Non-urgent advice: Remember: This clinic is only for those with no symptoms
On this page you will find information on:
How long to wait before testing for STIs
Which blood test to request (HIV and syphilis)
Which self-sample kit to request (chlamydia and gonorrhoea)
- If you have additional support needs
- If you sell or exchange sex
- Have experience of homelessness, addiction or asylum
- If you are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men
- If you want to prevent HIV – PrEP
- If you want to prevent pregnancy – contraception
- If you need support after rape or sexual assault
How long to wait before testing
STIs take a few days or weeks after sex to show up on tests:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: Wait 2 weeks after possible exposure to test.
- HIV: Wait 45 days after possible exposure to test.
- Syphilis and hepatitis C: Wait 12 weeks after possible exposure to test.
- Hepatitis B: Wait 6 months after possible exposure to test.
If you are unsure of your timings, test now and then arrange another test at a later date.
Which blood test to request
(HIV and syphilis)
So we can ensure you are offered the correct blood tests, please see if you fall into category 1), 2), or 3). Don’t worry if you forget – this will also be provided when you attend clinic.
If you’re unsure, just ask the Health Care Support Worker at your appointment.
Which blood test? flowchart
Which self-sample kit to request
(chlamydia and gonorrhoea)
To make sure you are getting the right tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, please follow the diagram below to know which kit to request. Don’t worry if you forget – this will also be provided when you attend clinic.
If you’re unsure, just ask the Health Care Support Worker at your appointment.
Which kit? flowchart
How to take your self-sample
At test-only clinics you’ll be asked to take your own sample to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
This is easy to do and involves only a few simple steps.
Guidance will be made available on the day, but you can find it ahead of time on NHS inform:
- How to take your urine test (we only use “Kit 1” tests)
Blood testing: If you have opted to also test for HIV and syphilis, a member of staff will take this blood test for you. Sandyford do not offer self-sample blood testing. Check the guide above to know which blood test to ask for.
When to seek further support
You won’t get a chance to discuss any concerns with a clinician at our test-only clinics, but please check the information below as additional tests or treatment could be recommended.
If you have additional support needs, sell or exchange sex, or have experience of homelessness, addiction or asylum
Extra support is available to you, which can include things like additional clinics, longer appointment times, trauma-informed care and more.
Please visit this page for more information: sandyford.scot/extra-support
If you are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men
Guidance on sexual health care specifically tailored to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men is available: sandyford.scot/gay-and-bisexual-men
If you want to prevent HIV – PrEP
PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV.
Find out if you’re eligible:
sandyford.scot/services/prep
If you want to prevent pregnancy – contraception
We can help with contraception:
sandyford.scot/services/contraception
If you need support after rape or sexual assault
We can help: archwayglasgow.scot