Laboratory testing is a key part of diagnosing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), both as preventive screening and after higher-risk situations or the onset of concerning symptoms. The appropriate method depends on the suspected infection, so during the consultation the doctor selects tests suited to the patient’s individual situation. Blood tests are essential when diagnosing conditions such as syphilis or HIV, while swabs and urine tests are particularly relevant for urogenital infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HPV.
A venereology consultation and laboratory testing are worth considering after sexual contact associated with a higher risk, when starting a new relationship or when an infection has been diagnosed in a partner. Testing may also be recommended as preventive care because many sexually transmitted infections remain asymptomatic for a long time. A consultation is also appropriate if you notice concerning symptoms. The timing of tests matters because different infections have different diagnostic window periods.
Which conditions do we treat?
Tests that detect the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV).
High-risk HPV DNA, 14 types: 16, 18 and other types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68).
Women:
Men: