whether the first result needs a second test.

How long do STD test results take?

A few minutes to a few days for most tests:

• Rapid tests: about half an hour or less.
• Some lab tests: up to about four days after the lab receives your sample (Labcorp OnDemand’s Complete STI Test gives 1 to 4 days).
• Tests needing confirmation: longer, because a second test must be run.

Online and clinic services quote their own timing, so the number on your order page is the one to trust. Below are the figures that official and provider pages give.

How long does each type of test take?

HIV. The CDC lists rapid antibody and rapid antigen/antibody (finger stick) tests at about half an hour or less. Lab antigen/antibody tests and nucleic acid tests take multiple days. CDC says self-tests give results within 20 minutes. MedlinePlus says results from a lab vein-blood test are usually ready a few days after your sample is taken.

Chlamydia. MedlinePlus says results are usually ready in a day, and some rapid chlamydia tests can give results in 90 minutes or less.

Online lab orders.

• STDCheck says results are available in your online account 1 to 2 days after your visit to a testing center. Its About us page says 1 to 2 business days.
• Quest Health says its basic STD panel (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV) is typically available within 1 to 2 business days of providing your sample.
• Labcorp OnDemand says its Complete STI Test takes 1 to 4 days from when your samples arrive at the lab.

Those timings run from when the lab has your sample, not from when you ordered.

Can I get same-day STD results?

Sometimes, for the tests that have rapid versions. HIV rapid tests are the clearest example, with results in about half an hour or less. Some rapid chlamydia tests give results in 90 minutes or less. Whether a clinic or pharmacy clinic offers rapid tests varies, so check with your local location before you go.

Why are my results taking longer?

• State holds. Quest says that if you are in California or Pennsylvania, your results may be held for a period before they are released.
• More tests in the order. Quest says results are released when all testing in the order is complete.
• A second step. MedlinePlus says a positive syphilis screen needs a confirming test. The CDC says preliminary positive HIV screening tests should be followed by supplemental testing.
• Weekends and holidays. STDCheck quotes business days on its About us page, so allow extra time.

How will I get my results?

It depends on the service. Quest emails you a secure link when results are ready, and you complete a one-time verification step to view them. STDCheck says results are available in your secure account. A clinic may call, use a patient portal or ask you to come back. Ask when you test how and when you will hear, and who to contact if you don’t.

What happens if a result is positive?

A positive screening result is usually followed by a confirming test, and the clinic or lab should explain the next step. Treatment, when needed, is prescribed by a clinician. STDCheck says that if your results are positive, you can speak with a member of its medical team for guidance. Ask whichever service you use how follow-up works before you order, so you know who to call.

What should I do while I wait?

If you were tested very soon after sex, the result may not be final anyway. See the testing-too-early guide for how long to wait before a negative can be trusted. If you have symptoms, or a partner has told you they tested positive, talk to a clinician now instead of waiting for results.

If you haven’t heard back in the time you were given, contact the clinic or lab. Silence isn’t a result.