STI (STD) Lab Test

Most samples are processed by the Lilium lab the same day, with results before 9 p.m. (often before 6 p.m.)

There are antibody tests and PCR tests for STIs. A third type, rapid antigen tests, are not as accurate as PCR tests and are not offered through Lilium.

Blood test for antibodies: This test detects the presence of antibodies against the STI pathogen in the blood. This can help determine if a person has been infected in the past. This includes STDs such as HIV, Hepatitis, Herpes and Syphilis.

RT-PCR test: This test can detect the presence of a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection in the urine or from a swab. This includes STI pathogens such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas.

All sexually active individuals risk acquiring STIs. Screening primarily focuses on those at a higher risk of infection based on age, gender, health history, number of sexual partners, and sexual behaviour. Here is a quick overview of the commonly recommended STI screening guidelines:

For Adults and Adolescents: Individuals between the ages of 14 and 64 should get tested for HIV, Syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas at least once. The frequency of testing may vary depending on the level of risk.

For Sexually Active Women: All sexually active women under 25 should get tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas every year. This recommendation also applies to women aged 25 and older with an increased risk of STIs due to new or multiple sexual partners, or if their partner has been diagnosed with a STI.

For Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should undergo testing for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B during pregnancy. Those with additional risk factors should also get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas.

For Sexually Active Gay and Bisexual Men: Men in this group should get tested annually for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas. Those with multiple or anonymous partners may need more frequent testing every three to six months. Additionally, more frequent HIV testing may be beneficial for this group.

Individuals Engaging in Unsafe Sex:  Individuals who engage in unprotected sex, such as not using a condom, should undergo HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas testing at least once a year; Hepatitis testing is also recommended.

Injectable Drug Users: Individuals who share injection drug equipment should undergo HIV and Hepatitis testing at least once a year.

It is essential to prioritize regular STI testing to ensure early detection, timely treatment, and effective prevention of further transmission.

For PCR tests, either a vaginal swab (that can be self-collected in a private room) or a urine sample is collected and sent to the lab for analysis. Throat and anal swabs can be collected to detect any infections in those areas.

For antibody tests, a small amount of blood is collected from a vein by a professional nurse and sent to the lab for analysis.

STI tests are generally more than 90% accurate. The level of detection sensitivity depends on how much of the antibody, virus, bacteria or parasite is present in the sample. If a test is taken too early after infection, the levels may be too low to detect, giving a negative result. For this reason it is advisable to do regular testing for STIs.

One of our doctors or nurses will contact you to setup an appointment for a follow-up to a positive test. Most of the time this can be done over the telephone. You will receive instructions and a prescription to treat the infection (where applicable) at the follow-up appointment. Compared to other private labs and clinics, there are no additional charges for this follow-up appointment at Lilium.

In case of positive results, it is imperative to commence treatment (where applicable) as soon as possible to minimize the risk of health complications. Our healthcare provider can also assist in devising a strategy for informing sexual partners who may be infected and suggest retesting after completion of treatment.