What STIs do we test for?

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis B (including vaccination where clinically indicated)
• Hepatitis C
• HIV
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• Syphilis
• Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)
• Warts (HPV) 

For leaflets on these STIs click here!

When do STIs show in tests?

The 'window period' is the length of time it can take between catching an infection and when it will show in a test. The window period for the most common STI tests are:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea - Up to 2 weeks
• HIV - 45 days or 90 days, depending on the type of test. Your test provider will be able to give you this information.
• Syphilis - 12 weeks

If you are in any doubt about when to test you should do a test now and another test at a later date. The nurse or doctor will discuss this with you.

Following an assessment you will be asked to provide:

• a urine sample (male only) or a vaginal swab for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
• a blood test for HIV and Syphilis
• a blood test for Hepatitis B and C, for people in higher risk groups

For more information about STI testing for Trans people please click HERE

If you have symptoms, you will require an examination.

We can diagnose some conditions at the clinic, but most tests need to be sent to the laboratory so you may receive results at a later date. If this is the case we will inform you if either you or your partner(s) need to arrange treatment.

STI Testing At One Of Our Clinics

You can be tested for STIs & HIV at any of our Sexual Health Clinics.

To find your nearest clinic, visit our homepage to access our Clinic Finder

Appointments can be booked via our PHR or by phoning 0300 300 2016

*If you have symptoms you will need to be seen at one of our clinics, and will not be offered a home testing kit.

STI Testing with a Home Testing Kit

These kits are available free of charge to people living in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Southampton City and Portsmouth City.

Click HERE to order via your Personal Health Record - more about your PHR HERE.

*If you have symptoms you will need to be seen at one of our clinics, and will not be offered a home testing kit.

Your kit will be sent to the address you have provided in a plain envelope.

• Once a kit has been requested unfortunately the order cannot be cancelled.
• The kit will contain all the information you will need to complete the tests.

• The return address label in your kit contains tracking information so you can see that your samples have been delivered to the lab. Please follow the instructions included with your kit carefully and make a note of your tracking number. Your samples should be posted in a post box, you do not need to take them to a Post Office.

• If any of your results are positive you will be contacted to arrange treatment.
• Our online test kits are free and confidential.
• Need help with your blood sample? View our video
• If there is a problem with your kit or you have not received your kit or results within the timescales stated above, please call our Single Point of Access number on 0300 300 2016
• Please allow up to 5 working days for test kits to arrive, but please note they can take up to 7 working days due to Royal Mail delivery delays.

Can I order a test kit for someone else on my PHR? 

When you order a kit, it is registered to your Sexual Health patient record. Because of this, you must not share it with friends or family or their results will be on your record.

Please help them to register and order their own kit instead.

Test Results

If you have taken an online STI test, or if you have had a test in one of our clinics we will usually provide you with your test results by SMS text message unless you have specified otherwise.

• Online STI test kit

Text messages are sent within 7 working days of us receiving your sample into our laboratory.

• Tested in clinic

Text messages are sent within 7 working days of your visit to our clinic.

If it has been over 7 working days and you have not yet received your results, please contact us by telephone on 0300 300 2016. 

Please note that over bank holiday periods and when there are postal strikes these timeframes may be exceeded and waiting times may be longer. 

Help with the Blood Test

Make the most of your online STI Testing Kit. The blood sample you are asked to provide will test you for HIV and Syphilis. Hepatitis B and C tests are also available for men who have sex with men. Swabs or urine samples cannot test for these infections. This is why it is very important to provide a blood sample. 

• Please read and follow the instructions included with your kit. Allow yourself time to complete the sample. Do not rush.
• Do not affix the label to the blood collection tube until after collecting your sample. This is important as you will not be able to see how much blood you have collected if the label covers the sides of the tube.
• The protective packaging wallet has been designed to provide a stable way of holding the blood collection tube whilst a sample is taken.
• It is much easier to collect your sample if your hands are warm.
• Be sure your finger is completely dry as blood will not form a drop at the puncture site of a moist finger.
• Stand up rather than sit down when collecting your blood drops.
• Hold your hand/arm downwards.

These two videos below are designed to help you with your blood sample. Please watch both if you are wanting more guidance.