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Testing for STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

Testing for STIs – or sexually transmitted infections – is important when you have a new sexual partner, are noticing symptoms or think you have been exposed to an STI.

This service is for anyone in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who would like to access STI testing, with or without symptoms.

On this page you will find information on:

Testing – if you have symptoms

Testing – if you don’t have symptoms

Coming to clinic

Getting your results

More information

Non-urgent advice: If you think you have been exposed to HIV

If you think you have been exposed to HIV call us as soon as possible on 0141 211 8130. You may need PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent infection. Acting quickly is crucial as it gives the medication a better chance of working.

Find out more

Testing if you have symptoms

What to look for

Common STI include: 

  • Pain when you pass urine  
  • Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals  
  • New discharge from the genitals or anus 
  • Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus 
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex 
  • Pain during sex 
  • Lower abdominal pain 
  • Rash over the body with flu-like symptoms 
  • Further information can be viewed at NHS Inform
What we test for

We recommend everyone sexually active tests for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis and you will be offered tests for all four. Additional tests for Hepatitis B & C may also be carried out, depending on the information you give us.

If you have a new sexual partner it is generally recommended to test at least every six months.

How we test

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are tested using swabs or a urine sample. If you don’t have symptoms, you can usually take the swab yourself. If you do have symptoms, we’ll normally carry out an examination first and discuss the best way to take the sample.

We’ll also take a blood test for HIV and syphilis, along with any other tests that may be needed based on your symptoms or the information you provide.

Book STI testing if you have symptoms

If you have symptoms of an STI call us as soon as possible (Monday to Friday, 8:45 – noon, 1pm – 4pm) to book an in-person consultation.

Call 0141 211 8130

Testing if you don’t have symptoms

What to know

If you have a new sexual partner it is generally recommended to test at least every six months.  

STIs take time to show up in tests, even if you don’t have symptoms. This means testing too early may give inaccurate results.

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: show up 2 weeks after sex
  • HIV: accurate 45 days (6 weeks) after sex
  • Syphilis: can take up to 12 weeks to appear

Please take this into account when planning your testing.

What we test for

We recommend everyone sexually active tests for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis and you will be offered tests for all four. Additional tests for Hepatitis B & C may also be carried out, depending on the information you give us.

How we test

HIV and syphilis are tested by blood sample, which will be taken by a member of our medical team.

For gonorrhoea and chlamydia we will ask you to take your own sample at clinic using a swab and/or urine sample. Or, if you have been advised to test for only gonorrhoea and chlamydia, you may wish to do this using a home testing kit.

Testing more often is advised if

Certain groups are at a higher risk and are advised to test every 3 months if they have had a new or change in partner, including:

  • Gay and bisexual men or men who have sex with men
  • People who are taking PrEP
  • People from countries with high HIV prevalence or with sexual partner from high prevalence countries
  • People who inject drugs or have had sex with people who inject drugs
  • People who sell or exchange sex
Book testing at clinic

Book an STI testing appointment at one of our clinics

If you have no symptoms please book an ‘Express test – no talk’ appointment online. This is a test-only appointment at one of our clinics – you won’t have the chance to discuss any concerns with a clinician, so please don’t book this if you have symptoms.

If you are under 18: You can come to our Young People Clinic. Select Young Person Clinic when booking online – this means you’ll get a longer appointment time to discuss any concerns you may have.

Book to come to clinic

The online booking portal and our phonelines operate from the same system.

If no appointments are available online then we are fully booked.

Additional appointments can’t be offered over the phone, so please continue to check the portal regularly for appointments as they become available.

The portal is currently being improved. More information on the portal can be found here.

If you can’t book online call 0141 211 8130 (Mon – Fri, 8:45 – noon, 1pm – 4pm)

Order a home testing kit

For chlamydia and gonorrhoea only

If you have been advised to test only for chlamydia and gonorrhoea you can order a home testing kit.

  • These are limited to one kit per person per 3 months
  • You must be 16 or over to use this service
Book a home testing kit

What to expect

Coming to clinic

Location
All of our locations offer STI testing. For more details, including accessibility and travel information, visit our Locations page. 

Arriving
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. When you arrive, go to the reception desk. Some locations will have self check-in in operation.

Waiting area and facilities 
If you need to wait, we will ask you to wait in the main waiting area. Bathrooms are available nearby, please ask a member of staff in case a urine sample is needed for your test.

Attending with children policy
If possible, please avoid bringing children to your appointment unless someone can stay with them in the waiting area. Consultations may involve sensitive questions about your sexual history and could include procedures in a medical setting that are not safe for unsupervised children. If we’re unable to carry out your appointment safely, we won’t be able to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.

Getting your results

To get your test results call our automated results line on:

0141 211 8694

You will need your clinic (NaSH) number. Both your NASH number and the results line number will be given to you on a small card when you attend clinic. You should call this number 7-10 days after your tests to find out your results.

Positive results
We will call or text you if you have a positive result and will discuss next steps and treatment. However, it is important to call the results within the appropriate time if you have not heard from us, in case we have had trouble contacting you.

Negative results
If you did your tests at clinic we will not contact you if your results are negative. Please check the results line within the appropriate time to find out your results. Anyone ordering a home sampling online kit will be texted with negative results

Please note: The clinic cannot provide paper copies of negative results.

Remember:

• Testing is also available through your GP.
• NHS 111 can provide advice and support when Sandyford and other services are closed.

Find out more about STIs

Find out more about STIs, their symptoms and how to prevent them on NHS inform.

Visit NHS inform

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