How Long Does an STD Test Take? A Traveler's Guide to Results & Timing
Last updated: 21 Nov 2025
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Its a question that often comes with a heavy dose of anxiety. Whether it was a broken condom, a new partner, or just an unexpected symptom that popped up during your holiday, the waiting game is the hardest part.
Youre in Koh Samui, far from your regular doctor, and your mind is racing. You just want to know: "How long does an STD test take?"
You are really asking two different questions:
How long will I be at the clinic? (The appointment time)
How long until I get my answers? (The result turnaround time)
Lets cut through the medical jargon and give you the clear, simple timelines you need to put your mind at ease.
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We specialize in providing confidential, fast, and non-judgmental sexual health check-ups for tourists and expats in Koh Samui. We understand that when you are asking about "time," you are really asking for peace of mind. We handle these tests every single day and have optimized our entire process to be as fast, private, and stress-free as possible.
Your actual time inside the clinic is surprisingly short. We know you don't want to spend your vacation in a waiting room. For a standard confidential screening, you can often be in and out in under 30-45 minutes.
Here is what that visit looks like:
The Private Consultation (5-10 mins): You'll have a quick, 100% confidential chat with an English-speaking doctor. This is just to understand your risk factors and decide which tests are right for you.
The Sample Collection (2-5 mins): This is the "test" part, and it is very quick.
Urine Test: You'll be given a sterile cup.
Rapid Blood Test: A simple pinprick on your finger.
Full Blood Draw: A standard blood draw from your arm if a full panel is needed.
This is the most important part. The time to get your results depends entirely on what you are testing for. In Koh Samui, tests generally fall into two categories: Rapid Tests and Lab Tests.
These are the fastest way to get peace of mind for specific infections. We do these right here in the clinic.
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 likely have your answer before you leave the clinic.
For bacterial infections, we often need to send samples to a specialized laboratory for a DNA (PCR) analysis. This takes a little longer but provides high accuracy.
What they test for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Herpes (HSV).
How it works: A urine sample or a swab.
Result Time: 24 - 72 hours. We will contact you discreetly via email or secure messaging as soon as the results are ready.
Here is a simple breakdown of when you can expect your answers:
Test Type
Sample Needed
Time to Result
Rapid HIV Test (4th Gen)
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Rapid Syphilis Test
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Rapid Hepatitis B & C
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
Urine / Swab
1 - 3 Days
Herpes (HSV) Type 1 & 2
Blood Draw
2 - 4 Days
Full PCR Panel (14+ STDs)
Urine / Swab
3 - 5 Days
This is critical. "How long" isn't just about the test resultsit's also about how long you should wait to get tested after sex.
If you test too early, the virus or bacteria might not show up yet, giving you a "false negative." This waiting time is called the Window Period.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: Wait 2 - 6 days after exposure.
HIV (4th Gen Rapid Test): Wait 2 - 4 weeks after exposure.
Syphilis: Wait 3 - 6 weeks after exposure.
If you are within this window but are worried, come see us anyway. We can assess your risk and may recommend early preventive treatment or a specific testing schedule.
If you have had a high-risk exposure (like a broken condom or sex with a partner of unknown status) within the last 72 hours (3 days), do not wait for a window period.
Come to the clinic immediately. You may be a candidate for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), an emergency 28-day medication course that can prevent HIV from establishing an infection. Time is critical here.
Don't spend your holiday worrying in your hotel room. 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 answers and 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
What is the fastest STD test available?
The fastest options are the Rapid Antigen/Antibody tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. These use a small cassette device (similar to a COVID test) and provide results in 15-20 minutes while you wait.
Can I pay extra to get my Chlamydia results in 1 hour?
In Koh Samui, this is generally not possible. While some major hospitals in Bangkok offer "express" PCR, on the island, most DNA samples for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are processed in labs that require at least 24 hours. Be wary of any clinic promising a 1-hour cure for these without a lab; they may be using less accurate methods.
Do I need to fast or prepare before the test?
For most STD tests, no preparation is needed. However, for a urine test (Chlamydia/Gonorrhea), it is best not to urinate for 1 hour before your appointment. This ensures there is enough bacteria in the sample for an accurate result.
Is the rapid HIV test accurate?
Yes. We use 4th Generation rapid tests, which look for both HIV antibodies and the P24 antigen. They are extremely accurate (over 99%) once you are past the 4-week window period.
What happens if my result takes 3 days but I leave Koh Samui tomorrow?
This is very common for tourists. If you need to travel before your lab results are back, we will securely email you the results or send them via an encrypted messaging app (like WhatsApp or LINE), followed by a consultation call if needed. You do not need to stay on the island to get your results.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). STD Testing Recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
Planned Parenthood. (2024). How Long Do STD Tests Take? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/get-tested/how-long-do-std-test-results-take
NHS (UK). (2024). Visiting a Sexual Health Clinic: What to Expect. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/
Youre in Koh Samui, far from your regular doctor, and your mind is racing. You just want to know: "How long does an STD test take?"
You are really asking two different questions:
How long will I be at the clinic? (The appointment time)
How long until I get my answers? (The result turnaround time)
Lets cut through the medical jargon and give you the clear, simple timelines you need to put your mind at ease.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We specialize in providing confidential, fast, and non-judgmental sexual health check-ups for tourists and expats in Koh Samui. We understand that when you are asking about "time," you are really asking for peace of mind. We handle these tests every single day and have optimized our entire process to be as fast, private, and stress-free as possible.
Part 1: How Long Does the Appointment Take?
Your actual time inside the clinic is surprisingly short. We know you don't want to spend your vacation in a waiting room. For a standard confidential screening, you can often be in and out in under 30-45 minutes.
Here is what that visit looks like:
The Private Consultation (5-10 mins): You'll have a quick, 100% confidential chat with an English-speaking doctor. This is just to understand your risk factors and decide which tests are right for you.
The Sample Collection (2-5 mins): This is the "test" part, and it is very quick.
Urine Test: You'll be given a sterile cup.
Rapid Blood Test: A simple pinprick on your finger.
Full Blood Draw: A standard blood draw from your arm if a full panel is needed.
Part 2: How Long Do Results Take? (The Big Answer)
This is the most important part. The time to get your results depends entirely on what you are testing for. In Koh Samui, tests generally fall into two categories: Rapid Tests and Lab Tests.
Rapid Tests: Results in 20 Minutes
These are the fastest way to get peace of mind for specific infections. We do these right here in the clinic.
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 likely have your answer before you leave the clinic.
Lab Tests: Results in 1 - 3 Days
For bacterial infections, we often need to send samples to a specialized laboratory for a DNA (PCR) analysis. This takes a little longer but provides high accuracy.
What they test for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Herpes (HSV).
How it works: A urine sample or a swab.
Result Time: 24 - 72 hours. We will contact you discreetly via email or secure messaging as soon as the results are ready.
STD Test Turnaround Times at a Glance
Here is a simple breakdown of when you can expect your answers:
Test Type
Sample Needed
Time to Result
Rapid HIV Test (4th Gen)
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Rapid Syphilis Test
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Rapid Hepatitis B & C
Finger-prick Blood
20 Minutes
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
Urine / Swab
1 - 3 Days
Herpes (HSV) Type 1 & 2
Blood Draw
2 - 4 Days
Full PCR Panel (14+ STDs)
Urine / Swab
3 - 5 Days
The Other "How Long": Understanding the Window Period
This is critical. "How long" isn't just about the test resultsit's also about how long you should wait to get tested after sex.
If you test too early, the virus or bacteria might not show up yet, giving you a "false negative." This waiting time is called the Window Period.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: Wait 2 - 6 days after exposure.
HIV (4th Gen Rapid Test): Wait 2 - 4 weeks after exposure.
Syphilis: Wait 3 - 6 weeks after exposure.
If you are within this window but are worried, come see us anyway. We can assess your risk and may recommend early preventive treatment or a specific testing schedule.
Urgent: The 72-Hour Rule for HIV
If you have had a high-risk exposure (like a broken condom or sex with a partner of unknown status) within the last 72 hours (3 days), do not wait for a window period.
Come to the clinic immediately. You may be a candidate for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), an emergency 28-day medication course that can prevent HIV from establishing an infection. Time is critical here.
Where to Get a Fast STD Test in Koh Samui
Don't spend your holiday worrying in your hotel room. 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 answers and 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 available?
The fastest options are the Rapid Antigen/Antibody tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. These use a small cassette device (similar to a COVID test) and provide results in 15-20 minutes while you wait.
Can I pay extra to get my Chlamydia results in 1 hour?
In Koh Samui, this is generally not possible. While some major hospitals in Bangkok offer "express" PCR, on the island, most DNA samples for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are processed in labs that require at least 24 hours. Be wary of any clinic promising a 1-hour cure for these without a lab; they may be using less accurate methods.
Do I need to fast or prepare before the test?
For most STD tests, no preparation is needed. However, for a urine test (Chlamydia/Gonorrhea), it is best not to urinate for 1 hour before your appointment. This ensures there is enough bacteria in the sample for an accurate result.
Is the rapid HIV test accurate?
Yes. We use 4th Generation rapid tests, which look for both HIV antibodies and the P24 antigen. They are extremely accurate (over 99%) once you are past the 4-week window period.
What happens if my result takes 3 days but I leave Koh Samui tomorrow?
This is very common for tourists. If you need to travel before your lab results are back, we will securely email you the results or send them via an encrypted messaging app (like WhatsApp or LINE), followed by a consultation call if needed. You do not need to stay on the island to get your results.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). STD Testing Recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
Planned Parenthood. (2024). How Long Do STD Tests Take? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/get-tested/how-long-do-std-test-results-take
NHS (UK). (2024). Visiting a Sexual Health Clinic: What to Expect. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/
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