This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Waiting for a result is stressful, and the questions are usually practical. How long will it take? What does the wording mean? What comes next? This page answers them for people in Las Vegas, using the CDC, the Southern Nevada Health District and Nevada law.

Turnaround times

How long do STD test results take?

It depends on the test and the place. The CDC says rapid HIV tests can return a result in about 30 minutes or less, while lab-based tests take longer. For most other tests, ask the clinic when you are tested, because turnaround is not the same everywhere.

How long do results take at the Southern Nevada Health District?

The Southern Nevada Health District offers free Express Testing for people without symptoms, and its Express Testing page lists rapid HIV testing. The Decatur site (280 S. Decatur Blvd.) lists Express Testing Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM. The Fremont site (2830 E. Fremont St.) lists Fridays, 7:30 AM to 4 PM. The health district's own pages show different hours in places, so call (702) 759-1700 to confirm before you go, and ask how long your results will take.

How long do mail-in test results take?

The health district's Collect 2 Protect program offers at-home HIV self-test kits and mail-in kits for gonorrhea and chlamydia to Nevada residents. The program says results can be ready within 7 to 10 business days after the laboratory receives the specimen. The gonorrhea and chlamydia kits have a fee, the program says it does not accept insurance or Medicaid, and the current page does not list a price.

Why do some results take longer than others?

Rapid tests are read on the spot. Other tests are sent to a laboratory, which adds processing and reporting time. Some results may also need a second test before a clinician can explain them.

How will I get my results?

Clinics do not all publish how they deliver results. Ask at check-in whether results come by phone, a patient portal or in person, and make sure the clinic has a number where you can be reached. The health district's sexual health clinic is at (702) 759-1700, and The Center's health center takes appointments at 702-802-5432.

Timing and window periods

How soon can you test for an STD after exposure?

It varies by infection. A test looks for the germ or for your body's response to it, and either can take time to build up. A clinician can tell you which test fits your situation and when it is most useful. The CDC's GetTested tool at gettested.cdc.gov also helps you find testing.

What is the window period for HIV?

The window period is the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect an infection. The CDC lists about 10 to 33 days for a nucleic acid test, 18 to 45 days for an antigen/antibody test on a lab blood draw, and 18 to 90 days for an antigen/antibody fingerstick test. It lists 23 to 90 days for antibody tests, including self-tests.

Can a test come back negative when an infection is there?

Yes. Inside the window period, a test may not yet detect an infection that is present. That is called a false negative. A clinician can explain whether a repeat test makes sense for you.

Should I get tested again later?

Sometimes. A clinician may suggest a repeat test after the window period, after a new partner or after treatment. Ask what timing fits your situation.

Does testing make sense if I have no symptoms?

The CDC notes that many STIs cause no symptoms. That is why the health district runs Express Testing for people who feel fine. Testing without symptoms is routine and nothing to be embarrassed about.

Reading your results

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means the test did not detect that infection in your sample at that time. Timing matters, because a test taken inside the window period may not yet show an infection. A clinician can explain what your result means for you.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the test detected the infection or a sign of it. A clinician reviews it with you and may order a follow-up test. The CDC says bacterial STIs and trichomoniasis are curable with treatment from a clinician. HIV, herpes and HPV are not curable, but they are treatable and manageable.

What does a reactive result mean?

A reactive result means a screening test found a signal. It is not a final answer. The CDC's HIV testing approach uses follow-up testing to confirm a reactive screening result, and a clinician will explain the next step.

What if my result is inconclusive or unclear?

An unclear result usually means the sample needs another look. The clinic may collect a new sample or run a different test. Ask them what they recommend and when.

Can a test result be wrong?

No test is perfect. Results can be missed during the window period, and some screening tests can react when no infection is present. That is why clinicians use follow-up tests and talk through timing with you.

What happens next

What happens if a result is positive?

A clinician talks with you about treatment, which is whatever they prescribe for your infection, and about telling partners. The CDC lists expedited partner therapy as permissible in Nevada as of March 16, 2009. Ask your clinician whether it applies in your case.

Who is told about a positive result?

Under Nevada Administrative Code chapter 441A, health care providers must report cases or suspected cases of genital chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis to the local health authority. This is a public health reporting duty. Ask your clinic how it handles your information.

What does treatment or follow-up cost?

The health district says its charges are based on income and household size, and that no one is turned away on the day of a visit for inability to pay. Bring photo ID and proof of income. The Center says HIV testing is free and STI screening is low cost, and Nevada Health Centers lists a sliding-fee program based on family size and income.

Can a minor get tested in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada Revised Statutes 129.060 lets a minor give consent to examination and treatment for any sexually transmitted disease, and to STD prevention services. The statute sets no minimum age.

What about testing during pregnancy?

Under NRS 442.010, a syphilis test is required at the first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester, between the 27th and 36th week. A test at delivery is required in certain situations. Your prenatal clinician can explain which apply to you.

What if I think I was recently exposed to HIV?

The CDC says post-exposure prophylaxis, called PEP, must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, so timing matters. The health district's sexual health clinic schedules PEP and PrEP services at (702) 759-1700. The Center and Nevada Health Centers also list PEP and PrEP services.

Where can I get tested in Las Vegas?

Free and low-cost options include the Southern Nevada Health District, The Center and Nevada Health Centers. Our guide to STD testing in Las Vegas and what it costs compares them. You can also use the CDC's GetTested locator. Confirm hours and walk-in availability with each clinic first.

STD Test Results: How Long They Take and What They Mean