You may choose to take an STI test because you have changed partner recently, have symptoms, or simply wish to monitor your sexual health regularly to keep you and your partners healthy and safe.

 If you are testing because of a specific event and are worried you might have caught Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea but don’t have symptoms, you should wait two weeks before testing. The infections take some time to show up and are less likely to be detected if you take the test too early.

• Order before 3pm and we will send your test kit the same day. Orders received after 3pm will be sent out the next working day.
• Your test kit will be posted to you via your choice of first class or next day delivery.
• Your test results will be available within 2 working days after your sample gets back to our laboratory.

The test detects the presence of the following infections:

• genital Chlamydia
• genital Gonorrhoea

This test does not detect oral, throat, rectal or anal infections.

Your Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing kit is easy to use. When you order the kit, it will be delivered to an address of your choice in discreet packaging. There will be no way to identify the contents of the packaging we send the test in without opening it.

What do we analyse?

We use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect any DNA of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea In the sample you provide.

PCR tests are the gold-standard method of diagnosing these infections.

How accurate is the Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea STI test?

The tests are very accurate, and if used correctly, at the right time, they can detect up to 100% of infections, according to laboratory data.

Taking the test is simple, just follow the instructions below:

1. Wash your hands and unpack the kit on a clean surface,
2. Unpack the Vaginal swab – Do not touch the cotton tip. Carefully insert the soft tip end of the swab about 2 inches (5cm) into your vagina. Gently rotate the swab for 20 seconds, making sure it touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed by the swab
3. Remove the swab and insert the soft end of it into the Sample collection tube, snapping the swab handle where it is marked
4. Tightly close the Sample collection tube and write your name and date of birth on the side
5. Place it in the Bag with absorbent pad and seal it by pulling the foil away from the top of the bag
6. Place the sealed bag into Postage paid returns box and seal where indicated with the Security seal

Taking the test is simple, just follow the instructions below:

1. Wash your hands and unpack the kit on a clean surface
2. Open the Urine collection cup and pass a small amount of urine into it
3. Using the pipettor provided, extract some urine and fill the Sample collection tube to the lines on the side
4. Tightly close the Sample collection tube and write your name and date of birth onthe side
5. Place it in the Bag with absorbent pad and seal it by pulling the foil away from thetop of the bag
6. Place the sealed bag into the Postage paid returns box and seal where indicated with the Security seal

When should I get tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?

You should get tested if you think there is a chance you could have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.

For example, you should get tested if:

• you have had unprotected sex with a new partner
• you or your partner have had unprotected sex with other people
• you or your partner have symptoms of Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea
• a sexual partner present or previous tells you they have an STI
• you’re planning on getting pregnant or are already pregnant, as it is important to protect yourself and your baby from infections

How soon after unprotected sex can I test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?

You should test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea 14 days after you have had unprotected sex unless you already have symptoms.

This is because Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea have an incubation period, meaning they may not show up on a test if you take it too early. To get the most accurate results you need to wait for 2 weeks after exposure to get tested.

There is a small chance that the infection may not show up on a test and give you a negative result. Therefore, if you receive a negative test, you should repeat the test 6 weeks later to confirm your results.

How long after exposure should I get tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?

You should carry out an at home test 14 days after you think you may have been exposed to Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea or had unprotected sex. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor about when you should take the test.

If you order your test from us before 3pm we will send the STI Kit out the same day. If your order reaches us after 3pm it will be sent out the next working day. You can choose to have your test kit delivered with standard Royal Mail delivery, which will be delivered in up to 2-3 working days, or with a next day courier delivery for an extra charge.

Results are usually available within two working days after our laboratory receives your samples. We will send you your results by email to the account you registered with. Your results are confidential – we will never give results over the phone.

When you receive your results, you will be advised whether you have tested  negative or positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

What does a ‘negative’ result mean?

A negative result means that that we did not detect Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea in the sample that you took. You may still have an STI if the sample was taken less than 14 days after infection or if your sample was poorly taken or if you you’ve been exposed since the sample was taken. In all these instances then another test is always advised.

What does a ‘positive’ result mean?

A positive result means that you do have an STI.  Try not to worry. Most STIs are easy to cure and all of them can be treated.

You’ll need treatment as soon as possible. It’s generally best and quickest to get this from a sexual health clinic, but your GP might be able to treat some STIs.

We will signpost you to local services where you can get any treatment, help, and advice that you need.

It is also important you tell any current or recent sexual partners (advice services may be able to offer this service anonymously if needed) so that they can be tested and treated if needed.

To avoid passing the STI on, don’t have sex (even with a condom) until you’ve completed your treatment. The sexual health clinic will be able to advise how long to wait.

The service we provide is a testing service and not a medical service. You will receive a test result for the presence or absence of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. If you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection or if we detect the presence of Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea you should seek appropriate medical advice or treatment .

Do I need to contact my partners if I test positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?

Yes, you will need to contact your sexual partners if you test positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea. This is because you may have caught the infection from a partner without them being aware that they have been infected, or you may have passed these infections on unknowingly. Letting your partners know makes sure that they can get tested and treated before the infection causes serious health issues, and also prevents them from spreading these infections to you or other partners the next time they have sex.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is passed on by having unprotected sex (sex without a condom).

It is especially common in young people, with around 60% of reported cases found in those under 25. That’s why people under 25 who live in England are advised to get tested for chlamydia every year or when they change sexual partners.

If chlamydia is left untreated, it can lead to infertility in both genders, and pelvic inflammatory disease in women.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Most people who get chlamydia do not know they have it because it often presents without any symptoms.

However, some symptoms you may have include:

• pain when you pee
• unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• painful and swollen testicles

Women may also have:

• tummy pain
• bleeding after sex
• bleeding between periods.

Gonorrhoea is also a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacteria ‘neisseria gonorrhoeae’ or gonococcus.

How is Gonorrhoea spread?

The bacteria responsible for the infection are present in discharge from the penis and vagina. It is easily spread through unprotected sex or by sharing unwashed or unprotected sex toys.

You cannot catch gonorrhoea through kissing, hugging, sharing towels, cutlery, cups, toilet seats or swimming pools.

If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause long term health complications, and it can spread to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

Many people do not have symptoms if they have gonorrhoea. It takes around two weeks for the infection to develop, so you may notice symptoms around this time.

Gonorrhoea symptoms in men include:

• unusual white, yellow, or green discharge from penis tip
• inflamed or swollen foreskin
• pain when peeing
• painful, tender testicles

Gonorrhoea symptoms in women include:

• thin, watery, green, or yellow vaginal discharge
• pain or burning feeling when peeing
• pain in lower tummy
• bleeding between periods
• heavier periods
• bleeding after sex