Syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne diseases. In order to check whether you carry any of these infections, you need to take a blood test. Our home test kit comprises of a finger prick test, which allows you to take a very small blood sample at home.

Taking the sample is quick and easy - just follow the instructions on the leaflet which comes with your test kit. Once you have taken your tiny blood sample you need to post it to the laboratory, which will then analyse your sample. The test kit comes with a self-addressed envelope and the postage is paid, so all you need to do is post it. You will receive your test results within three days of your sample reaching the laboratory.

Our service is discreet and completely confidential. Our test kits are sent out in discreet packaging and your results will be available in your private and secure patient record. We will not send any messages which contain personal information or test results. We will contact you via phone or email to let you know that your results are available.

For some infections, it takes several days or weeks before they can be detected in a sexual health screen.

If you think there is a high risk that you have been exposed to any of these infections (e.g. through sexual contact, blood, or sharing needles with someone who may be infected), it is essential that you see a nurse or doctor immediately. Please contact your GP, Sexual Health Clinic, or A&E department.

Please note: it can take up to 13 weeks for these infections to be detected in a sexual health screen. If you do the test before 13 weeks have passed since the incident, you should confirm any negative results at a later date by repeating the test.

Hep B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection which can be passed on when sharing needles or having sex with an infected person. In countries where medical equipment is not sterilised properly, hepatitis B is also passed on during medical treatment. Hepatitis B can be passed on when the blood of a hepatitis B patient enters your bloodstream (for example via a wound or scratch), which is why vaccination is recommended for medical professionals and care workers.

Patients who have hepatitis B are often unaware of the infection. In many cases, it does not cause any symptoms. If the infection persists for more than six months it is considered chronic. Chronic hepatitis B can cause complications such as liver damage.

The hepatitis B vaccination is a standard vaccine for healthcare professionals and it is also sometimes recommended for travellers going to countries where the disease is prevalent. If you’ve recently received a hepatitis B vaccination, you should wait 8 weeks before taking this test. You may get a false positive result if you take this test sooner.

Who is at risk?

You can catch hepatitis B from having sex with an infected partner. Testing is important if you have had unprotected sex with a partner whose sexual health status you don’t know. It is also vital if you have shared needles or have received treatment in a country where medical equipment is not sterilised. The same applies if you have shared razors or similar utensils with an infected person.

Hep C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection which can be transmitted during sex. In most cases, however, hepatitis C is transmitted when sharing needles, which is why it is very common amongst drug users. It can also be passed on when sharing razors, toothbrushes, towels or any other utensils which are contaminated with an infected person's blood.

Often, the virus does not cause any symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged. While one in four people fight the infection off within the first 6 months, three in four develop chronic hepatitis C. There is no vaccination against hepatitis C.

Who is at risk?

Men who have sex with men are believed to have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis C. However, the highest risk group in the UK are drug users who have shared needles at any point in the past. You should get tested if this applies to you, even if you have only injected drugs once.

Hepatitis C is more common in North Africa, the Middle East as well as Central and East Asia. Travellers who have undergone medical treatment/had tattoos or piercings in these countries may also have been exposed to the virus.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. You can catch it during vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. It is typical for syphilis to cause painless sores during the early stages of infection. If it is left untreated, it can spread to various organs and cause severe complications. Early treatment is essential to prevent syphilis from causing serious damage to your inner organs and brain.

Who is at risk?

In recent years, the infection rate for syphilis has been on the rise in the UK. You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with a partner who may have it or if you have shared needles with anyone. This also applies if you have shared sex toys.