How Long Does an STD Test Take? A Guide to Test & Result Times

Its a question that can cause a lot of anxiety. After a moment of worrya broken condom, a new partner, or just an unexplained symptomthe waiting is the hardest part. You just want to know.

When you're on holiday in Koh Samui, that anxiety can feel even worse. You're in an unfamiliar place, and all you can think is, "how long does an STD test take?"

Youre really asking two questions:

1. How long will I be at the clinic?
2. How long until I get my results?

Let's cut through the stress and give you clear, simple answers.
 

Why You Can Trust This Guide

 
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We specialize in providing confidential, fast, and non-judgmental sexual health check-ups for tourists. We understand that when you're asking "how long," you're really asking for speed, privacy, and peace of mind. We handle these tests every single day and have optimized our entire process to be as fast and stress-free as possible.

The Two Parts of "How Long": The Test vs. The Results

Let's break down the timeline. The "test" itself is fast. It's the results that have different wait times.

Part 1: How Long Does the STD Test Appointment Take?

Your actual time in the clinic is surprisingly fast. For a standard STD screening, you can often be in and out in under 30-45 minutes.

Here's what that visit looks like:

The Private Consultation
 
You'll have a quick, 100% confidential chat with an English-speaking doctor. This is just to understand your concerns and what tests are right for you. (Time: 5-10 minutes)

The Sample Collection

This is the "test" part, and it's very quick.

• Urine Test: You'll be given a cup. (Time: 1-2 minutes)
• Rapid Blood Test: A simple, fast pinprick on your finger. (Time: 1 minute)
• Full Blood Draw: A standard blood draw from your arm. (Time: 2-3 minutes)

Your Total Clinic Visit
 
From walking in the door to walking out, the entire process is designed to be efficient. You don't need to block out your whole day.

Part 2: How Long Do STD Test Results Take? (The Big Answer)

This is the most important question. The time to get your results depends entirely on what you are testing for.

Some results are almost instant, while others need to be sent to a laboratory.
 

Your Guide to STD Test Result Times

Heres a breakdown of the most common tests and how long you can expect to wait for the results at a private clinic.

Rapid Tests: Same-Day STD Results

These are the fastest way to get peace of mind for specific infections.

• What they test for: HIV (4th Generation), Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
• How it works: A simple finger-prick blood test.
• Result Time: 15 - 20 minutes. You will have your answer before you leave the clinic.

Urine Tests: The Most Common STDs
 
This is the standard test for the most common bacterial infections.

• What they test for: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
• How it works: A simple urine sample.
• Result Time: 1 - 3 days. This sample needs to be sent to a lab for analysis.

Full Blood Work

This is for a more comprehensive screening.

• What they test for: Herpes (HSV), a more in-depth Hepatitis panel, or confirmation of Syphilis.
• How it works: A blood draw from your arm.
• Result Time: 1 - 3 days. This also goes to a lab for processing.

STD Test Turnaround Time at a Glance


 

What is a "Rapid STD Test"?

A rapid test is a screening tool that can detect antibodies or antigens in your blood in minutes. At our clinic, we use high-quality, 4th-generation rapid tests for HIV. These are incredibly accurate after the "window period" and are the key to getting you an answer on the same day.
 

The Other "How Long": Understanding the Window Period

How long it takes to get results is one thing. But how long you need to wait to get tested is even more important. This is called the "window period."

The window period is the time between when you were exposed to an infection and when a test can actually detect it. Testing too early can give you a false negative.

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: 2-6 days
• Syphilis: 3-6 weeks
• HIV (4th Gen Rapid Test): 2-4 weeks

If you think you've been exposed, come in and talk to our doctor. We can advise you on the perfect time to test for the most accurate results.
 

What About PEP for HIV?

 
If you've had a high-risk exposure to HIV (e.g., a broken condom) in the last 72 hours (3 days), you should not wait for a test. Come to the clinic immediately. You may be a candidate for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), an emergency medication that can prevent HIV infection from taking hold.
 

Why a Private Clinic is Faster

 
You might think a big hospital is the answer, but for an STD test, the process can be slow. You'll face long registration lines and wait with many other patients.

A private walk-in clinic is built for speed. There's no long wait, you're seen immediately, and we get you your results as fast as humanly possible.
 

Your Fast, Confidential STD Test in Koh Samui

Don't spend your holiday worrying. At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we offer fast, 100% confidential, and non-judgmental sexual health screening. You can walk in, be seen by an English-speaking doctor, and get your rapid test results in under 20 minutes.

We are here to provide peace of mind.

• Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
• Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Phone: +66 65 262 9396
• Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
• Map: Find us on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest STD test I can get?

The fastest tests are the rapid tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. You can get these results in just 15-20 minutes from a simple finger-prick test.

What if I test positive? Is treatment fast too?
 
Yes. If a test comes back positive for a bacterial STD like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Syphilis, we can provide you with the antibiotics or treatment right here in the clinic. You can start your treatment immediately.

Do I need to make an appointment to get a fast test?
 
No. We are a walk-in clinic. You can come in any time during our opening hours, and we will see you as quickly as possible. No appointment is needed.

How long does the test take if I have no symptoms?
 
The testing time is exactly the same. The process (consultation, sample collection, and analysis) does not change whether you have symptoms or are just getting a "peace of mind" check-up.

Can I pay extra to get my lab results (urine test) faster?

Unfortunately, no. The 1 to 3-day turnaround for tests like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is the time the laboratory needs to physically process the sample. We always get you the results the moment they are available.

References

• Planned Parenthood. (2024). How Long Do STD Test Results Take? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/get-tested/how-long-do-std-test-results-take 
• Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis 
• AVERT. (2024). HIV Testing. https://www.avert.org/hiv-testing