Laboratory tests

Rapid, point-of-care tests

Self-sampling

Self-testing

Available from

Sexual health clinics, other medical settings.

Community settings, some clinics.

Order online.

Not yet available.

Sample

Blood from a vein.

Blood from a finger prick, or oral fluid.

Blood from a finger prick, or oral fluid.

Likely to be oral fluid, or blood from a finger prick.

Speed of result

Within 48 hours, or one to two weeks.

A few minutes.

One to two weeks.

A few minutes.

Most infections detected within

Four weeks (antibody/antigen test), a little longer for antibody only test.

Six to eight weeks.

Varies according to the sample and the test.

Unknown.

Negative result reliable after

Twelve weeks.

Twelve weeks.

Twelve weeks.

Unknown.

How accurate, once the window period is over

Gold standard.

Accurate for most people; slightly poorer performance than laboratory tests, especially when sample is oral fluid.

Accurate for most people; varies according to the sample and the test.

Unknown.

Advantages

The most reliable tests.

Can provide STI screen at same time.

Easier to implement quality control.

Can test large numbers of people.

Instant results.

Non-invasive.

Convenience.

Privacy.

Non-invasive.

Convenience.

Privacy.

Non-invasive.

Instant results.

Disadvantages

Delay in getting results.

Clinical settings only.

Inaccurate during recent infection.

Delay in getting results.

Limited support for people testing positive.

Maybe inaccurate during recent infection.

Risk of abuse.