How Long Do STD Tests Take at Urgent Care Centres?

If you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s normal to have a sense of urgency to get trusted medical support. Thankfully, when it comes to testing for sexual STIs, you’ve got options. There are a few places in Canada where you can get tested for an STI. You can visit your healthcare provider, a sexual health clinic, a local public health unit, a walk-in clinic, or an urgent care center.

It’s important to note that STI is the updated term for STD, which stands for sexually transmitted disease. The reason for the change is that infections often don’t develop into a disease, making the term STD inaccurate.

When you choose an urgent care center for testing, it’s helpful to know what to expect, like what happens and how long it will take to test. Here’s what you need to know about how long the results of STI tests are at urgent care centers in Canada.

What to Expect During STI Testing at Urgent Care Centres

Understanding the testing process for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help ease concerns about the procedure. If you think you may have an STI, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when you choose urgent care for testing.

STI Testing Window Period

Before testing, it’s essential to consider the “window period”—the time between exposure to an infection and when a test can detect it. The STI testing window period varies based on the type of STI and the specific test used, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Your healthcare provider will discuss this with you based on your sexual history, helping determine if you’re within the ideal testing period.

Initial Consultation with Your Healthcare Provider

The testing appointment usually starts with a discussion of your sexual history. This initial conversation helps the healthcare provider understand which specific tests or physical exams you may need. Topics discussed typically include:

Any symptoms you may be experiencing
Recent partners and relationship history
Types of sexual activities you’ve engaged in

Based on your responses, your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable tests to check for possible infections. This step is crucial in determining the types of samples needed for accurate diagnosis.

Types of STI Tests

Various tests are available to identify different infections:

Urine Sample: Used to test for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
Blood Sample: Checks for infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. Blood tests are also used for herpes if swabs aren’t an option.
Swab Test: Samples from the throat, vagina, penis, or anus to detect infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Typical Timeline for STI Results

Many people ask, “How long for the results of an STI test?” and the answer depends on the type of test:

Urine and swab tests typically return results within 1-3 days.
Blood tests may take up to a week.

These timelines vary, and many providers offer a general timeframe for STD test results.

Physical Examination

In some cases, your healthcare provider may conduct an external genital exam to identify symptoms like bumps or sores that may indicate herpes, syphilis, or genital warts. If necessary, a speculum may be used to access the vagina or cervix for a swab test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV).

Common STIs Tested at Urgent Care Centres

Some infections are “reportable,” meaning your local public health unit will receive reports of positive STD test results to allow health authorities to monitor the STI rates in the region and identify outbreaks. Reportable infections include HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B and C.

Some clinics offer anonymous HIV testing report results, meaning they don’t share any identifying information about you when reporting to their public health unit. In those instances, only you, the public health nurse, and your healthcare provider will know about your results.

Types of STI Testing Available at Urgent Care Centres

Urgent care centers use three types of tests to detect STIs: blood tests, urine tests, and swab samples. If you’re wondering, “Do walk-in clinics do STI testing?” the answer is often yes, with options for both symptomatic and routine testing.

Your healthcare provider may also perform an external examination, particularly if symptoms are present. Based on your symptoms and sexual activity, they will suggest the best test for you.

Here are the tests used to check for the most common STIs, with an approximate STD test results time for each:

Chlamydia: A urine sample or a swab of the affected area
Gonorrhea: A urine sample or a swab of the affected area
HIV: A blood sample, which may be available through rapid testing via a finger prick at some clinics (results times can vary)
Hepatitis B: A blood test
Genital Herpes: A swab of the affected area
Syphilis: A blood test or a swab of the affected area
Trichomoniasis: A swab of the infected area
HPV: Physical examination or a swab of the affected area

For those wondering how long it takes for STI results in Canada, it can vary based on the type of test and clinic, but many results are available within a few days.

Importance of Timely STI Testing

The best way to look after your health and wellbeing (and that of your sexual partners) is to get tested once a year — more if your situation has changed, such as:

You have a new sexual partner
You noticed any bumps, discharge, rashes, or urinary symptoms
You or your partner is engaging in sexual activity with other people
You had sex with someone who has an STI
You had sex without a condom with someone who wasn’t recently tested for STIs
The condom broke during sex

STI testing should be part of your healthcare routine — just like going to the dentist. Not getting regularly tested for STIs can lead to a whole lot of problems. Since many people don’t experience STI symptoms, they don’t know they have an infection unless they get screened. However, untreated STIs can have major consequences, such as infertility or leading to serious disease.

Process of STD Testing at Urgent Care Centers

STD testing at urgent care centers is designed to be efficient and accessible. Patients seeking testing can typically walk in without an appointment, though it’s always a good idea to check with the center about testing availability. Once at the urgent care center, you’ll consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, sexual history, and any concerns you may have. This conversation helps determine the type of testing needed and ensures you receive the most relevant tests.

Step-by-Step Guide to STD Testing at Urgent Care

Consultation: Meet with a healthcare provider who will assess your symptoms, review your sexual history, and recommend the appropriate tests.
Sample Collection: Based on the type of infection suspected, the healthcare provider will collect a sample, which could be a urine sample, blood test, or a swab from affected areas.
Analysis: The samples collected are then sent to a lab for analysis, where they are tested for various STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and others.
Follow-up: You may receive your results in a few days and, if necessary, return to the urgent care center to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Sample Collection and Analysis for STD Testing

STD testing can involve different types of samples, depending on the suspected infection:

Urine Sample: Commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
Blood Sample: Typically used to detect infections like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing via a finger prick.
Swab Sample: A sample from the throat, genital, or anal area may be collected for certain infections, like herpes or HPV.

These samples are sent to a lab for detailed analysis to ensure accurate results and effective treatment plans.

Waiting Period for STD Test Results at Urgent Care

The waiting period for STD test results can vary depending on the type of test and the lab’s processing time. Typically, results for routine tests are available within a few days, though some rapid tests (such as HIV tests) can offer preliminary results within minutes. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the expected timeframe during your visit.

Factors Affecting the Duration of STI Test Results

Several factors can impact how long it takes to receive STD test results:

Type of Test: Some tests, like rapid HIV testing, provide results immediately, while others may take several days.
Lab Processing Time: The time it takes for the lab to analyze your sample can vary, especially if sent to an external facility.
Urgent Care Center Policies: Some centers process tests on-site, while others send samples to a third-party lab, affecting timing.
Volume of Tests: During high-demand times, like peak flu season or holiday periods, labs may experience delays in processing tests.

Here’s how long you can expect to wait for results:

Chlamydia (urine test or swab sample): 1–2 weeks
Gonorrhea (urine test or swab sample: 1–2 weeks
Genital warts (physical examination): Immediately
Herpes (physical examination): Immediate swab if herpes is visibly present. If not visible, blood tests for HSV (herpes simplex virus) exposure can take around 1-2 weeks.
Hepatitis B or C (blood test): 2 weeks
HIV/AIDS (rapid test via finger prick test): 5 minutes
HIV/AIDS (regular blood test): 1–2 weeks
Syphilis (blood test): 2 weeks

Additional Information on STD Testing at Urgent Care

Insurance Coverage for STD Testing at Urgent Care

Insurance coverage for STD testing at urgent care centers often depends on your provider and plan specifics. Many insurance plans, including private and employer-sponsored options, cover STD testing when it’s deemed medically necessary, like in cases of symptoms or exposure. Preventive screenings for common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, may also be covered at little to no out-of-pocket cost.

It’s best to verify coverage before your visit, as some plans may require using in-network facilities. If you’re uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover testing, many urgent care centers offer self-pay rates and can provide pricing details upfront.

Cost of STI Testing at Canadian Urgent Care Centres

In Canada, STI testing is free. All you need is a valid health card. Since STI testing won’t cost you anything and is relatively accessible, it’s easy to commit to regular testing to keep you and your sexual partners safe and healthy.

Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns During STD Testing

Confidentiality is a priority for STD testing at urgent care centers. Your health information is protected by laws like HIPAA, ensuring that your test results and personal information remain private and secure. Urgent care staff handle your visit professionally, and results are shared only with you unless you permit others to access them. Many centers also offer discreet billing options, so there is no indication of STD testing on shared insurance statements, helping you maintain privacy throughout the process.

Follow-Up Care and Treatment Options After STD Testing

After receiving your STD test results, urgent care centers offer follow-up care and treatment options as needed. If your test results are positive, a healthcare provider will discuss appropriate treatment plans, including prescriptions for antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the type of infection. The provider may recommend further tests or monitoring to ensure the infection clears. They can refer you to specialists or local resources for long-term support or recurring infections for additional care, ensuring you have access to all necessary treatments and preventive measures.

What To Do With a Positive STD Test Result

If your STD test results come back positive, it’s crucial to inform current and recent partners, especially if you’ve engaged in sexual activity in the past two to six months. If you’re uncertain how to approach this conversation, a counselor or the healthcare provider who conducted your STI testing can offer advice on discussing results without stigma.

You’ll also need to seek treatment from a healthcare provider. Most STIs can be treated and cured. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured by taking antibiotics.

If you have any questions about STIs and/or symptoms but don’t know where to start, speak to a primary care provider, like a doctor or nurse practitioner, on Maple. Available 24/7/365 over secure text, audio, or video calls, primary care providers on Maple can help you figure out your next steps, like whether you need to go to urgent care, and you can rest assured knowing all your data is available within the app.

Providers on Maple are available within minutes and can talk to you about any symptoms you may have, offer advice on having safe sex or talking to a partner about STI testing, and help you find a place to go for testing.

Taking control of your sexual health is empowering, and with the right resources and support, you can navigate any challenges with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, open communication with partners and timely medical intervention are key to maintaining your health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to connect with one of our trusted providers for guidance and support whenever you need it.

Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, like chest pain or difficulty breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.