Full STI screen, one appointment.

After a possible exposure, different infections take different amounts of time to become detectable — testing too soon can give false reassurance.

Chlamydia & gonorrhoea — from 2 weeks. NAAT (PCR) tests reliably detect these bacterial infections from around 14 days after exposure; testing earlier risks a false negative. If you have symptoms before the 14-day mark we’ll still test, because symptomatic infections carry more bacterial load and are detected earlier. Windows follow BASHH guidance.

HIV — RNA from ~10 days; 4th-generation from 4 weeks (reliable at 6). The rapid HIV RNA test can identify infection from as early as 10 days after exposure. Standard 4th-generation antibody/antigen testing is reliable from 4 weeks, with a confirmatory test at 6 weeks for full certainty. We’ll discuss your specific risk at the appointment. Windows follow BASHH guidance.

Syphilis — from 6 weeks (reliable at 12). Serology becomes positive from around 6 weeks but isn’t fully reliable until 12 weeks after exposure. If a painless ulcer appears sooner, come in — we can take a PCR sample directly from the lesion.

Hepatitis B & C — 6 weeks to 6 months. Detection windows vary; we’ll advise on timing and any need to re-test based on your exposure.

NHS sexual health services are free, excellent, and around the corner from us. If cost or speed isn’t your priority, they may be the better choice, and we’ll tell you so. What we add is same-week access, a single private appointment, and results in days — with no entry on your NHS GP record.