Time frame of when you should be testing for STIs?
Most STIs have an incubation following a sexual encounter meaning that they may not be detected within a certain timeframe. Most STI’s require you to wait at least 14 days after sexual activity before taking a test, however, please refer to these timeframes instead if testing for the following STI’s to ensure the results are accurate:
HIV – For accuracy the best time to take the test is 6 weeks after exposure, however early detection tests can be taken 10 days post exposure. The test measures blood levels of HIV p24 antigen which are high in the first few weeks after infection, meaning the test can detect infection in the earliest stages.
Hepatitis B and C – You should get tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C 3 months post exposure. It can take up to 3 months for these viruses to become detectable in the blood.
Syphilis – it can take up to 3 months for this infection to be detectable in your blood.
Tests cannot be taken during either:
a: A female’s menstrual cycle.
b: If you have urinated already within the last 2 hours.