Ordering STI postal tests

STI test kits : What kits are available to order?
Who is eligible?: Find out who is eligible to order a kit
Who is not eligible?: What to do if you're not eligible to order a kit
Ordering : How do I order a kit
Is it too soon to test?: If you have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner and you want to get tested, please note: you might be given the all clear by mistake if you take your sample too soon.
Taking the samples: Find out how to take the test
Video: Watch a video to show you how to take the samples
Waiting for results : Can I still have sex?
How will I receive my results?: We will send your results via SMS text
What happens if my test is positive?: Please don’t worry. Our services are here to support you,
Safeguarding: If you are aged 16 or 17, we will ask you some additional questions about your behaviour and relationships.
More about Ordering STI postal tests

What STI testing kits are available?

We offer 2 types of kits:

  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea kits
  • Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis testing kits

The type of kit you receive will depend on the answers you give us when placing your order. This will include either a urine sample pot or self-swab to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea and a finger prick test if you’ve ordered an HIV and Syphilis test.

Who is eligible?

You can access a kit if you:

  • Are aged 16 and over
  • Living within Cheshire West and Chester, Teesside, Northern Lincolnshire, Oldham, Bury or Rochdale
  • Don’t have any symptoms or concerns

Click here to and answer a few quick questions to find out if you’re eligible for a free testing kit, click on the button below and answer a few quick questions. If you are not eligible, we will signpost you to your nearest service via NHS Choices.

Who is not eligible?

You are not eligible to access postal testing if:

  • You are under 16, please contact your local service to make an appointment
  • You have symptoms of an STI, please contact your local service to make an appointment
  • You DONT live within Cheshire West and Chester, Teesside, Northern Lincolnshire, Oldham, Bury or Rochdale

Ordering

  • Click here to order a kit
  • Create your own account online
  • Don’t order kits for anyone else using your account
  • Your kit should arrive at your chosen location in discreet packaging within 7 days
  • If you’ve chosen a click & collect location, we’ll keep your test kit for 6 weeks in case you can’t reach us straight away.  After 6 weeks, we will assume that any unclaimed kits are no longer wanted and will return them for re-use
  • Take your sample. Instructions will be provided within your kit
  • Post your sample in your nearest post box as soon as you take your sample
  • Get your results

Is it too soon to test?

At home tests are available for patients who don’t have symptoms. If you have symptoms, please contact your local service for a test.

If you have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner and you want to get tested, please note: you might be given the all clear by mistake if you take your sample too soon.

  • For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing, please wait 2 weeks since your last unprotected sex with a new partner.
  • For HIV and Syphilis testing, we recommend waiting 4 weeks since your last unprotected sex before you take this test.

Taking the samples

There are full instructions in the pack, we also have some helpful information on the links below:

Information about the HIV test and syphilis test kit
Information about the chlamydia and gonorrhoea test kit

Please make sure that you post your samples in your nearest post box as soon as you complete your samples. HIV and Syphilis samples (the finger prick tests) need to be received by our laboratory within 7 days.

Video

There are full instructions in the pack. If you have ordered a finger prick test for HIV and Syphilis, please watch the video below. This explains how to take a sample correctly. If you’re doing this for the first time, please watch this all the way through before attempting to take your sample.

Waiting for results

Using condoms and practising safe sex are the most effective ways of protecting yourself from STI’s. If you think you have an STI, it’s best to stop having sex until you’ve received your results. If you do have sex before getting your results, be sure to follow safer sex practices including using a condom.

How will I receive my results?

We will send your results by SMS text message within 10 days of your sample reaching the laboratory. If you have not heard back from us after 14 days, please call your local service. Please don’t assume that your results are negative if you do not hear from us.

If your test results are negative, you will receive the message below:

  • “Your recent postal test results are Negative. Please contact the clinic on 0300 *** **** if you need more information.”

If your swab or urine results are positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea you will receive the message below:

If we need to discuss your results with you because of a positive result or we need you need to repeat any of your tests you will receive the SMS message below:

  • Your postal results are available, please call 0300 *** **** to speak to a member of the team.

If you requested a kit with a HIV and Syphilis test and you do not return your blood sample, you will receive the SMS message below:

  • Your recent postal test results are negative. Please note: We did not receive a blood sample with your tests. Please contact us on 0300 *** **** if you need any further information.

What happens if my test is positive?

Please don’t worry. Our services are here to support you, and one of our experienced clinicians will discuss your treatment options during your appointment. For many STIs, we can provide treatment on the day, and this can be as simple as taking a course of antibiotics.

During the appointment, you will be asked how you would like to inform your sexual partners that they are at risk. This is essential to prevent any further spread of STIs and to make sure that they also access testing and treatment. You might be happy to tell your sexual partner/s, but if you don’t feel you can do this, we can do this for you in a sensitive manner without disclosing your identity.

Safeguarding

If you are aged 16 or 17, we will ask you some additional questions about your behaviour and relationships. These questions are listed below:

  • Have you ever been made to feel scared or uncomfortable by the person(s) you have been having sexual contact with?
  • Have you ever been made to do something sexual that you didn’t want to do, or been intimidated?
  • Do you feel you could say no to sex?
  • Do you feel like you can talk to the person you have sex with about using condoms or other forms of contraception?
  • Has anyone ever given you gifts, money, drugs, alcohol or protection for sex?
  • Do you often drink alcohol or take drugs before having sex?
  • Do you often feel down or suffer from feelings of depression?
  • Have you ever tried to hurt yourself or self-harm?
  • Is your partner a lot older or younger than you?

If we need to talk to you about your answers,  a member of the clinical team will contact you on the mobile number provided during the triage.

Page reviewed Dec 2023

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