Which STI test is right for me?

Better2Know’s range of screens and tests have been designed by our team of medical experts. It can be difficult to know which is the best option for you. Rest assured that we have a suitable test or screen for everyone. It is important to choose the combination of tests which will relieve any concerns you have about your sexual health.

Here are a few things to consider before booking your STI test:

What sexual contact or intercourse did you have?

It is important to think about the types of sex you had and which areas you may have contracted an infection. Most people are aware that a Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection can be found in the genital area. However, these bacterial infections can also be caught in the throat by oral sex and in the rectum by anal sex. Infections such as Herpes and Syphilis do not always require intercourse to spread and can be passed by sexual contact alone.

How quickly do I need the results?

If you are feeling anxious and want to have your results as soon as possible, we can provide instant tests in many locations. This is where you will receive your results within 20 minutes whilst you wait in the clinic. If you are happy to wait longer for your results, we will send your samples to our certified laboratory for testing and notify you when all your results are ready.

How much time has passed since your last sexual encounter?

The incubation period is the length of time between your last potential exposure to infection and your STI test. The incubation period required for each test or screen differ. Some tests can be performed at just ten days post-exposure, whilst you will need to wait up to 28 days for others. We always advise our patients to wait until the correct amount of time has passed to ensure that test results are accurate.

Better2Know’s range of STI tests and screens includes…

Available at any time, if you have symptoms:

Tests:

• Herpes I/II (swab or urine)
• HPV/Genital Warts
• For women only: culture swabs, high vaginal swabs, and PAP smears combined with HPV testing.

Screens:

• Blemish Screen – Syphilis, Herpes & HPV

From 9 days after an incident of concern:

Tests:

• Syphilis
• Hepatitis C (antigen test)

From 10 days after potential exposure, with or without symptoms:

Screens:

• Early Detection Screen – HIV, Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C

From 14 days, with or without any signs or symptoms:

Tests:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Ureaplasma
• Mycoplasma
• Trichomonas

Screens:

• Early Platinum Screen – HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes I/II, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas
• Comfort Screen– Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Mycoplasma, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma
• Peace of Mind Screen – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea & Syphilis

From 28 days, with or without symptoms:

Tests:

• HIV (I/II and p24 antigen)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Herpes I/II (blood)

Screens:

• Platinum Screen – HIV I/II and the p24 antigen, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes I/II, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas
• Gold Screen – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes I/II, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas
• Silver Screen – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma
• Full Screen – HIV I/II and the p24 antigen, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma
• Hepatitis Screen – Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C.

Speak to us in confidence

Our Sexual Health Advisors can provide you with any additional information you need about our screens and tests. Contact our team by phone or live chat today.