Please note that home screening is not suitable for people who are experiencing symptoms, and where this is the case we strongly advise that you ring the clinic so we can make an assessment on the best course of treatment and support.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening
Home screening kits we provide will test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea only, which accounts for the majority of infections diagnosed, and provides a good option for people who would like to have a check up for their peace of mind.
More information and answers to some commonly asked questions can be found below.
Please note we cannot provide home screening kits within 3months of last having a sexual health screen. However, if you have any concerns then please feel free to contact the clinic on 01422 261370 to discuss these.
Test and Go Service
If you have accessed the home testing service, or undertaken a test within Clinic in the last three months we will not be able to fulfil a request for a home testing kit. However, if you would like a peace of mind test to make sure everything is still ok then our Test and Go service may be for you and more information can be found on our Testing and Treatment page.
Requesting a test and other FAQ's
I am under 18, can I still order a Home Test online
The online is provision is still open for you to access, but have you considered giving us a ring first? You can speak to a nurse, usually on the same day, who can then talk through any concerns you may have, discuss different forms of contraception and support you if you need any further help. This allows us to provide you with the best possible service and meet all your needs.
I have symptoms can I still order a home testing kit?
If you are experiencing symptoms, eg pain or bleeding during sex, unusual discharge, soreness / redness then a home test would not be appropriate and we would advise you ring us to make an appointment to come into clinic. This allows us to do a more complete screen to identify infections which are not tested for through the home screening option and give you the correct treatment, quicker.
Does it cost anything?
No it’s FREE
Where can I get a test?
The simplest ways to get a chlamydia & Gonorrhoea screening kit is to order one is using our online ordering form (Home Screening Kit Request), providing details requested.
In addition you can call us on 01422 261370 and arrange to come down for the Test & Go service which will provide a fuller screen including a check for blood borne viruses but will require us to take a blood sample in clinic.
For young people we have a young persons walk-in provision on a Monday afternoon 3:00 - 5:00pm at broad street which can be accessed, and some youth provision in the area can also provide kits for people to use and post back to us.
What does the test involve?
Males have the test carried out on a urine sample and females provide a self-taken vaginal swab test (similar to a small cotton bud).
You can also get a chlamydia testing kit you can use at home. If you use a test kit, remember to follow the instructions carefully. If in doubt, please contact us on 01422 261370.
All samples will be tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
How long does it take for the result to come back?
Results are usually available within 7 - 10 days, after we receive the postal kit back in to clinic.
How do I get my results?
If you test positive the sexual health service will contact you to arrange treatment. Please ensure that you include some way of getting in contact with you when you fill in the form with the kit.
If the test is negative you will receive a text notifying you of this.
What about my partner(s)
We will identify with you any partners who may have been at risk of the infection and discuss with you arrangements for them to have a test and treatment.
Do I need a repeat test?
Everyone under 25 who has been treated for chlamydia is invited to return for a repeat test 3 months later. You will receive a text reminder for this.
How is it treated?
Chlamydia infections are easily treated with a course of antibiotics and over 95% of people who are treated will be cured with the first treatment. You will usually be given an antibiotic to take in a single dose.
You will be advised not to have sex, even with condoms, until 1 week after both you and your partner have finished the treatment.
How do I avoid getting Chlamydia?
Always use condoms for sexual contact and get any new partners checked out before having sex.
Request a home test for chlamydia screening
HIV Home Testing
We can provide a point of care HIV test in all our clinics.
If you have any questions please contact us by email sexualhealthservices.chft@nhs.net or call 01422 261370.