Home testing kits allow you to check for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) from the comfort of your own home. You can easily collect a kit from a nearby pick-up location, complete the testing at home, and return it using a postal box. These kits are designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions and all the necessary materials included. They test for two of the most common STIs: Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. If left untreated, these infections can lead to irreversible complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility.
You will receive your results within 14 days by text message. If your results are positive for either infection, you will asked to visit us in clinic for treatment.
Pick up locations
For a list of pick-up locations please click here.
Please see our frequently asked questions below:
- Can I test on my period?
Yes, testing during a period is safe and will not affect the accuracy of the test.
- Can I test for CT/GC in my throat/rectum?
Home testing kits are not designed to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in the throat and rectum. It is important to test for STIs in the thorat and rectum following oral and/or anal sex. Please visit us in clinic for full sexual health testing.
- Will the test detect drugs in my system?
No, we can only test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. If you visit us in clinic, we can also test for other STIs such as HIV and Syphilis.
- Will CT/GC treatment affect my medication, such as ADHD medication?
It is unlikely that Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea treatment will affect medication. It is important to let the nurse/doctor know if you are currently taking any medication. They will know if the treatment affects your medication and may offer you alternative treatment.
- I've had a wee less than an hour ago, can I still test?
Completing the test less than an hour before you've last emptied your bladder could result in an inaccurate test. We strongly recommend waiting at least 1 hour prior to completing the test to ensure you get a reliable result.
- Can I test 3 days after sex?
It can take up to 2 weeks for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea to show up on a test. While you may have the infection(s), they may not show up on tests yet, giving you an inaccurate result. We recommend waiting 2 weeks after sex to complete the home testing kit. If you start to experience symptoms before 2 weeks, we advise you to visit clinic as soon as possible.
- I dropped the swab/spilt the liquid etc. can I still complete the test?
If you accidentally drop the swab, the testing kit will not provide an accurate result. We cannot process the kit if the liquid in the tube has spilled. In the event that you drop the swab or spill the liquid, please dispose of the kit and pick up a new home testing kit.
- Why can't I do a home test if I have symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms, we strongly advise you to visit clinic for quicker diagnosis and treatment. It can take a while for us to receive and process the kit and it's important to get treated quickly to avoid complications.
- Will the swab hurt?
The vaginal swab is a small bud that is inserted into the vagina, about 2 inches. You will need to gently rotate the swab around to collect a sample. This is a self taken swab, so while it should not hurt, it's important to stop the test if you experience any pain and visit clinic instead.
- Do I pay for postage?
No, we have already paid for postage. The kit is completely free!
- What type of sample is required for testing?
A vaginal or urine sample is required for testing. We DO NOT require a semen sample. If you require a throat or rectal sample, please visit clinic.
- Can I test on my period?
Yes, testing during a period is safe and will not affect the accuracy of the test.
- Can I test for CT/GC in my throat/rectum?
Home testing kits are not designed to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in the throat and rectum. It is important to test for STIs in the thorat and rectum following oral and/or anal sex. Please visit us in clinic for full sexual health testing.
- Will the test detect drugs in my system?
No, we can only test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. If you visit us in clinic, we can also test for other STIs such as HIV and Syphilis.
- Will CT/GC treatment affect my medication, such as ADHD medication?
It is unlikely that Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea treatment will affect medication. It is important to let the nurse/doctor know if you are currently taking any medication. They will know if the treatment affects your medication and may offer you alternative treatment.
- Will it test for other STIs?
The home testing kit will only test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. If you require testing for other infections, such as HIV and Syphilis, please visit clinic.
- Can someone get my results on my behalf?
No,we can only give results to the individual who tests. This is to ensure the scheme remains confidential.
- When will I get my results?
Once you have return the kit to us, you should receive your results within 2 weeks by text message.
- It's been 2 weeks and I still haven't got my results. What now?
If you have not received your results within 2 weeks, please call us on 01744 646008.
- Will my parents or partner find out I've tested?
Our service is strictly confidential. We do not inform parents, or anyone else, that you have tested. The only exception is we feel you are at risk of being harmed. If we suspect this, we will always tell you if we need to let anyone else know first.
- Will my GP find out I've had a test? Will it show on my hospital record?
No, we do not inform your GP that you have tested for STIs. We have separate records so your GP or other health care professsionals cannot see your seuxal health file. If you test positive and we cannot get in touch with you for treatment, we may eventaully contact your GP as a way of letting you know that we have been trying to contact you. This is always a last resort and thankfully we rarely need to do this.
- Do I have to tell my sexual partners if I'm positive?
We will advise you contact these partners (if safe to do so) to encourage them to get tested and inform us (if possible) what the outcome was, i.e. if they were tested and/or received treatment.
- Can you tell my seuxal partners on my behalf?
If you don't want to tell them they may have an infection the clinic staff will do it for you (called 'contact tracing'). They will contact people you have had sexual contact with over a period of time but none of your details will be passed on. Nobody will ever know it was you because this is an anonymous service.
- What happens if I test postive but do not receive treatment?
Without appropriate treatment, Chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term complications.
- Can I pass on Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea to my unborn baby?
Both infections can be passed on to your baby, If this happens, it can cause an infection in your baby's eyes (conjunctivitis) or lungs (pneumonia). Because there are usually no symptoms, it's important to be tested for it early in pregnancy. If you test positive, both you and your partner will be treated with antibiotics.
- Can I/my partner still get STIs if I/they are on the pill/implant etc?
Contraceptives, such as using the coil, the pill or the implant etc, will only stop you getting pregnant; they won't stop you catching an infection. Using a condom for all types of sex can greatly reduce the risk of picking up chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Will condoms protect me against STIs?
Using a condom for all types of sex can greatly reduce the risk of picking up chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. You can order free condoms by clicking here.
- How often should I test for STIs?
You should test for CT/GC at least once a year or at the change of every partner. It can take up to two weeks for the infections to show up on a test (this is called he window period) we recommend waiting at least two weeks after unprotected sex before you take the test.