
About this test
Uses a first-catch urine sample to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea at the urinary/genital site. It does not test throat or rectal exposure; choose site-specific swabs where relevant.
At a glance
- Sample: Aptima urine
- Collection: Self-collected sample using the supplied kit
- Estimated turnaround: 2 days from laboratory receipt of a usable sample
What this test measures
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- The bacterium that causes chlamydia, tested at the urinary/genital site. A detected result needs interpretation for the sampled site, symptoms and possible colonisation or confirmatory testing; a non-detected result can be unreliable if testing was too early or the wrong site was sampled.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- The bacterium that causes gonorrhoea, tested at the urinary/genital site. A detected result needs interpretation for the sampled site, symptoms and possible colonisation or confirmatory testing; a non-detected result can be unreliable if testing was too early or the wrong site was sampled.
How clinicians use this test
Clinicians use Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae to look for the listed infection, exposure or resistance markers at the sampled sites. Results may support diagnosis, but window periods, site selection and confirmatory testing remain important.
Is this the right test for you?
Adults seeking testing for the listed infection(s) and sampled site(s), particularly after an appropriate test window. People with symptoms or a known contact should use a sexual-health service.
Preparation and collection
Return the sample on the same day it is collected. Do not post over weekends or bank holidays.
Understanding your result
Results are usually reported as detected, not detected, reactive or non-reactive rather than simply “normal”. A reactive or detected result may need confirmation or treatment; a non-detected result does not exclude exposure during the window period or infection at a site that was not sampled.
Your results and next steps
Review positive, reactive, unexpected or persistent-symptom results with a sexual-health service. Partners and treatment should be managed using clinician advice.
Limitations
This test covers only the listed infections and sampled sites. Testing during a window period can miss infection, and reactive screening results may require confirmation.
When to get medical help
Do not wait for a postal result if you have symptoms, a known contact, are pregnant with a concern, or may need time-critical HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Contact an NHS sexual-health service. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Who this test is for
- People who want a clearer view of the concern described above
- Anyone comfortable using the stated sample-collection method
- People who want doctor-reviewed results and practical next-step guidance
How it works
How to prepare
- Read the instructions before collecting your sample
- Check whether timing, fasting or medication guidance applies
- Collect and post on the same day wherever possible
Understanding your results
Clear ranges and doctor guidance
Your secure report shows the measured values, reference ranges and a doctor’s comment where appropriate.