What happens when you visit for an STI test?

Entering the clinic

On your first visit you will be asked by the receptionist to fill in a registration form giving your name, date of birth, address, and contact details. All your details you give us are completely confidential. We will ask for your GP details for our records but we won’t write to your GP without your permission.

Please note: We aim to see everyone who wishes to use our services — however, we are a very busy service and it is not always possible for patients to be seen within 48 hours of contacting us. Patients will be prioritised according to clinical need. We thank you for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience that this causes you.

Consultation

When speaking to the doctor or nurse, they will need to ask you questions that you may find personal and embarrassing. These questions are part of your assessment. It is important for us to ask these questions, as this information makes sure we carry out the relevant tests and give the correct treatment if necessary.

Routine tests

• Urine sample or a vaginal swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
• a blood test for HIV and syphilis

If you have blisters, lumps or bumps in your genital area, or think you may have, the doctor or nurse will perform a genital examination. You will not need to be examined if you don’t have any symptoms.

The doctor or nurse may take more swabs and offer further blood tests depending on your sexual history or symptoms.

Results

We offer a ‘results by text’ service. If you choose this method of receiving your results you will be contacted within 2 weeks. If you have an abnormal result, the text message keeps your confidentiality by giving no specific details but asking you to contact the clinic health adviser. If you don’t want to get your results by text, you can choose to telephone the clinic for your results.

Partners

If you are having a sexual health check it is always a good idea for your partner to be checked at the same time. If you are found to have an infection your partner may need to be treated as well. Any untreated infections can cause serious damage to health. Our health advisers can discuss with you how to tell your partner to get checked. If you prefer they will contact partners for you maintaining your confidentiality.

Videos

Watch the below videos from The Mix for a bit more information on testing for STIs.