How quickly will I get the results of an STI test?

Written by

Lauren Dobischok
10 June, 2022

Medically checked article All HOMED-IQ content is reviewed by medical specialists

When waiting for the result of an STI test, time can pass especially slowly and many people worry about the result, even if it is just a routine test. This stress is absolutely understandable, which is why we would like to provide an overview of the processing times of an STI test from Homed-IQ.

Homed-IQ offers a variety of STI tests. Currently you can purchase the following STI self-tests from Homed-IQ:

Below is a brief overview of the waiting/processing time of the STI home tests offered by Homed-IQ. You will then find individual paragraphs in which we go into more detail about the respective STI home tests, the infections tested, and their respective window periods.

Homed-IQ STI Test Processing Time
STI Test Comprehensive 1 – 2 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory
STI Test Complete 1 – 2 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Basic-3 STI Test 1 – 2 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test 1 – 2 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Chlamydia Home Test 1 – 2 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory

Processing Time of the STI Test Comprehensive

Homed-IQ’s STI Test Comprehensive is the most complete STI test offered by Homed-IQ, checking for eight different STIs:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Syphilis
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Herpes I
  • Herpes II

Homed-IQ’s STI Test Comprehensive includes two tests- a blood test (finger prick), and a urine test for men or a vaginal swab for women. 

All STIs have a different window period. This is the time between when you are infected and when the infection can show up on a test. It is important that you take into account the window period of each STI before performing a test to ensure that the test results are accurate and detect possible infections. The window periods for the STI Test Comprehensive are as follows:

  • Chlamydia: ~ 1 – 3 weeks, usually 14 days
  • Gonorrhea: ~ 14 days, usually 5 days
  • Trichomoniasis: ~ 1 – 4 weeks, usually 21 days
  • Syphilis: ~ 10 – 90 days, usually 28 days
  • HIV: ~ 4 weeks – 12 weeks
  • Hepatitis B ~ 60-180 days
  • Herpes I & II ~ 3 weeks – 3 months

Processing Time of the STI Test Complete

As the name suggests, the Homed-IQ STI Test Complete tests for a variety of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

Like the STI Test Comprehensive, the STI Test Complete involves a blood test (finger prick), and a urine test for men or a vaginal swab for women. 

The window period for the STIs included in the STI Test Complete are as follows:

  • Chlamydia: ~ 1 – 3 weeks, usually 14 days
  • Gonorrhea: ~ 14 days, usually 5 days
  • Trichomoniasis: ~ 1 – 4 weeks, usually 21 days
  • Syphilis: ~ 10 – 90 days, usually 28 days
  • HIV: ~ 4 weeks – 12 weeks

Processing time of the Basic-3 STI Test

Homed-IQ’s Basic-3 STI Test tests for the three most common STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The test is available in two variants; a urine test for infections of the penis, and a swab test for infections of the vagina, throat, or anus. 

As with the other tests, window periods differ between STIs. Make sure that the window period has passed since your potential STI exposure to ensure your test result is accurate. The window times of this Basic 3 STI test are as follows:

Chlamydia: ~ 1 – 3 weeks, usually 14 days

Gonorrhea: ~ 14 days, usually 5 days

Trichomoniasis: ~ 1 – 4 weeks, usually 21 days

Processing time of a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most common STIs, which is why they are the most commonly tested. There is a good reason why you can also find this combination test at Homed-IQ – chlamydia cannot be treated if gonorrhea has not been ruled out beforehand. The same applies the other way around.

The window period of chlamydia and gonorrhea varies, which is why you should always check when the best time for a self-test is to achieve an accurate test result. If you take your sample too early, chlamydia may not be detectable due to its longer window period. The window periods of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are:

Chlamydia: ~ 7 – 21 days, usually 14 days

Gonorrhea: ~ 14 days, usually 5 days

Processing time of a Chlamydia Test

Has a previous partner told you that he/she tested positive for chlamydia? In this case, a simple chlamydia test is a good idea. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and has a window period of around 14 days.

The test comes in two forms – a urine test for infections of the penis and a swab test for infections of the vagina, throat, or anus. 

With all Homed-IQ STI tests, we strive to provide you with your test result within 1 – 3 working days after receiving your sample. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions related to STI testing.

About the author

Lauren Dobischok

Lauren is a health scientist and science communicator currently living in the Netherlands. Originally from Canada, she completed a Research Master’s in Health Sciences at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences at Erasmus University Rotterdam (NIHES) with a specialisation in epidemiology. Prior to her master’s degree, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. With a background in public health, her goal is to create accurate scientific content that is easy to understand and empowers people to make informed decisions. Within Homed-IQ, Lauren works as a Product Developer and Content Lead, working closely with physicians and scientists on medical devices for Homed-IQ’s new products and written communications.