Private STD Testing · Central London
Private STD testing in Central London: results never go on your NHS record
Testing at MDC Baker Street sits entirely outside the NHS system. No GP referral. Nothing shared with your doctor. Walk in Monday to Saturday. Results in 24 to 42 hours.
Off NHS records
No GP referral needed
Walk-in Mon to Sat
Results in 24 to 42 hrs
Anonymous booking available
What private means at MDC
Two things most patients want to know
When people search for private STD testing, they usually mean two specific things. Both apply at MDC.
Off your NHS and GP record
Testing at MDC sits entirely outside the NHS system. Your visit, your result, and your diagnosis do not appear on your Summary Care Record or GP notes.
This matters for patients concerned about insurance implications, employer health schemes, or simply personal privacy. If an insurer requests medical records from your GP, there is nothing there related to your MDC test.
No GP referral required
You do not need to see your GP first, obtain a referral letter, or be registered with a UK GP at all. Walk in to 73 Baker Street during opening hours and the clinical team will advise on the right tests for your situation.
Anonymous booking is also available. You do not need to use your legal name. A first name is sufficient to label your sample correctly.
Who should consider private STD testing
Common reasons patients attend MDC
Private testing is not only for people with symptoms. Most STIs produce no symptoms at all in the early weeks after exposure.
After unprotected sex
Testing after a new or unprotected encounter. Window periods vary by infection. See our guide on when to test for timing advice.
Privacy from NHS records
Patients who want results kept entirely separate from their GP notes, NHS record, or insurance documentation.
New relationship or partner
Routine screening before stopping condom use or entering an exclusive relationship. Often done by both partners together.
Symptoms not yet explained
Discharge, burning, pelvic discomfort, or unusual sores that have not been tested for. Some infections, including mycoplasma and candida, are not on standard NHS screens.
Pre-conception or fertility planning
Several infections affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes if untreated. The Advanced Panel covers the most clinically relevant.
International visitors or no UK GP
No NHS registration or UK GP is required. MDC serves international patients regularly. Results sent to any email address globally.
Why MDC
What sets private testing at MDC apart
01
Results in 24 to 42 hours
NHS sexual health testing typically returns results in 5 to 10 working days. MDC returns most results within 24 to 42 hours by secure email, considerably faster for patients who cannot wait.
02
Broader test range than NHS
Standard NHS screens cover chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis. MDC also tests for herpes, candida, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas, gardnerella, HPV, hepatitis A/B/C, and HTLV as individual tests or as part of broader panels. See the full test catalogue.
03
Walk-in, Monday to Saturday
No appointment needed. Open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday at 73 Baker Street. Most walk-in appointments including check-in and sample collection take under 30 minutes.
04
CQC registered, UKAS-accredited laboratory
MDC is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC Certificate CRT1-20711334119). All testing is processed by UKAS-accredited partner laboratories. Results are clinically reviewed before being sent to you.
05
Inclusive care for all patients
MDC provides inclusive, gender-neutral care for men, women, and LGBTQ+ patients. Throat swabs, rectal swabs, and same-sex partner testing are available. Test panels are recommended based on anatomy and exposure type.
Private vs NHS
How MDC compares to NHS testing
NHS testing is free and clinically excellent. Private testing at MDC is for patients who need speed, privacy from NHS records, or a broader test panel.
| MDC (private) | NHS sexual health clinic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From £75 | Free |
| Appears on NHS or GP record | Never | Yes, within NHS system |
| GP referral needed | No | No |
| Walk-in today | Yes, Mon to Sat | Usually by appointment |
| Result turnaround | 24 to 42 hours | 5 to 10 working days |
| Herpes, candida, mycoplasma, HPV | All available | Not on standard NHS screen |
| Anonymous booking | Yes | NHS number usually required |
| CQC regulated | Yes | Yes |
Tests available
Most commonly requested tests
Individual tests start from £75. Panels start from £149. Westminster residents receive 20% off all tests. For the full test catalogue with all prices, see the sexual health testing page.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will my test appear on my NHS or GP record?
No. Testing at MDC sits entirely outside the NHS system. Nothing appears on your Summary Care Record or GP notes. Insurance companies requesting medical records from your GP will find no record of this test.
Can I book without using my real name?
Yes. We need a name to label your sample but it does not have to be your legal name. A first name or a name of your choosing is sufficient. Results go only to the email or phone number you provide.
Are throat and rectal swabs available?
Yes. Throat and rectal swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea are available for anyone who needs them. Let the clinical team know when you arrive and they will advise on the appropriate sample type for your exposure.
What happens if I test positive?
A clinician will contact you directly to explain your result and advise on next steps. For most bacterial infections, treatment is straightforward and available free at NHS sexual health clinics. See our STI treatment cost guide for more detail.
Is a doctor consultation included?
All results are reviewed by our clinical team before being sent to you. If you would like to discuss your result with a clinician, this can be arranged at the time of booking or on receipt of your result.
