STI Screening Tests

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. Screening tests for STIs are essential to detect and treat these infections early, preventing long-term health consequences and transmission to others.

Types of STI Screening Tests

• Chlamydia Testing: A urine test or a swab from the affected area (cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat) can detect Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
• Gonorrhea Testing: Similar to Chlamydia testing, a urine test or a swab from the affected area can detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
• Syphilis Testing: A blood test or a swab from a sore (chancre) can detect Treponema pallidum bacteria. The most common tests are the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests.
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Testing: A blood test or a swab from a sore can detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing: A Pap smear or an HPV DNA test can detect high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
• HIV Testing: A blood test or an oral swab can detect HIV antibodies. The most common tests are the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the Western Blot tests.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Rapid Test: A rapid test that provides results in minutes, often used for point-of-care testing.
• Hepatitis B and C Testing: Blood tests can detect Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab).

Who Should Get Tested

The following individuals should get tested for STIs:

• Sexually active adolescents and adults
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with multiple sex partners
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Individuals with a history of STIs
• Individuals who use injection drugs or have a partner who uses injection drugs
• Individuals who have been sexually assaulted

When to Get Tested

Get tested:

• Every 3-6 months if you are sexually active and have multiple partners
• Before starting a new sexual relationship
• After being diagnosed with an STI
• After being treated for an STI to ensure the infection has been cured
• During pregnancy, as part of routine prenatal care

Where to Get Tested

You can get tested at:

• Primary care physician's office
• Sexual health clinics
• Community health centers
• Urgent care centers
• Public health departments

What to Expect During Testing

Different tests require different samples:

• Blood test: A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from your arm.
• Urine test: You will provide a urine sample in a cup.
• Swab test: A healthcare provider will take a swab from the affected area (cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat).

Interpreting Test Results

A healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss them with you:

• Positive result: Indicates the presence of an STI. Treatment will be prescribed, and follow-up testing may be necessary to ensure the infection has been cured.
• Negative result: Indicates the absence of an STI. However, it's essential to continue practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly.
• False negative result: May occur if the test is taken too early or if the sample is not collected correctly.
• False positive result: May occur due to laboratory errors or cross-reactivity with other infections.

Treatment and Follow-Up

If you test positive for an STI:

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms resolve before finishing the medication.
• Notify your sex partners and encourage them to get tested and treated.
• Get re-tested after completing treatment to ensure the infection has been cured.