STI Test Kits

Included in the STI postal kit:

• Brown box
• Return envelope
• Return sample bag
• How to complete samples guide
• Patient request form
• 2 Alcohol wipes
• 2 Lancets
• 2 plasters
• Blood tube (labelled blood)
• Urine cobas, pippet and collection pot (label - urine)
• Cobas tube and swab (label - throat, rectal, vaginal)
• Postal bag to send

In the kit you will find equipment to collect samples for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis.

You need to provide all the samples. The instructions listed below are also included within the postal test kit and you can also download and print a fully illustrated copy.

Before taking your test, please read and follow the instructions carefully. Incorrectly collected samples will not be tested. You must also complete the form that comes in the kit in black ink - this needs to be returned with your samples.

Vaginal Samples

1. Remove the white cotton bud swab from the paper packet. Be careful not to touch the cotton end
2. Carefully insert the swab about two inches into your vagina and turn it gently touching the vaginal walls for 30 seconds. Remove it without touching the rest of your body
3. Remove the yellow lid from the tube labelled vaginal and immediately place the cotton bud swab into it
4. Carefully break the swab against the side of the tube at the black scoreline and discard the upper portion of the swab
5. Screw the yellow lid back onto the tube tightly

Male Urine Sample

1. Urinate into the collection pot, first part in the collection pot and the rest in the toilet
2. Remove yellow lid from the tube labelled urine taking care not to spill the preservative solution in the bottle. Using the pipette draw up urine from the collection pot and squeeze into the tube between the black lines
3. Screw the yellow lid back onto the tube tightly

Blood Sample

1. Wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly
2. Take the lid off the small blood sample tube labelled blood and make sure it is close by
3. Clean your thumb tip with the alcohol swab wipe
4. Take one of the three lancets an twist the stick (one full turn) to release, and remove it
5. Push the lancet firmly against your thumb and press the button on top as shown below. This will prick your finger and draw blood. Massage your thumb until a droplet of blood appears
6. Use the edge of the tube to wipe the blood into the tube
7. Fill the blood collection tube until the blood sample reaches the upper line. If you are unable to collect enough blood, use a second or third lancet to prick another finger
8. Clean your thumb and apply a plaster
9. Push the lid down firmly onto the blood collection tube till you hear a click

After taking your samples please wash your hands. Please ensure lids are secure, all samples will be void if there is leakage.

How to return your samples

1. Once you have taken all your samples, put all the tubes in the clear plastic bag containing the absorbent pad and seal it according to the instructions on the bag
2. Put the request form and bag into the box and close it up
3. Put the box into the prepaid envelope, seal and post immediately
4. It is the home owners responsibility to dispose of the waste responsibly

Getting your results

Please allow up to two weeks for tests to be processed and results to be given from the time of postage.

Notification of results will be given by your selected contact method completed on the patient request form. If you have not heard from us within two weeks then please call us on 0300 1234 154 (option4).

In the kit you will find equipment to collect samples for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis.

You need to provide all the samples. The instructions listed below are also included within the postal test kit and you can also download and print a fully illustrated copy.

Before taking your test, please read and follow the instructions carefully. Incorrectly collected samples will not be tested. You must also complete the form that comes in the kit in black ink - this needs to be returned with your samples.

Male rectal and throat samples

1. Remove white cotton bud swab from the paper packet. Be careful not to touch the cotton end
2. Carefully insert swab about two inches into your rectum and turn it for 30 seconds. Remove the swab carefully and without touching the rest of your body
3. Remove the yellow lid from the tube labelled rectal and immediately place the cotton bud swab into it. Taking care not to spill the preservative solution in the bottle
4. Carefully break the swab against the side of the tube at the black scoreline and discard the upper portion of the swab
5. Screw the lid back on to the tube tightly
6. You now need to repeat steps 1-6 with a new swab. Miss out step 2 and using the tube labelled throat this time take the sample from the back of the roof of your mouth and swab from left to right

Female rectal and throat samples

1. Remove white cotton bud swab from the paper packet. Be careful not to touch the cotton end
2. Carefully insert swab about two inches into your rectum and turn it for 30 seconds. Remove the swab carefully and without touching the rest of your body
3. Remove the yellow lid from the tube labelled rectal and immediately place the cotton bud swab into it. Taking care not to spill the preservative solution in the bottle
4. Carefully break the swab against the side of the tube at the black scoreline and discard the upper portion of the swab
5. Screw the lid back on to the tube tightly
6. You now need to repeat steps 1-6 with a new swab. Miss out step 2 and using the tube labelled throat this time take the sample from the back of the roof of your mouth and swab from left to right

Getting your results

Please allow upto 2 weeks for tests to be processed and results to be given from the time of postage.

Notification of results will be given by your selected contact method completed on the patient request form online. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks then please call us on 0300 1234 154 (option 4).