Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV Testing Services
We offer STI and HIV testing in a range of different locations.
Our main centre for STI and HIV testing is located in Isleworth at West Middlesex University Hospital.
Routine 'Quick Test' STI check ups are also available at our Community Sexual Health Clinics in Hounslow, Feltham and Chiswick.
All our services are confidential and no GP referral is required.
All our clinics provide advice and routine testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Use the information below to identify which service is best for you.
'Quick Test' for routine STI and HIV check ups
If you do not have any signs or symptoms of an STI and would like to test, you can attend any of our clinics without the need of an appointment. You can test at:
It is recommended that sexually active people get tested for STIs at least once a year. The most common STI in the UK, Chlamydia, does not often show any signs or symptoms, so even if you feel nothing is wrong we would still recommend getting tested.
Testing at our sexual health clinics is simple and pain free. A routine check up does not involve any invasive or painful tests. 'Quick Tests' check ups will include all tests that are appropriate for someone with no symptoms. Usually, a self taken swab for women and a urine sample for men and a blood test are taken.
You will not be examined by a doctor. If you feel you require a doctor please see below.
All our patients are offered a HIV test, this will be discussed with you when you attend.
Results are sent by text message within two weeks.
I have symptoms, concerns or noticed changes in my health or have an STI
If you require treatment for an infection or you are experiencing any of the following; lumps or changes to the genital area, a new or change in discharge, any pains associated with sex or any other causes for concern, we recommend you attend the following services:
These clinics are led by sexual health doctors and nurse practitioners who can provide onsite testing, examination, diagnosis and treatment for most infections and most problems can be dealt with while you are in the clinic.
You are welcome to attend our other clinics for advice but they may need to refer you to a doctor.
I have been told I might have Chlamydia
If a current or past sexual partner has told you they have been diagnosed with Chlamydia it is extremely important that you attend a sexual health clinic, get tested and receive treatment, if necessary, even if you do not have any symptoms. You might have come into contact with the infection without knowing. Chlamydia is a very common infection and very easily treated with antibiotics.
If you have no symptoms, you can attend any clinic, including 'Quick Test' clinics.
If you have symptoms or noticed any changes to your health please see the section above on where to go.
If your partner gave you a contact slip, please bring this with you when you attend.
Obtaining your results
We contact all patients requiring treatment within seven working days of their visit. If you have given us your mobile phone number we will endeavour to send you a text message with your results within two weeks of your visit. Please ensure you have given us the correct mobile number when you attend.
We can only send text message results to a UK mobile phone.
What does my text message mean?
My text says "Please call the Health Adviser"
If you receive a text message asking you to call the health adviser please contact the number provided for more information. You may receive this message for a number of different reasons, the Health Adviser will give you more information when you call.
My text says "All my remaining results are Negative"
This means that all outstanding sexual health tests have come back clear of infection and no further action is necessary. If you are still experiencing problems from any infections we treated on the day you may wish to return to the clinic to discuss your results with a doctor.
My test says "All my remaining STI results are Negative. Candidia/Thrush was found. If you still have symptoms please see your chemist/pharmacist for treatment"
This means that all outstanding sexual health tests have come back clear of sexually transmitted infections. Thrush is a very common yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, and is not sexually transmitted. As it is harmless and often does not cause any problems, it only needs treatment if someone is experiencing symptoms. Treatment is easily obtained from your local pharmacist without the need of a prescription. To obtain more information about thrush click here.
Testing at home
If you are aged between 16 and 24 years old, live in the London Borough of Hounslow (including Bedfont, Brentford, Chiswick, Cranford, Feltham, Hanworth, Isleworth and Lampton) and you do not have any symptoms or signs of an infection, it is possible for us to send you a testing box to your home to test you for Chlamydia. The testing box is free and comes in a discreet envelope.
This is available to make it more convenient for you to test for the most common sexually transmitted infection but should not replace routine screening for all STI infections.
To order a test kit to your home please call us on 020 8630 3978 or email us with your name, date of birth and postal address.
Rapid HIV testing
We offer HIV testing at all our clinics. This is a simple blood test with results taking 1 week. Same day HIV test results for patients who are at high risk of HIV infection are available at our clinic at West Middlesex Hospital. This test is a simple, easy, finger prick screening test giving results while you are in the clinic.
This service is also available at our Hounslow Clinic at Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health for all patients on Thursdays between 12.00pm and 7.00pm. No appointment is necessary.
Rapid HIV testing is not available at our Quick Test clinics.
Sexual assault
If you have been sexually assaulted in the last 12 months we would recommend that you attend The Havens. These specialist centres in London are there to provide support for you to recover physically and emotionally from the ordeal.
If you choose not to attend the Havens but would still like support and testing for STIs we recommend attending our clinic at West Middlesex Hospital. You can walk in during our walk in times or make an appointment.
Trained Health Advisers will be able to provide you with support and information and will be able to discuss with you your options around testing and the future. You can use both the Havens and West Middlesex Hospital for support following assault without having to attend the police.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEPSE)
If you believe you have been in contact with HIV following a sexual encounter in the last 72 hours there is a treatment called PEPSE that can help prevent you from becoming HIV positive. More information of PEPSE is available here. To obtain PEPSE please attend our sexual health clinic at West Middlesex Hospital or the Accident and Emergency department if the clinic is closed.
HPV Vaccination
There is a national programme to vaccinate young women against HPV. This is normally done at school.
Young women who may have missed this are advised to contact their GP to discuss receiving the vaccine. Women over the age 17 would not normally be considered in the programme. Currently there is no national programme for young men.
There has been recent media coverage advising gay and bisexual men to receive the vaccination; the leaflet below gives more information on this.
