Do I have to wait a certain amount of time after a potential risk contact before I get tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
Yes, it is important to consider the so-called diagnostic window before getting tested. This is the time between potential risk contact and the point when a test can reliably detect an infection. Tests conducted too early may not detect the presence of the pathogen because the body has not yet developed enough antibodies or viral DNA for it to be detectable in the test. The diagnostic window aries depending on the infection:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Tests are generally meaningful up to 2 weeks after risk contact.
- HIV: Using PCR testing like we do, results are usually reliable 3-4 weeks after risk contact.
- Syphilis: Reliable testing is usually possible 12 weeks after risk contact.
Testing before the end of the respective diagnostic window could lead to a false-negative result. Therefore, we recommend waiting the appropriate time to ensure reliable test results.