STD & STI Testing in London: Costs, Speed, Full Panels & Private Options Explained

Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, 73 Baker Street
Private same-day STI testing • Results in 24–42 hours • Confidential • QC-validated accuracy
Westminster residents receive 20% off all sexual health tests.

Sexual health testing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wellbeing. In London, searches for:

• “How much does STD testing cost in London?”
• “What is the fastest STD test?”
• “What is a full 7-panel STI test?”
• “Does Bupa cover STI tests?”
• “Free STI testing London”
• “Same-day STI testing London”
• “STI test near me”
• “Private STI clinic London”
• “Clarewell Clinics London vs private clinics”
• “DocTap STI test”

are increasing every week.

This guide explains the differences between NHS, private, and same-day services, and how STI testing works at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC).

How Much Does STD Testing Cost in London?

Costs vary depending on the type of clinic.

NHS Sexual Health Clinics (Free)

These include:

• 56 Dean Street (Soho)
• Burrell Street Clinic (SE1)
• Local borough clinics
• NHS home test kits

They provide free testing for most people, but:

• Appointments may be limited
• Busy walk-in clinics
• Full panels may not always be offered
• Some testing relies on self-swabs
• Results may take longer than private clinics

Private STI Testing in London

Average prices in central London:

• Basic STI test: £90 – £150
• Full panel (7-test): £180 – £350
• Advanced panel (10–15 tests): £300 – £600

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre:

• Basic Sexual Health Profile
• Advanced Sexual Health Profile (Full Panel)
• Clear pricing
• Results in 24 – 42 hours
• Doctor-reviewed
• Private rooms

Westminster residents receive 20% off.

What Is the Fastest STD Test in London?

At private clinics, including MDC, the fastest and safest option is:

• Same-day testing + results in 24 – 42 hours
• HIV 4th gen test may give early indications within 24 hours
• No GP referral needed
• Quick booking
• No walk-in crowding

The NHS does not offer guaranteed same-day slots in most areas.

What Is a Full 7-Panel STI Test?

A standard 7-panel STI test usually includes:

1. HIV
2. Syphilis
3. Chlamydia
4. Gonorrhoea
5. Hepatitis B
6. Hepatitis C
7. Trichomonas (often included)

At MDC, our Advanced Sexual Health Profile covers:

• HIV (4th generation)
• Syphilis (TPHA + RPR)
• Chlamydia (urine or swab)
• Gonorrhoea (urine or swab)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Mycoplasma genitalium (if indicated)
• Trichomonas (if indicated)

Fast & discreet

Does Bupa Cover STI Testing?

Bupa, AXA, Vitality and most UK private insurers:

❌ Do not usually cover routine STI testing
❌ Do not cover screening without symptoms
✅ May cover testing if symptoms require investigation

Always check your policy.

Private sexual health testing at MDC is self-paid, with transparent pricing and a fast turnaround.

Is There Free STI Testing in London?

Yes. NHS options include:

• 56 Dean Street (West End)
• Burrell Street Sexual Health Clinic (Waterloo)
• Local borough sexual health clinics
• Free NHS home test kits (depending on age and area)

These services are excellent, but:

• Not always same day
• Home kits may take 7–14 days
• Appointments may be limited
• Full panels may not be offered

Many people choose private testing for speed, privacy, and completeness.

Same-Day STI Testing in London

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre offers:

• Same-day appointments
• No waiting rooms full of patients
• Full panels
• Urine, swab, and blood tests
• Results in 24–42 hours
• Confidential, private clinic rooms

We are located 5 minutes from Baker Street Tube.

How Do STI Tests Work?

Urine Test

Used for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma (if required)

Blood Test

Used for:

• HIV
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Swab Test

Used for:

• Throat exposure
• Rectal exposure
• Vaginal symptoms
• Urethral discharge
• Trichomonas
• Mycoplasma genitalium

Physical Examination

Only when clinically required.
Not routine for every patient.

Symptoms That Should Prompt STI Testing

Most STIs have no symptoms, but testing is needed if you notice:

• Burning urine
• Pelvic or testicular discomfort
• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Bleeding after sex
• Painful sex
• Ulcers or sores
• Persistent sore throat after oral sex
• Unusual odour
• Lower back pain
• Frequent infections
• Itching or irritation

Or after:

• A new partner
• Unprotected sex
• A partner testing positive

Who Offers Private STI Testing in London?

Here is how MDC compares:

56 Dean Street (NHS)

✅ Free
✅ Excellent clinicians
❌ Long queues
❌ Not same-day for all tests

Burrell Street Clinic (NHS)

✅ Free
✅ Broad testing
❌ Busy
❌ Not confidential for some patients

Clarewell Clinics

✅ Private
❌ Higher pricing than average

DocTap

✅ Good service
❌ Limited advanced tests
❌ Not same-day for all profiles

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC)

✅ Same-day
✅ Full panels
✅ Discreet
✅ Fast results (24 – 42 hours)
✅ Doctor-reviewed
✅ Westminster 20% discount
✅ 5 minutes from Baker Street Tube
✅ Private rooms and fast service

How Much Does MDC STI Testing Cost?

Pricing is transparent and competitive for central London.

• Basic Sexual Health Profile
• Advanced Sexual Health Profile
• HIV, syphilis, hepatitis only panels
• Add-on PCR tests when needed

Results come back within 24 – 42 hours.

Book a Private STI Test in Central London Today

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
📞 +44 7495 970109
📅 Monday–Saturday | 08:00–16:00
🚇 Baker Street Tube – 5 minutes away

Private • Fast • Expert Reviewed • Confidential
Westminster residents: 20% off

Read More

• NHS – Sexual Health Overview
• Burrell Street Clinic (Guy’s & St Thomas’)
• Terrence Higgins Trust (HIV & STI Information)
• British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH)