Full STI Blood Test Kit

Full STI finger-prick blood test (4-in-1)

Over 400,000 cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are reported annually. It's important to be aware of the spread of STIs and take precautionary steps to reduce your risk of contracting them. You should be screened regularly if you are at risk of coming into contact with STIs.

The full STI blood test can detect the following 4 STIs.

1. HIV
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. Syphilis

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, continuously weakening the body until it can no longer fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can cause a terminal condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Hepatitis is a condition caused by viruses which can cause inflammation of the liver. While the body can usually rid itself of Hepatitis B and C, both viruses can cause chronic infections, causing significant damage to the liver, a vital organ. If the virus reaches this phase, treatment will be required, and an infected person will have their condition monitored over time to track the progression of the virus.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection contracted by having sex with an infected person. It can cause several complications if left untreated. Such complications include meningitis, stroke, blindness and heart problems. While syphilis is treatable, it can cause serious, long-lasting damage to the body.

All 4 of these STIs can be transmitted through unprotected sex. If you have had unprotected sex with someone who has any of these infections, you should get tested as soon as possible.

The 4-in-1 blood test cannot detect:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• herpes
• Gardnerella vaginalis
• trichomonas vaginalis
• mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma.

Only a urine test can detect these STIs.

Each test kit contains everything you need to collect a sample, as well as a prepaid envelope for mailing it to our partner laboratory.

How accurate is the 4-in-1 blood test?

The laboratory tests are as accurate as tests offered at GUM and sexual health clinics. The tests have a high degree of accuracy (approximately 99.98%) as long as the sample is collected correctly, according to the provided instructions.

When should I get tested?

It is recommended to be checked annually for STIs. However, you should also consider testing when changing partners and, of course, if you experience any symptoms.

Symptoms of common STIs include:

• Irritated genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Penile discharge
• Rectal discharge
• Sores, lumps or growths around the genitals and anus
• Testicular pain
• Vaginal discharge

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to abstain from sex until a future test can confirm you are clear of any STIs.

STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they may not cause any noticeable symptoms in some individuals. The only way of knowing for sure if you have an STI is by taking a test.

It's important to point out that some viruses may not be detectable shortly after being infected, as is the case with HIV. The virus may not be detectable on tests for up to 3 weeks after the initial infection. If you believe you took the test too early, consider retaking it to ensure you don't receive a false negative result, where the test indicates you don't have an infection, but you actually do.

How does the STI 4-in-1 blood test work?

When an infection invades the body, the white blood cells release antibodies to fight the infection. The test looks for specific antibodies which the body uses to fight these particular infections. If an associated antibody is found, the virus is also present.

The 4 in 1 blood test kit contains:

• A blood collection vial
• A name label
• A plastic wallet
• A prepaid envelope
• A request form
• A security label
• A test kit box
• Three lancets
• Two alcotip swabs
• Two plasters
• Two wipes

The kit also includes instructions on how to safely collect the sample at home and send it off for testing.

When should I post my sample?

You should post your sample as soon as it is collected.

Waiting too long to post your sample can cause the sample to haemolyse (the blood cells start to break down), making it unusable for testing and affecting your results.

Your local post box will have a time when the post is collected from it. You should aim to post your sample around this time.

You can find your nearest post box online using this map.

Frequently asked questions

How will I receive my test results?

Once our partner laboratory receives your sample, it should take approximately 2 days for your results to be ready. Your results will be made available through your online Prescription Doctor account. To protect your privacy, we will not send your results directly to you.

How will I know when my results are available?

We will notify you via email and text message that you have pending messages on your Prescription Doctor account, allowing you to view them.

What do I do if I test positive?

If you test positive for any of the STIs, one of our doctors will contact you with guidance on the next steps.

Treatment for STIs

There are several treatments for STIs, depending on which STI you test positive for. However, your doctor will be able to discuss a treatment plan with you and advise you on other lifestyle changes you may need to make.

Confidential service with Prescription Doctor

We understand that sexual health can be embarrassing, which is why we've put privacy at the forefront of our online service.

Your test kit will be dispatched in discreet, plain, tamper-proof packaging. We offer next-day delivery on orders processed before 3pm weekdays.

Additional resources

FAQs about our home testing kits