This is how an STI test works: everything you need to know

Do you have symptoms, did someone warn you, or just want to be sure you have an STD? Whatever your reason: getting an STD test can be quite exciting. Especially if you don't know exactly what to expect. That's why we explain step by step how the testing works in this detailed explanation. So you know exactly what happens during the appointment, how the test goes and what the results mean. That way, you will be well prepared for the test.

The deal: how does it work?

You can get an STI test from several different agencies: through your family doctor, at the Public Health Service or at a specialized clinic such as OneDayClinic. The procedure may vary slightly from one location to another. At OneDayClinic, the appointment takes place in a pleasant and personal setting. You are helped by a doctor or nurse who discusses with you which STIs are relevant to test for. So you don't have to know in advance which test to choose, we guide you step by step.

During the interview, the health care provider asks a number of questions, such as:

• Do you currently have complaints?
• When was the last time you had sex?
• How many sexual partners have you had recently?

Many people find it uncomfortable to talk about their sex lives. This may be due to shame, uncertainty about sexual preferences, or fear of judgment. At OneDayClinic, we completely understand this. That's why we make every effort to put you at ease. Whether you have much or little sexual experience, unusual preferences, or have accidentally had unprotected sex, with us you will be helped without judgment.

Once the doctor or nurse has gathered enough information, you will receive personalized advice on which tests are best for you and when. Do you want more tests than advised? Or did you expect something different? Then there is always room for consultation there. You ultimately decide for yourself.

Note: At OneDayClinic, you can also get an STI test anonymously. So you do not have to give your real name or date of birth if you are more comfortable with that.

How does the STI test itself proceed?

There are several types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the method of testing depends on the specific STI as well as your body. In fact, there is a difference between the testing methods for people with a penis and those with a vagina.

Testing in persons with a penis

Voor chlamydia, gonorroe, mycoplasma en trichomonas wordt meestal urineonderzoek gedaan. Je plast dan in een potje op het toilet. Belangrijk is dat je minstens 1,5 tot 2 uur van tevoren niet hebt geplast. Dat maakt de test betrouwbaarder.

Testing in persons with a vagina

Here, a vaginal swab is usually taken. At OneDayClinic, you may do this yourself, quietly on the toilet. You are given a cotton swab and a tube. You insert the swab a few inches into your vagina and gently rotate it. Then you place it in the tube provided. Are you menstruating at that time? No problem: menstruation does not affect the test result. Do you find it difficult to take a swab yourself? Then a healthcare provider can help you with that.

Testing of throat and anus

Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also occur in your throat or anus. These sites are therefore tested if there is reason to do so. Again, a cotton swab is used:

• Throat: the rod is gently passed over the arches at the back of your throat.
• Anus: the rod is inserted a small piece into your anus and then gently twisted around. This is done similarly to the vaginal swab.

Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis

These STIs require a blood test. The doctor or nurse will draw one tube of blood, which is enough for several tests. This collection takes only a few minutes and is done under sterile conditions.

What happens to the material in the laboratory?

Once your urine, swab or blood arrives at the laboratory, it is examined for the presence of STIs. Depending on the type of test, a different technique is used for this purpose.

The PCR technique

Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma and trichomonas uses the PCR method: Polymerase Chain Reaction. This examines whether the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a bacterium or parasite is present in the sample. If so, the genetic material is copied repeatedly. This creates enough information to reliably determine whether the STI in question is present. If there is no genetic material, the test remains negative.

Antibodies and antigens in the blood

Bij hiv, hepatitis B en syfilis wordt in je bloed gekeken of er specifieke antistoffen of antigenen aanwezig zijn. Zodra je lichaam een infectie doormaakt, reageert je immuunsysteem met het aanmaken van antistoffen. Deze antistoffen zijn vaak specifiek voor één soort virus of bacterie. Je kunt het zien als een sleutel (de antistof) die past op een bepaald slot (het virus of de bacterie).

The laboratory uses a technique in which marker substances bind to the antibodies. Are those binding substances found? Then the test is positive. If there is no infection, the substances do not bind and the test is negative.

What are rapid tests?

At OneDayClinic, you can also opt for a rapid test in many cases. This means that for certain STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and HIV, you can receive the results within 30 minutes.*

Most rapid tests also use PCR technology, making them just as reliable as laboratory-based tests. So fast certainly does not mean less accurate.

The result: positive or negative?

Waiting for a test result is always exciting. Even if you have no symptoms, an STI may still be present. Fortunately, the waiting time at OneDayClinic is limited. For laboratory tests, you usually receive your results within two working days.

The results of an STI test can be displayed in two ways:

• Negative: no STI was found in your sample.
• Positive: an STI was found.

If you test positive, OneDayClinic can provide you with immediate treatment. Think prescribing antibiotics or further counseling if needed. Everything is arranged in one location, so you don't have to go elsewhere again.

*Quick tests are only available for certain tests, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Ask about the options at your appointment.