STI HOME TEST KIT FACTS
STI HOME TEST KIT FACTS
About the STI home test kit
Our STI home test is an accurate laboratory test for genital, anal and throat chlamydia and genital, anal and throat gonorrhoea. The test for women requires you to collect vaginal, anal and throat swabs.
You should wait for at least two weeks after you think you were exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhoea before doing this test. That way the test is most likely to detect these infections.
If you think you could have got chlamydia or gonorrhoea within the last two weeks, you can buy the test now but don’t collect and return your sample until two weeks have gone by.
How does the test work?
Use the kit we send you to collect swabs from your vagina, anus and throat. Send the swabs to our partner laboratory. When the lab sends us your test result we’ll share it with you in your secure account.
Accurate test kit for genital, anal and throat chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
GET STARTEDHow do I collect the samples?
Follow our simple instructions and insert the soft swab we send you approximately 2 inches inside your vagina and your anus. You will also need to take a swab from the back of your throat. The swab takes a sample of fluid. Put it in the packaging we include and send it to our partner laboratory.
Is the test kit accurate?
Yes. The test that the laboratory runs is the same test that’s routinely run in the NHS.
If you got chlamydia or gonorrhoea in the last two weeks, the test is unlikely to detect your infection.
If you start to show symptoms before you take a test or before you get your results you must visit your GP or health clinic.
What happens if I test positive?
If the test finds chlamydia in your vagina or throat, we can offer you treatment through the Boots Online Doctor Service.
If the test finds gonorrhoea anywhere or chlamydia in your anus, you and any partners will need to go to a clinic for treatment.
If you test positive for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea you and any partners will need to go to a clinic for treatment.
If you start to show symptoms before you get your results you must visit your GP or health clinic.
What are the symptoms?
Many women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea don’t have symptoms. If you do, they are often similar for both infections.
Symptoms in your vagina include discharge, pain when peeing, abnormal bleeding and vaginal discomfort.
Symptoms in your anus include pain, discharge, bleeding, feeling a need to poo when you don’t.
It’s unusual to get symptoms in the throat but you could get a persistent sore throat.
What happens if I already have symptoms?
If you’ve got any symptoms of an STI, you must visit your GP or health clinic. It’s important to get treated because if left untreated it can lead to long-term health problems.
What happens if I don’t take the Boots home test?
If you decide not to use our home test kit you can make an appointment at your local GP or GUM clinic to get tested in person.
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact National Domestic Abuse helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police