Tests and Results

TESTS FOR OTHER INFECTIONS

What do we routinely test for?

Standard screen

When you have a 'standard' screen, we will test you for:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• non-specific urethritis (men only)
• syphilis

In women we additionally test for:

• trichomonas
• candida
• other forms of vaginitis

Executive screen

An 'executive' screen includes the tests above and in addition:

• HIV
• Hepatitis B

Other tests may be performed if you have symptoms suggestive of another infection. Examples would include testing for the herpes virus, swabs from skin infections or blood tests for other types of hepatitis.


How are the tests done?

The doctor or specialist nurse will first take a history from you.

A blood sample will then be taken, if necessary.

Female patients undergo a pelvic examination with visual inspection for genital warts and other skin infections. Swabs are then taken gently from the vagina and the cervix. This examination usually takes no more then 3 minutes to complete. A urine test will only be taken for you if we think you have a bladder infection

Male patients also undergo a genital examination with visual inspection for genital warts and signs of other skin infections. A single swab with a small plastic loop is taken from the end of the penis to check for urethritis. A urine sample is then collected.

Other tests which may be needed:

If you have had oral or anal sex we recommend that, in addition to the above tests, you should also have a swab taken from the throat and/or the rectum. This is to check for Gonorrhoea at the back of the mouth or infection or inflammation of the anal area. This is important as infection at these sites may not give rise to symptoms. These additional swabs are painless. However, they do incur an extra charge in addition to the standard fee.