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Online doctor

All it takes is three simple steps...

Step 1 Register online to create your secure online patient record

Step 2 Collect saliva and urine sample and return to laboratory in packaging provided

Step 3 Test results ready within three working days of samples reaching laboratory

What are the benefits of this service?

If you and a partner both order a test, this service provides a convenient way for couples to be tested for HIV, genital chlamydia and genital gonorrhoea before committing to full intimacy. If either of you tests positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, our doctors can offer whoever tested positive antibiotic treatment by post at no extra charge.

Is this service totally confidential?

Yes. Without your explicit consent, we cannot share your test results with your partner, your GP or anyone else.

How does this service work?

Both of you need to register online to create an individual patient record and both of you need to make individual purchases. During the registration process you will be asked to provide a delivery address and make payment online with a debit or credit card. When the pack arrives, collect a saliva and urine sample by following the instructions and return the samples to our laboratory in the pre-paid pre-addressed packaging provided. The urine sample will be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The saliva sample will be tested for HIV.

How quickly will we receive our test packs?

Order before 5pm Monday to Friday and we will post your pack in that day's first class post. You will not need to sign for the test pack when it arrives. The packaging is discreet and does not say what is inside.

How long do the results take?

Test results are normally ready within two to three working days of your samples reaching the laboratory.

Can this HIV saliva test diagnose HIV?

This saliva test cannot diagnose HIV. The saliva test can reveal either a) that there were no signs of HIV in your saliva sample or, b) that the test was 'reactive' and could not rule out the presence of HIV in your saliva.

How do we obtain our test results?

Test results for the chlamydia and gonorrhoea test are uploaded onto your individual secure online patient record. Negative test results for the HIV test are also uploaded. A negative result for HIV means that there were no signs of HIV in your saliva.

What happens if either or both of our test results is/are 'reactive'?

If an HIV result comes back as 'reactive' one of our doctors will call the patient directly. We will not upload the result.

If the test can't rule out HIV, does this mean there are signs of HIV?

Absolutely not. There are many reasons why the test result could be 'reactive' other than you having HIV. Our doctors will discuss these reasons with you or your partner as appropriate.

Is this saliva test as accurate as a blood test?

No. A blood test is more accurate than this saliva test. But this saliva test nevertheless provides a simple and convenient way to test for HIV.

How long must we wait before taking this test?

This relationship screen is unlikely to pick up signs of HIV infection if infection occurred in the last three and a half months. This so-called 'window period' is two weeks longer than the typical three month 'window period' for an HIV blood test. The window period for the chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests is two weeks and one week respectively.

Is this type of HIV test suitable for everyone?

A postal test for HIV is suitable for anyone who is comfortable with the possibility of being told, over the telephone, that the HIV test could not rule out signs of HIV in your saliva.

What about testing for infections in the anus and throat?

Aside from testing for HIV, this screen only tests for genital chlamydia and genital gonorrhoea. Someone who is at risk of infections in the anus or throat should consider having a broader range of tests at a sexual health clinic.

What about syphilis and hepatitis B and C?

Someone who themselves partakes - or who has a partner who partakes - in riskier sexual activity should consider having a wider range of tests for genital infections and blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B and possibly hepatitis C.