Self-sampling
Self-sampling is being rolled out across Scotland, however it’s not yet available across all health boards.
If self-sampling is available in your area, you can test for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on your own, without having to go to a sexual health clinic. This is only if you do not have symptoms.
Self-sampling can be just as reliable as getting tested at a sexual health clinic if done correctly. The most common STIs are:
You might choose to take your samples at home, or somewhere else you feel comfortable.
The testing kits are discreetly packaged and should be small enough to fit through your letterbox.
Before testing
To test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, women and other people who have a vagina will be sent a single swab. Men and other people who have a penis will be sent a urine test if they only have vaginal sex, or will be sent a urine test and 2 extra swabs (throat and rectal) if they have partners who have a penis. People who sell sex may be sent additional tests. HIV and syphilis are tested from samples of your blood.
You will be asked about previous infections. If you say you have already tested positive for HIV, your blood will not be tested for HIV again.
If you say you’ve had a syphilis infection treated in the past, then the lab will know to do the right test to pick up a new infection.
STIs often take a few days or weeks after sex to show up on tests. This is called the window period. Try to order your kit as close to the end of the window period as possible. If you order a kit too early and it does not reach the lab within a week of being ordered, the tests may not be processed.
To be sure the results are correct for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, wait 2 weeks after possible exposure to test. If you are treated for either of these, the test can continue to appear ‘positive’ for 6 weeks afterwards, even though the infection has cleared. Do not re-test within this 6 week period unless asked to do so by your service.
Wait 45 days after possible exposure to test for HIV, and 6 weeks for syphilis. Make sure you do the test after these timings for accurate results. If you are unsure about your timings, you should do a test now and then another test at a later date. If you have symptoms, contact your local sexual health service.
In areas where this is available, you can only order 1 kit every 3 months.
It’s a good idea for everyone who is sexually active to book a test for STIs and HIV once a year, even if this is with just 1 partner. If you are changing partners, it’s advised to test at least every 6 months.
Some people should consider testing more often (around every 3 months), such as:
- people with high numbers of sexual partners
- people using PrEP
- gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who are changing partners
- people involved in selling sex
If your sex life changes, then your testing routine may have to change as well.
You may require a test sooner if you have symptoms.
It’s important to take action as soon as possible if you:
- have had sex without contraception or the contraception has failed
- think you might have been sexually exposed to HIV
- are thinking about having an abortion and are unsure what to do
- have been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 7 days
There are some situations where it may be better for you to contact your local sexual health service for STI testing rather than doing it yourself. You should consider doing this if:
- your current sexual partner, who you regularly have sex with, has been diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea within last 14 days
- you have been at high risk of getting HIV within the last 72 hours
- you or your partner injects recreational drugs
- you or your partner are from a country with a high prevalence of HIV and/or hepatitis – staff can help you get all the tests that you need
- you sell or exchange sexual activity in any form (this is to make sure you can benefit from the additional support and services that can be provided in person)
- you have been sexually assaulted
- you have sexual health concerns and would like advice, information or support
- you have symptoms that you think may be associated with an STI
You can still order the STI testing kit to do yourself, if available in your area. But you’ll be offered further advice, care and support at a sexual health clinic.
If you’re a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, then it may be better for you to contact your local sexual health service for STI testing rather than doing it yourself if you:
- have not visited a sexual health clinic before
- need hepatitis vaccines or screening
- would like HPV vaccination
- wish to start PrEP
- want other sexual health advice
When requesting a test kit, you need to describe your body parts and partners so the correct kit is sent. If you’re trans or non-binary and would prefer to speak to someone about which test kit is right for you, contact your local sexual health clinic.
It also may be better for you to contact your local sexual health service for STI testing rather than doing it yourself if you:
- have not visited a sexual health clinic before
- need hepatitis vaccines or screening
- would like HPV vaccination
- wish to start PrEP
- want other sexual health advice
STI testing at home is not available if you’re under 16. This is to make sure NHS Scotland can address all of your sexual health needs.
Instead, you can contact your local sexual health service for STI testing. The staff can make sure that you get all the information and support you need.
How to order your STI testing kit
You’ll be asked for your postcode and mobile phone number. This is so NHS Scotland can check that you’re eligible for the service. Then, you’ll need to answer some questions about your body and who you have sex with so the right kit is sent to you.
Your mobile phone number will be used to communicate with you via text about your test kit and your results.
You may want to check the privacy settings for text messages and voicemail on your phone so these do not display without your consent. You may find these links helpful:
You may be given more information or links to local services if you need them.
If you’re under 18, staff at your local clinic may phone or text you to make sure you’re not at risk of serious harm before the STI test kit is posted.
You choose which kit you want to order. You can also request to be sent free condoms.
Further information about how to get free condoms
Complete your details with your name and the address you’d like your kit to be delivered to.
Your test kit will be posted, free of charge to your home or you can ask for it to be sent to an alternative address. You may be able to opt to pick it up at your local sexual health clinic.
You’ll be asked questions about your ethnicity and if you have any disability. This helps NHS Scotland make sure the service is accessible to everyone. You don’t have to answer these if you don’t want to.
Finally, click ‘confirm my order’.
What if there are no testing kits available?
There are only a limited number of testing kits available each day. If there are no more available when you try to order, please try again the next morning.
The service is not yet available in all areas.
How to take the STI tests
Swabs and urine tests
When you receive your kit it’ll contain either swabs or urine tests, or both. These test for 2 of the most common infections: chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
The test kit you’re sent will be based on your answers to the questions about your body and the people you have sex with.
The testing kit has instructions on how to take the samples.
The contents of urine kits may vary depending on where you live. There are 3 different types of urine kit. Your sexual health service will send you the correct leaflet with your kit. If there is no leaflet in your kit, leaflets are also available in online format. Make sure you check all 3 leaflets and follow the instructions of the one that matches your kit.
Further information on the different urine kit leaflets
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Unscrew the sample tube without spilling the liquid. If the tube lid has a foil insert, do not touch it.
- Remove swab from packaging without touching the cotton end.
- Put the cotton end of swab 5 to 7 centimetres inside your vagina and gently twist for 15 seconds. Remove it without it touching the outside of your body.
- Put the swab into the tube, cotton end down, and snap it against the lip of the tube at the snap-line. Screw the lid back on tightly.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating, passing urine or having sex before taking the swab will not affect the results.
This information about how to take your vaginal swab is also available in leaflet format
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Open the urine container and pass a small amount of urine into it.
- Unscrew the sample tube without spilling the liquid. If the tube lid has a foil insert, do not touch it.
- Squeeze the top of the pipette to transfer the urine from the container into the tube until halfway up the window. The sample can’t be tested if it’s over or under filled.
- Screw the lid back on tightly. Pour any leftover urine into the toilet and put the container and pipette in the bin.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating or having sex before taking the sample will not affect the results. However, you should not pass urine for an hour before doing the test.
This information about how to take your urine test using Kit 1 is also available in leaflet format
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Open the urine container and pass a small amount of urine into it.
- Unscrew the sample tube without spilling the liquid. If the tube lid has a foil insert, do not touch it.
- Squeeze the top of the pipette to transfer the urine from the container into the tube until it reaches the line at the top of the label.
- Screw the lid back on tightly. Pour any leftover urine into the toilet and put the container and pipette in the bin.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating or having sex before taking the sample will not affect the results. However, you should not pass urine for an hour before doing the test.
This information about how to take your urine test using Kit 2 is also available in leaflet format
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Unscrew the sample tube.
- Pass urine into the sample tube until it reaches the line. If there’s no line, fill until three-quarters full.
- Screw the lid back on tightly.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating or having sex before taking the sample will not affect the results. However, you should not pass urine for an hour before doing the test.
This information about how to take your urine test using Kit 3 is also available in leaflet format
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Unscrew the sample tube without spilling the liquid. If the tube lid has a foil insert, do not touch it.
- Remove the swab from the packaging without touching the cotton end.
- Part your buttocks and put the swab 2 to 3 centimetres into your rectum. Gently twist the swab on one side of the rectal wall for 15 seconds. Remove it without touching the outside of your body.
- Put the swab into the tube, cotton end down, and snap it against the lip of the tube at the snap-line. Screw the lid back on tightly.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating, passing urine or having sex before taking the swab will not affect the results.
It’s best to wait for a little while after you’ve done a poo before you take your swab so your rectum is empty.
This information about how to take your rectal swab is also available in leaflet format
- Wash and dry your hands before and after taking your test.
- Unscrew the sample tube without spilling the liquid. If the tube lid has a foil insert, do not touch it.
- Remove the swab from the packaging without touching the cotton end.
- Twist the swab firmly against the back of your throat for a total of 15 seconds. Do this several times on both sides. Try not to let the swab touch anywhere else.
- Put the swab into the tube, cotton end down, and snap it against the lip of the tube at the snap-line. Screw the lid back on tightly.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating, passing urine or having sex before taking the swab will not affect the results.
This information about how to take your throat swab is also available in leaflet format
Blood test
You’ll need to take some time to do your own blood test. It takes a bit longer than having your blood taken in the clinic.
The lancet you use to prick your finger must be disposed of into a rubbish bin. They should not be returned with your samples to the lab.
- Wash your hands in warm water for a few minutes to help with the blood flow. Dry them well.
- Unscrew the sample tube then put it upright on a table.
- Clean the side of the index finger of your non-writing hand with a wipe. Shake hand at waist level to help blood flow.
- Twist and pull the coloured tip from the lancet. Hold the lancet in the hand you write with.
- Press the lancet firmly on the side of your clean finger until you hear a click.
- Let blood drops fall into the tube, massaging your knuckle to help blood flow.
- Fill the tube halfway or to the second fill line if there’s one. Using a new lancet, take blood from more than one finger if you need to.
- When finished, press hard on your finger to stop the bleeding and put a plaster on.
- Screw the lid back on tightly. Put used lancets in the bin.
- If asked to, fill out the details on the request form. Depending on where you live, the form might have been completed for you.
- Put your sample tube and completed request form into the specimen bag.
- Put your sealed sample into the bag or box provided and seal it.
Eating, passing urine or having sex before taking the swab will not affect the results.
This information about how to take a blood sample is also available in leaflet format
After you’ve taken your samples
Some kits can be handed in to a local GP practice or health centre. Others are to be posted back via Royal Mail. How you return your kit depends on where you live. Follow the instructions that came with your kit so you know what to do.
Your samples will go directly to the laboratory.
Bin the finger pricks and anything else with blood on it, like plasters, that you used to take the samples. These must not be returned to the lab or the sample may not be processed.
Return the testing kit as soon as possible after receiving it. Remember to order your kit close to the end of the window period and ensure you test after this period. This is 2 weeks after sex for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, 45 days for HIV, and 6 weeks for syphilis.
If the test kit does not reach the lab within a week, the tests may not be processed.
If you have a kit that you have not returned yet, do not order another kit. You should contact your local sexual health service by phone to discuss what to do.
Results and follow-up
Your results will be sent to you by text or you’ll be given a number to phone to get your results.
Your results are usually available within 7 to 14 days of receipt. If your results are taking longer than 14 days, phone your local sexual health clinic.
One of the health advisors at your local sexual health service will usually contact you to arrange treatment. You might get a text to let you know to contact the service or they may phone you.
All the infections tested for can be treated through your local sexual health clinic. Staff will explain what you need to do to get the treatment that you need.