STI Clinic

STI Clinic provides online sexual health testing using samples provided at home and analysed in a laboratory.

Quick overview

Its range includes individual infection tests, combination tests and broader STI screens, with results available through an online account.

Tests cover infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, herpes and syphilis.
Sample types include urine, swabs and finger-prick blood samples, depending on the test.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea options include combined throat and rectal swab tests.
HPV self-sampling kits are listed for female patients only, with different options for reporting types.
An optional text alert is available when a test is complete, and follow-up arrangements vary by test and result.

Introduction

STI Clinic provides online sexual health testing using samples provided at home and analysed in a laboratory. Results are available through an online account.

The service offers individual tests and broader screens covering infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, herpes and syphilis. It also offers urine tests and HPV self-sampling kits.

What STI Clinic offers

Tests use urine, swab or blood samples, depending on the option. The range includes tests for individual infections, combination tests and screens that cover several infections.

STI Clinic also describes referrals for follow-up medical services after testing. The arrangements depend on the result and the test.

Product and service categories

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea

There are individual tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, alongside a combination test for both. Standard and fast options are listed. Throat and rectal swab options cover both infections.

HIV and syphilis

HIV testing includes a finger-prick blood sample and looks for antigens and antibodies. A combined HIV and syphilis test also uses a finger-prick blood sample. Syphilis options include a blood screen and a combined syphilis and herpes swab.

Hepatitis

A combined hepatitis B and C screen uses a finger-prick blood sample. A triple blood screen covers syphilis alongside hepatitis B and C. A separate hepatitis B core antibody test is also offered.

Herpes

The herpes PCR screen distinguishes between herpes simplex types I and II. A blood screen looks for herpes IgG antibodies. Herpes is also covered by a combined swab test with syphilis and by broader STI screens.

Mycoplasma and ureaplasma

Mycoplasma genitalium testing includes a screen and a rectal swab. Ureaplasma options include a test using a urine sample or vaginal swab, plus a throat test. A combined test covers mycoplasma and ureaplasma.

Vaginitis and trichomonas

The range includes a laboratory investigation for Gardnerella vaginosis. A vaginitis screen looks for a number of bacteria and yeasts using two samples. There is also a PCR test for trichomonas vaginalis.

HPV

HPV self-sampling kits are listed for female patients only. Options include a high-risk HPV test that does not report individual types and one that reports types separately. Another option covers high-risk and low-risk HPV types and reports them separately.

Monkeypox

The monkeypox test is a laboratory-based PCR test. It uses a swab sample from an active lesion that could indicate monkeypox. The sample is analysed at a laboratory.

Broader STI screens

A screen combines chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma genitalium and trichomonas testing. Other screens combine chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes with further bacterial tests, with options that add blood testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C. An extended option also covers throat and rectal chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Urine testing

STI Clinic lists urine chemistry and culture testing for people with urethral symptoms where STIs have been excluded. This includes a bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity test. An extended urine culture also includes a yeast culture and sensitivity test.

Browse the full range on the STI Clinic website.

More Info

Using the website

The website has a test search feature and an account login. Patients register and enter their details, then log in to view their results. An optional text alert is available when a test is completed.

Information pages cover infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HIV and HPV. There is also a helpline and a contact form for enquiries.

Notable features

For some positive test results, STI Clinic offers referral to an online clinic for treatment or a prescription. The FAQ states that the referral service for medication does not apply when a blood-borne virus is detected, and that pregnant women are referred to their obstetrician for a risk assessment before prescribing.

For gonorrhoea, the test information states that treatment requires attendance at a clinic. The HIV page states that STI Clinic cannot provide HIV treatment and that a reactive result requires a confirmation screen from a venous sample at a clinic.

Frequently asked questions

How are test results viewed?

Results are available through the patient’s online account. An optional text alert can notify the patient when testing is complete.

What samples are used for chlamydia testing?

For the chlamydia test, men provide a urine sample. Women can provide either a urine sample or a vaginal swab.

Are there tests for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea?

Yes, STI Clinic offers combination testing for both infections. Throat and rectal swab options are also listed.

What does the hepatitis B and C screen use?

The combined screen uses a finger-prick blood sample. A separate triple blood screen covers syphilis as well as hepatitis B and C.

Are HPV tests available?

Yes, STI Clinic offers HPV self-sampling kits for female patients only. Options differ in the types covered and whether individual types are reported separately.

What happens after a reactive HIV result?

The HIV page states that a confirmation screen using a venous sample at a clinic is required. STI Clinic provides a list of clinics in the event of a reactive result.

Key takeaways

Individual tests and broader STI screens are available.
Sample types include urine, swabs and finger-prick blood samples.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea options include combined throat and rectal swab tests.
HPV self-sampling kits are listed for female patients only.
Results can be viewed through an online account, with an optional text alert.
Follow-up arrangements vary by test and result.

Summary

STI Clinic offers laboratory-based sexual health tests and screens using samples provided at home. Its range spans individual infection tests, combined screens, HPV self-sampling and urine testing, with results available online.