STI Testing FAQ

Anyone who wants peace of mind that they haven’t acquired one of the more common or significant STIs after having sex with someone should get the STI check-up that is right for their circumstances. Express STI screening is not suitable for everyone and has some limitations.

1. Express screens are ONLY for people without symptoms. If you have any signs of an STI or think you may have one because something feels different, then this is not your best screening solution. You will need to have a discussion with our team to work out the best tests for you and whether you need to be treated on the day and this usually requires a traditional clinic visit.
   
   
2. Similarly, if anyone has told you that you might have been in contact with or exposed to an STI, then you should not have an express STI screen. You will need to have a longer discussion with our doctors to determine the best way to deal with this news. It may mean you need different tests, further tests at another time, or even treatment on the day.
   
   
3. You need to be able to complete a pre testing questionnaire to ensure you are suitable for express STI testing. If this will be difficult for you, then contact our team to discuss how we can best assist your needs.
   
   
4. You need to be able and willing to collect your own testing samples. Depending on the types of sex you have, this may include urine, vaginal, and rectal swabs. If you don’t wish to collect your own samples, we can ensure you get appropriate testing during one of our more traditional scheduled clinic visits.

If you are not eligible for express testing, other options will be offered. We want to ensure we give you the best care possible. Express screening isn’t always the best option for you. If you are presenting for a TestMyself screen which you are not eligible for, you may be asked to book another appointment at a different time depending on available clinic spaces on the day.

If you are uncertain about whether you qualify for express testing or your circumstances change (for example, if you develop symptoms since you booked the appointment) please contact clinic staff to discuss the matter.

It is always best to secure your appointment place, however we will try to offer some places for people who attend our clinics on the day for express screening. There may be an additional wait if you show up on the day without an appointment. We can’t guarantee that walk-in opportunities will be available at every clinic and slots may be used-up prior to the conclusion of the clinic session.

1. Express screens are ONLY for people without symptoms. If you have any signs of an STI or think you may have one because something feels different, then this is not your best screening opportunity. You will need to have a discussion with our team to work out the best tests for you and whether you need to be treated on the day, this requires a traditional clinic visit.
   
   
2. Similarly, if anyone has told you that you might have been in contact with or exposed to an STI, then you should not have an express STI screen. You will need to have a longer discussion with our doctors to determine the best way to deal with this news. It may mean you need different tests, further tests at another time, or even treatment on the day.

Express testing complies with the Australian STI Guidelines, The Western Australian Silver book, and the STIGMA guidelines.

If appropriate, you will be offered screening tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A & C with some risk exposures.

This is not “ test me for everything”, there are some STIs that are not recommended to be tested for as part of a routine STI screen, and some don’t have adequate screening tests available. Two examples would be genital herpes and genital warts.

“Doc, I want to be tested today to make sure I don’t have an STI.” or “Test me for everything” are beautiful ideas. However, in reality, they are unfortunately flawed. No one can screen you for every STI. Some STIs, even common STIs, have tests which are not recommended for screening purposes and others don’t have appropriate tests available.

Tests done today which do not detect an STI, do not necessarily mean you don’t have that STI.

STI testing window periods need to be taken into account. It can take time for an STI to be detected by tests. This means that even if you have an STI, it may not show up on testing for a period of time after an exposure and you may need to repeat the test to detect it. Different STIs have different window periods. Generally, tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea will detect an infection, if it is present, by 2 weeks after a sexual risk exposure. For syphilis , viral hepatitis, and HIV most infections will be detected within 3 months.

If you are waiting for a window period to expire before retesting, it is important to use condoms and other safer sex strategies to prevent the spread of STIs.

As mentioned above, tests done today which do not detect an STI, do not necessarily mean you don’t have that STI. STI testing window periods need to be taken into account and discussed with your doctor.

“So, should I have a test today, or wait till the end of the window period since my last risk exposure?”

Ideally, because the window period for syphilis and viruses is long (3 months), we recommend people consider testing now and repeat again at the end of the window period. This is particularly important if people have had multiple risk exposures since their last STI screen.

If, however, there is a particular risk exposure that is of concern and you do not have any symptoms, it is usually reasonable to wait for 2 weeks until the end of the chlamydia and gonorrhoea window period to come in for testing. If you develop symptoms , you should be tested sooner.

Remember: If you are waiting for a window period to expire before (re)testing it is important to use condoms and other safer sex strategies to prevent the spread of STIs.

1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your general and sexual health history.
   
   
2. Our health care team will then meet with you to have a discussion about your sexual health history and work out the best tests for you. If you are not eligible for express testing, other options will be offered.
   
   
3. Depending on your history you may be offered further appointments to discuss other sexual health issues that arise.
   
   
4. You will be handed a pathology form to collect your swabs and be given instructions on how to collect the samples optimally. You will not be examined as part of an express screen.
   
   
5. We will discuss options for how you wish to receive your results.

Express STI screens are designed to be a quick, convenient testing opportunity. They are not designed to replace a comprehensive review of your sexual health. Testing for STIs is a very important step in looking after your sexual health, however, there are other components to consider as well. STI/HIV prevention strategies, other harm reduction strategies, vaccinations, pap smear requirements, contraception are all important health considerations. Opportunities to explore these important subjects at a future time may be discussed if desired.

We encourage our patients to first attend our service for a comprehensive sexual health assessment and THEN have follow up STI screens as express visits if they wish