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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.
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.
Watch the video below to learn about the main types of STIs, when you should consider testing, and the steps you can take to stop them spreading.
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
More information on symptoms can be found on 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.
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 testing at one of our clinics
If you have no symptoms (or are awaiting treatment for genital warts) 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.
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:
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.
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