The Student Room Group
Original post by Anonymous
How do I do an STI test


Hi, Katie from Brook here!

Can I ask what STI test you would like advice for as there are a few tests you can take such as:

Vaginal Swab Test
Urine Sample Test
Blood Sample Test

Thanks :smile:
Original post by BrookCharity
Hi, Katie from Brook here!

Can I ask what STI test you would like advice for as there are a few tests you can take such as:

Vaginal Swab Test
Urine Sample Test
Blood Sample Test

Thanks :smile:

Vaginal Swab please
Original post by Anonymous
Vaginal Swab please

STI kits can vary, and this advice is relevant for Brook STI kits!


STEP 1: FILL OUT THE TEST REQUEST FORM
You should have an ‘Important Documents’ envelope within your testing kit. Within here you should find the Test Request Form. It’s important that this is sent back with your completed test else you may not receive your results.

Check the information on this form and complete the missing sections including the date that you took the sample.


STEP 2: CHECK YOUR TEST
Open your testing kit and check that your test contains everything it should. The instructions include a list of what your kit should include. This will save you time and help you to familiarise yourself with the different parts.

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE SAMPLE LABEL
Within your testing kit box, you should have a small white sticky label. Fill out your details and write “vaginal”, “urine” or “blood” depending on what test you have under the sample type. Place to one side ready to stick on your sample tube later.

Small white label with space to complete the following information: first name, surname, DOB, sample type
STEP 4: MAKE A NOTE OF THE TRACKING NUMBER
Each test has its own tracking number. If you haven’t already, remove the empty return envelope from the testing kit box and make a note of the tracking number under the barcode. You can use this number track your package when you are waiting for your results.

Now you’re ready to do your test.

VAGINAL SWAB (TEST FOR GONORRHOEA AND CHLAMYDIA)
CONTENTS OF YOUR TEST
Inside your testing kit box you should have:

Instructions
Security Seal sticker
Small white sample label
Return envelope
Sample tube in protective packaging
Swab
You should also have an Important Documents envelope with your testing kit. This contains the Test Request Form.


TAKE YOUR SAMPLE
Step 5: Wash your hands
Before taking the sample, wash your hands with warm water and soap to make sure no bacteria on your hands can affect the sample.

Step 6: Prepare the sample tube
Remove the sample tube from its plastic protective container, unscrew the lid and keep the tube upright, making sure not to spill any of the liquid inside.
Sample tube with orange label stood up with lid next to it.

Step 7: Prepare the swab
Take the swab out of the packaging. Being careful not to touch the cotton bud end, hold the swab in the middle at the black line.
A hand holding the swab at the black line

Step 8: Take your sample
With your legs apart and holding the swab in one hand, use the other hand to separate your labia (outer lips of the vulva) so you can see your vagina.
Insert the cotton bud about 5cm into the vagina you don’t need to go any further than the black line on the swab.
Rotate the swab for 5 seconds making sure it touches the walls of your vagina- You may find it easier to put one leg up onto the toilet seat or to use a mirror. Often people assume vaginas are straight up but they actually tend to point towards the lower back.

AFTER YOU’VE COLLECTED YOUR SAMPLE
You’ve done the hard bit! Now you just need to prepare your sample ready to post.

Step 9: Put the swab into the sample tube being careful not to touch the swab, snap the stick at the black line so that the swab fits into the tube and screw the lid back on. Stick the sample label (the small white sticker you completed earlier) onto the tube.

Step 10: Package and seal your testing kit box put the sample tube, with the swab in, back into the protective packaging it came in and then into the testing kit box.

If you have a test for HIV or syphilis in the same test kit, do this test now before sealing the testing kit box.

Stick the security seal sticker over where the box opens which seals the box shut Make sure you’ve taken out the return envelope first!

Testing kit box sealed with Security Seal sticker next to the return envelope.

Step 11: Get ready to post
Put the box into the envelope with the return address on, making sure you’ve also included your Test Request Form and seal the envelope.

Step 12: Post your test within 24 hours
That’s it! You should send your test as soon as possible, or at most 24 hours after completing it.
Don't forget to remind yourself how awesome you are for choosing to take care of your sexual health!




I hope this helps! Thanks for asking :smile: