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Description
An STI blood screen can detect several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but isn't a complete picture of your sexual health. Here's why:
Detectable STIs: Blood tests are effective for identifying specific viral STIs like:
HIV
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Blood test limitations: It can't detect all STIs. Here are some examples:
Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea (needs swabs from genitals or urine sample)
Parasitic STIs: Trichomoniasis (usually diagnosed with swab or urine sample)
Comprehensive Screening:
For the most thorough STI screening, a combination of tests is recommended by your doctor based on your sexual history and risk factors. This might include:
Blood tests: As mentioned above for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis (a two-step process).
Swabs: Depending on your anatomy and sexual practices, swabs from the cervix, vagina, or urethra may be used to test for:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 & 2 (although blood tests can also be used, they may miss recent infections)
Urine sample: This might be used for:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomoniasis (for men)
Biomarkers:
HIV1&2/p24Ag
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Hepatitis C Antibodies
Syphilis Antibodies (IgG/IgM)
2-5 Working days
Estimated turnaround time:
Note:
This service is only available to the age of 13 and above.
During booking, only a £30 deposit is required, which will be deducted from the total cost. The remaining payment will be collected at a later stage.
Any cancellation, rescheduling, or missed appointment within 48 hours of the scheduled time will result in the loss of the £30 deposit. If you wish to reschedule, a new £30 deposit will be required to secure the new appointment.
We also offer a home blood test kit below that allows you to collect your sample safely at home. Everything you need is included, and you simply return the sample using the secure prepaid packaging.