How long it takes to get a result

The main delay in getting results is due to the fact that samples are analysed in batches, and it may take some labs several days to accumulate enough samples to analyse. The actual process of conducting the test usually takes a few hours.

BHIVA guidelines recommend that for routine opt-out tests, results are returned to patients within 72 hours.1

In practice, not all clinics meet this standard. Results within a day or two are frequently offered by busier clinics and for urgent cases at smaller clinics, but other patients may be asked to wait one or two weeks for results.

References

  1. British HIV Association, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, Children’s HIV Association. Don’t forget the children: Guidance for the HIV testing of children with HIV-positive parents. Available at http://www.chiva.org.uk/health/conferences/previous/dontforget (accessed 29 April 2010), 2009