Online testing
Everyone in Northern Ireland aged 16 years and over, and who has no STI symptoms, can access free, online testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Anyone with symptoms or aged under 16 can still access STI testing through your local clinic.
What does testing involve?
Online testing is available for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. After ordering, your testing kit will be sent to you with instruction on how to complete the tests. This usually involves a swab test for chlamydia or gonorrhoea and a finger prick blood test for HIV and syphilis. Test kits are delivered in discreet packaging and you will get a text update when your order is dispatched.
Getting your results
Your test kit will include a Freepost return pack, pop your samples in and send them back. You will be updated by text message when the return samples reach the lab.
Most people get their results by text message within 7 days.
What if my results show that I have an STI?
If you have an infection you will get advice on how to access treatment. You will also be given information on how to inform any sexual partners who may also need to have an STI test.
If your test is positive for chlamydia you will often be able to access postal treatment via the testing service, i.e. you can choose to have the treatment posted to your door. Most people opt for this and find the service very convenient.
