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 working day. Orders received after 3pm will be sent out the following working day.
• Your test kit will be posted to you via your choice of First Class Post or Next Day Special Delivery. The Royal Mail state that whilst they aim to deliver First Class Post the next working day it can take longer. Next Day Special Delivery will be delivered the next working day.
• Your test results will be available within two working days after your sample arrives at 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 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 detecting these infections.

How accurate is the Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea 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. Holding the swab at the opposite end, carefully insert the cotton tip end of the swab about 2 inches (5cm) into your vagina. Gently rotate the swab for about 20 seconds, making sure it touches the walls of the vagina so that the 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. Discard the swab handle.
4. Tightly close the Sample tube and write your name and date of birth on the label.
5. Place the Sample tube in the Bag. Seal the Bag by pulling the white backing away from the top and folding the adhesive strip downwards.
6. Place the Bag, together with the completed form overleaf, into the 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 pipette provided, extract some urine and fill the Sample tube to the lines on the side. Discard the Pipette and the Urine cup.
4. Tightly close the Sample tube and write your name and date of birth on the label.
5. Place the Sample tube in the Bag. Seal the Bag by pulling the white backing away from the top and folding the adhesive strip downwards.
6. Place the Bag, together with the completed form overleaf, into the Postage paid returns box and seal where indicated with the Security seal.

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 result, you should take a second test six weeks later to confirm your result.

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.

Your 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 provided. You may still have an STI if the sample was taken less than fourteen days after infection or if your sample was not taken correctly or if you you’ve been exposed since the sample was provided. In all these instances 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 as 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.

Should I tell my sexual partners?

Yes, it’s 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 you should wait before having sex again.

Inconclusive tests

Very occasionally, we may not be able to provide a definitive result for a test. This may be because you did not follow the instructions when providing the sample, we did not receive your sample within fourteen days or you may be using a product which interferes with the effectiveness of the test. For example certain feminine hygiene or prescription products, such as thrush treatments.

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 STI or if we detect the presence of Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea you should seek appropriate medical advice and 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 STI 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 the NHS recommend you get tested for STIs every time you change partners and at least once a year.

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.

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 after 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