The length of time it takes to get results will depend on what test is done and what service you are using.
Here are some of the ways you can collect results.
As a confidential clinic we are unable to provide results if you phone us.
Tests at Unity Central health clinic
For a patient attending Unity Central Health Clinic the results process is as follows:
For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests
- If all results are negative and no further action needed then you will get a text in 2 working days after your test. This is known as “Rapid Results”
- If a result is positive or needs further action then you may have already been given an appointment to return the same day or soon after OR we will call you within 2 working days
- If you do not give us permission to text and do not hear from us within 3 weeks of the test then you can assume all tests are negative (this is known as “No news is good news”)
For blood tests for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
- If all results are negative and no further action needed then you will get a text in 2 to 3 weeks after your test.
- If a result is positive or needs further action then we will contact you within 2 to 3 weeks after your test (this may be earlier for a HIV result that needs action).
For other tests you will be informed by the clinician you see when and how to expect results.
As a confidential clinic we are unable to provide results if you phone us.
Point of care HIV test
If you are at risk of HIV, you may be offered a point of care HIV test. This is a finger-prick test that looks for exposure to HIV from three months prior to the test being taken. You will receive this result on the day. This test is only offered to specific patient groups and is not part of our routine screen.
Tests at other Unity clinics
- Some clinics are able to text results as above (though time lines for all tests will be 2-3 weeks) but others have a “No news is good news” system which means if you have not heard anything 3 weeks after your test then it is all negative.
Tests from the Unity Website Postal kits
For a patient providing samples from a test kit from the Unity Sexual Health Services website the results process is as follows:
For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests – Swabs and/or Urine
- If all results are negative and no further action needed then you will get a text within 10 working days from the day that you test.
- If a result is positive or needs further action we will usually attempt to contact you within 7-10 working days from the test date. We will make 3 attempts to contact you via each available method: call, text or letter.
- The Postal kit testing service does not have a “No news is good news” policy.
For blood tests for HIV or Syphilis
- If all results are negative and no further action needed then you will get a text in up to 3 weeks after your test.
- If a result is positive or needs further action then we will contact you within 2 to 3 weeks after your test.
Tests from the Chlamydia Screening Programme
For a patient providing a sample through a test kit from their GP, Pharmacy or clinic that is tested via the screening programme, the results process is as follows:
For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests
- If all results are negative and no further action needed then you will get a text within 10 working days from the day that you test.
- If a result is positive or needs further action we will usually attempt to contact you within 7-10 working days from the test date. We will make 3 attempts to contact you via your chosen method: call, text, email or letter.
- The CSP does not have a “No news is good news” policy.