After a detailed history, the sexual health doctor will examine the area of concern based on any sign or symptoms that you have.
Based on your sexual history, the doctor will also decide on which tests are suitable based on the window periods.
For gonorrhoea and chlamydia, a urine collection or swab of the area of concern (Pharynx, Anal, Urethral, Vagina) will be obtained.
These days a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is done as it is more accurate and sensitive than the blood test which looks for antibodies to those bacterias. The issue with the blood test is that, if positive, we are unable to tell if it’s a new infection or an old one.
Besides that, from the same vaginal or urethral swab and urine collected, tests for other bacteria’s such as Ureaplasma Urealyticum, Mycoplasma Hominis and Trichomoniasis may also be done.
For the other STI such as Hepatitis A, B & C, Syphilis, and Herpes Simplex Virus, a blood test will be done. HIV test may also be done from the same blood sample.
Patients who present with symptoms suggestive of Herpes, a PCR swab of the lesion may be done to get a confirmation.