STI Testing in London – Your Complete Guide (Fast, Private & Accurate)
Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, 73 Baker Street
Same-day STI testing • Results in 24–42 hours • Private & discreet
Westminster residents enjoy 20% off.
Sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Many people in London search daily for:
- “How do you check if you have an STI?”
- “How do they test for STI?”
- “Will my GP test me for STI?”
- “Is STI testing free on the NHS?”
- “Where can I get a full STI check?”
- “Can I get an STI test at Boots?”
- “Free STI home test kit NHS”
- “56 Dean Street”
- “Walk-in family planning clinic near me”
This guide explains every option in London, how STI testing works, common symptoms, free services, private clinics like MDC, and what to expect during testing.
How Do You Check If You Have an STI?
The only way to know is through testing.
Many STIs have no symptoms. You cannot tell by looking or by how you feel.
Testing may include:
Urine test
Blood test
Swab test (vaginal, cervical, rectal, or throat)
Genital examination (only if needed)
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, most STI testing is:
- Quick
- Painless
- No physical examination unless clinically required
- Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland
- Returned in 24–42 hours
- Confidential
How to Get a Full STI Check (London)
A “full STI check” usually includes testing for:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomonas (if indicated)
- Mycoplasma genitalium (if indicated)
MDC offers the Advanced Sexual Health Profile, which includes:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Swabs (if required)
Antibody & antigen testing
QC-validated accuracy
Results are returned quickly, with optional doctor follow-up.
How Do They Check for STIs?
Testing depends on the infection:
Urine Test
Checks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Simple and non-invasive.
Swab Test
Used for:
- Vaginal symptoms
- Urethral discharge
- Rectal exposure
- Throat exposure
- Trichomonas
- Mycoplasma genitalium
Swabs are quick and usually painless.
Blood Test
Used for:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
A small sample is taken from the arm.
Results in 24–42 hours at MDC.
Physical Examination
Only done if symptoms require it (e.g., ulcers, lesions).
Not required for routine screening.
Will My GP Test Me for STIs?
Yes, GPs can test for STIs, but:
- Appointments may take longer
- Full panels may not be offered
- Some tests require referral
- Same-day testing is uncommon
- Some results take longer than private clinics
For fast testing, many people book privately or use NHS walk-in sexual health services.
Is STI Testing Free in London?
Yes. Free NHS sexual health services include:
- 56 Dean Street (Soho)
- Burrell Street Clinic (SE1)
- NHS STI home test kits
- Local sexual health clinics
- GP referrals
Free NHS STI home test kits are available for:
- Under 25s
- Over 25s (depending on borough availability)
Some boroughs have limited supply or longer waiting times.
Can I Get an STI Test at Boots?
Boots offer:
- Chlamydia tests
- Home kits for certain infections
However:
❌ Not a full STI panel
❌ Not doctor-reviewed
❌ Not suitable if you have symptoms
❌ Not suitable for HIV or syphilis confirmation
For full, accurate testing, a clinical laboratory is recommended.
Where Can I Do a Same-Day STI Test in London?
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre offers:
Same-day appointments
Full STI panels
Rapid HIV
Swabs + urine + blood
Discreet entrance on Baker Street
Doctor review available
We are 5 minutes from Baker Street Tube Station.
Common Symptoms That Require STI Testing
Many STIs have no symptoms, but testing is recommended if you notice:
- Burning during urination
- Pelvic discomfort
- Vaginal or penile discharge
- Bleeding after sex
- Pain during intercourse
- Ulcers, sores, or lesions
- Itching or irritation
- Rectal discomfort
- Persistent sore throat after oral sex
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you have symptoms, testing should be done quickly.
How Much Does an STI Test Cost in the UK?
Typical private London prices:
- Basic test: £90 – £150
- Full panel: £180–£350
- Advanced panel: £300–£600
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre:
Basic Sexual Health Profile
Advanced Sexual Health Profile
Add-on tests (Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, etc.)
Prices are competitive with central London clinics.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.
Should You Test After a New Partner?
Yes. A full screen is recommended:
- 2 weeks after exposure for chlamydia/gonorrhoea
- 4 weeks for HIV antigen/antibody testing
- Immediately if symptoms appear
MDC clinicians can guide you.
STI Home Test Kits (NHS & Private)
NHS home kits
✅ Free in most boroughs
✅ Reliable for chlamydia & gonorrhoea
✅ Some include HIV and syphilis
❌ Not full panels
❌ Not immediate
❌ Not available daily
❌ Not suitable for urgent symptoms
MDC private home kits
✅ Full panels
✅ Faster turnaround
✅ Doctor guidance
✅ Discreet courier service
❌ Not free
STI Testing Options in London (Complete Overview)
NHS Walk-In Clinics
Including:
• 56 Dean Street
• Burrell Street Clinic
• Local borough sexual health services
GP Practices
Good for simple screens. May have wait times.
Pharmacy Kits
Useful but limited.
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
For fast, discreet, full panel testing with doctor review.
Why Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre for STI Testing?
- Same-day appointments
- No waiting room crowds
- London’s most central testing location
- Doctor-reviewed results
- QC-validated accuracy
- Results in 24–42 hours
- Full confidentiality
- Close to Baker Street station
- Westminster residents: 20% discount
Book STI Testing in London Today
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
+44 7495 970109
Monday–Saturday | 08:00–16:00
5-minute walk from Baker Street Tube
Private • Fast • Discreet • Same-Day Testing
