If you’ve ever hesitated to get tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) out of fear, uncertainty, or stigma—this article is here to ease your mind.
Today, blood testing is faster, safer, and more discreet than ever before. Thanks to modern medical technology, results are accurate and available quickly—often within minutes. Most importantly, early testing leads to early treatment, giving you the best chance to protect your health and the well-being of those around you.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what’s tested, where to go, how long it takes, whether it hurts, and how often you should get tested—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
What is HIV and STI blood testing?
HIV and STI blood testing refers to the analysis of a blood sample to detect infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, shared needles, or infected blood. These tests are a crucial step in health screening, as many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can remain asymptomatic for a long time.
For HIV testing, doctors look for antibodies or genetic material of the virus in the bloodstream. Early detection allows prompt medical care and treatment, reducing the risk of transmission and long-term complications.
Other infections that can often be detected through blood tests include
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B/C
- Gonorrhea / Chlamydia (Note: Some cases may require urine or swab tests in addition to blood testing.)
Today, blood testing is fast, simple, and often offered anonymously—giving individuals peace of mind both physically and emotionally.
Why get blood tested?
Getting a blood test isn’t just about “checking if you’re infected”—it’s a proactive way to protect your overall health. This is especially vital for sexually transmitted infections like HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis, which often show no symptoms in their early stages but can still be contagious.
Early detection leads to better outcomes
- HIV: The sooner you begin treatment, the better your body can control the virus and avoid complications like opportunistic infections.
- Syphilis / Gonorrhea: Early-stage infections can be cured with antibiotics.
- Hepatitis B/C: Early diagnosis reduces the risk of liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer
Who should get a blood test for HIV and STIs?
Anyone with risk factors should get tested—even without any visible signs—since many STIs can remain silent for a long time.
- Have unprotected sex—regardless of gender or sexual orientation
- Have multiple or frequent new sexual partners
- Have a new partner and have not been tested together
- Have ever shared needles, including drug use
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Have a history of STIs—regular follow-up is essential
- Received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, when HIV screening wasn’t as widespread
Where can I get an HIV blood test near me?
If you are looking for a safe, fast and private HIV blood test location in Bangkok, we are happy to serve you Safe clinic.
Why choose a Safe Clinic?
- Rapid results in 20 min.: Utilizing modern testing technology for accurate and swift results.
- Maximum privacy: We prioritize your confidentiality in every step of the process.
- Expert medical team: Our doctors specialize in HIV care and sexually transmitted infections.
- Comprehensive services: Beyond HIV testing, we offer diagnosis and treatment for other STIs, as well as consultations on PrEP and PEP.
Location and operating hours
- Address: Room 314, 3rd Floor, Times Square Building, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
- Open Hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Accessibility: Conveniently located near BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit stations.
You can schedule an appointment or walk in directly through our website Safe Clinic
What’s the process of HIV and STI blood testing?
Many people worry that blood testing might be complicated or painful, but in reality, the process is simple, quick, and highly confidential, especially at Safe Clinic, where services are tailored for comfort and discretion.
- Registration and basic information
- You don’t need to provide your real name
- Disclose any risk factors or symptoms (if any)
- Initial consultation with a doctor or counselor
- They’ll recommend appropriate tests (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, etc.)
- In some cases, additional tests like urine or swab samples may be needed
- Sample collection (blood and/or urine)
- A small blood sample is drawn, usually with minimal discomfort
- Wait for results
- Rapid tests provide results in 20–30 minutes
- Lab-based tests may take 1–3 days
- Receive your results and counseling
- The doctor will explain the results and guide next steps, whether treatment, prevention, or follow-up testing
- If any infection is detected, proper care and referrals will be provided in full confidentiality
How long does it take to get HIV and STI test results?
HIV and STI testing technologies provide fast and reliable results, approved by international medical standards.
Result times by test type
- Rapid Tests (Results in 20–30 min.) Common for HIV, syphilis, and in some cases hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Ideal for those who want quick answers without waiting days
- Lab-Based Tests Used for more complex diagnostics like HIV RNA, viral load, or genotype analysis, Results typically take 1–3 business days, depending on the lab
At Safe Clinic
- HIV Rapid Test: Results in 20 min.
- Other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea: 30–45 min.
- Advanced tests (PCR, RNA, Antigen): Within 3 business days
What to do after receiving your HIV or STI test results?
Negative:
- You are not infected with HIV or the tested STIs at the time of testing
- However, if the risk behavior happened recently (within 1–4 weeks), you may be in the Window Period—a time when the infection is present but undetectable
- Your doctor may recommend a follow-up test in 1–3 months to confirm
A negative result doesn’t mean you’re safe forever—regular testing is recommended if risky behaviors continue
Positive
- Don’t panic. Today, HIV and most STIs can be treated, managed, or even cured
- Your next steps may include: Confirmatory testing, Immune level and viral load tests (for HIV), Starting treatment promptly (e.g. antiretroviral therapy for HIV)
- For curable STIs like syphilis or gonorrhea, treatment will begin immediately
How Much Does HIV and STI Testing Cost?
The cost of testing depends on the type of test, its level of detail, and the location of service. Most clinics offer basic packages as well as comprehensive STI panels based on your risk level.
At Safe Clinic
Test
|
Approximate Price
|
---|
HIV Rapid Test
|
850 THB
|
HIV + Syphilis
|
1,550 THB
|
Full STD Panel (HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Herpes, etc.)
|
3,150 – 10,050 THB
|
Hepatitis B / Hepatitis C
|
From 500THB
|
Advanced Testing (HIV RNA, Viral Load, PCR)
|
1,100 – 3,700 THB
|
Does blood testing hurt? Is it dangerous?
For many people, fear of needles or pain is a major reason for avoiding blood tests. Modern blood draws are safe, quick, and cause only minimal discomfort.
What it feels like
- A small needle is used to draw blood from your arm
- You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but it’s very tolerable
- The process takes less than a minute
- Trained staff may use techniques like deep breathing or light conversation to ease your discomfort
Safety Measures
- At Safe Clinic, we use sterile, single-use equipment only
- All staff are trained according to Ministry of Public Health standards
- Minor side effects like slight bruising or swelling are rare and typically resolve within 1–2 days
If You’re Especially Anxious
- Let our staff know beforehand
- We regularly assist first-timers and needle-phobic clients, including teens
- Light distraction techniques (e.g. music, conversation) are often very effective
How often Should you get tested for HIV and STIs?
Client Profile
|
Suggested Frequency
|
---|
Multiple partners / unprotected sex
|
Every 3–6 months
|
In a steady relationship but haven’t tested together
|
At least once a year
|
Past STI history
|
Every 3 months or as advised
|
New relationship or new partner
|
Immediately, then again in 3 months
|
On PrEP / at high ongoing risk
|
Every 3 months
|
Note: If you remain sexually active with potential risk, make testing part of your health routine.
Conclusion
Getting tested for HIV and other STIs isn’t just about finding out whether you’re “positive or negative”—it’s a reflection of your responsibility to your body, your relationships, and your future.
No matter the result, you still have choices—and a professional medical team ready to support you. At Safe Clinic, we provide testing services that are safe, private, and fast—so you can move forward with confidence. Testing is an act of self-care.
If you want to book appointment or consult more.
You can booking from website or social media this bottom section