FEMALE SEXUAL HEALTH SCREENING

Rapid HIV Testing

We offer quick accurate HIV testing in our sexual health clinic. Results are obtainable the same day in some cases and the next day for others. The test samples are carried out by an accredited laboratory. Our doctors and health care staff are trained professionals in line with CQC standards and you will be treated kindly and with sensitively in complete confidence. However if your results come back positive a consultation with the doctor with advice and treatment options is offered. Information is also not forwarded to any third parties.

Early HIV Screen

Early HIV screen testing is available ten days after exposure to the virus. We use the 4th Generation HIV 1 & 2 test as standard, which is highly sensitive and very accurate. The results are available within 24 hours.

Premier Female Screen

The premier screen is for females who believe they may have been exposed to an infectionand is typically undertaken after four weeks post potential exposure. These tests usually require a blood and urine sample and the results are usually available within 24 hours for blood tests, and 3-4 working days for urine tests

The tests involved include:

• Rapid blood testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV DUO test, and Syphilis. The results are normally obtainable after 24 hours.
• Gonorrhoea/Chlamydia swab or urine test: Test results ready within 3-4 working days. Fast track options are available.

Female Platinum Screen

This is our comprehensive screening package. The table below shows the tests involved and the duration for each result.

Symptomatic Screens

For patients with vaginal discharge symptoms with accompanying odour, we recommend suitable symptomatic screening which entail:

• A high vaginal swab to check for lower vaginal infections.
• And a 6 in 1 PCR vaginal swab for analysis.

Screens include:

1. Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea
2. Herpes 1 /2
3. Mycoplasma Genitalium.
4. Candida Albicans (Thrush).
5. Bacterial vaginosis.
6. Trichomonas vaginalis.

The results for this screen are usually available within 3-4 working days.

Female HPV testing

We offer HPV testing as a single test which includes HPV DNA which singly tests and reports for subtypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The results for HPV are usually available within 3 to 5 days. (We also offer HPV vaccination. See below.)

HPV Vaccine for Genital Cancer and Genital Warts (New Gardasil 9)

The new Gardasil 9 vaccine provides more protection than the old Gardasil which only offered protection against subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18. This new vaccine now protects against the 7 high-risk subtypes of the virus (types, 16, 18, 31, 45, 52, and 58).

The high-risk HPV subtypes are responsible for about 90% of cervical cancer cases and some anal cancer. About 90% of the cases of genital warts are caused by the low-risk subtypes, which are 6, and 11.

Who is eligible for this vaccine?

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is routinely provided to people in 9 to 27 year age range with the first dose administered before the 27^th birthday of the patient. After the first dose, the remaining two doses must be completed within 12 months.

This vaccine is very effective and has little to no side effects. However, is less effective if it is given after having already contracted an HPV infection.

You can contact our sexual health doctor to get advice on whether or not you should proceed with the vaccine.

How is it administered?

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is administered in 3 doses, and all the doses must be taken within 6 months.