Your test kit

Taking your samples

You need to take your own samples to be tested – this is known as self-sampling.  

You might need to give a urine sample or take a swab from your vagina, bottom or your throat. 

Depending on the test you choose, you may need to take a blood sample. You will receive guidance in your testing kit, but this is how the finger-prick test works:

Get tested at the right time

If you’re sexually active, then regular STI testing is one of the best things you can do to look after your health. After a person has been exposed to an STI there may be some time before the infection shows up on a test. This is different for each infection: 

• Chlamydia: 2 weeks after last exposure 
• Gonorrhoea: 2 weeks after last exposure 
• HIV: 8 weeks after last exposure (although tests done after 4 weeks are accurate 9 out of 10 times) 
• Syphilis: 3 months after last exposure 
• Hepatitis B: 3 months after last exposure 
• Hepatitis C: 3 months after last exposure 
• Mycoplasma genitalium: 2 weeks after last exposure 
• Trichomonas: 4 weeks after last exposure

Help and advice

If you are concerned, it is never too soon to ask for help and advice.

We only provide a screening service. If you have symptoms, think you have been exposed to an STI or have any other concerns regarding your sexual health, please seek help and advice from:

• Your GP or a doctor.
• Your local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
• The NHS sexual health helpline on 0800 567 123.
• The FPA sexual health helpline on 0845 122 8690.