When to Get an STI Test After Exposure
Learn how exposure timing, symptoms and the part of the body exposed shape which STI test to ask for.
Start with the date and type of exposure
Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms. Tell a clinician when the possible exposure happened, which body sites were involved and whether a partner has a known diagnosis. These details help the clinician choose tests and decide whether to test now and repeat later. If symptoms or a partner’s diagnosis prompted the visit, contact a clinic now for assessment.
Plan around the window period
The window period is the time between acquisition and when a particular test can detect the infection. It varies by infection and test method. A negative result soon after exposure can be too early to interpret. Ask which date counts as your most recent exposure, whether a baseline test is useful and what follow-up date the clinic recommends.
Choose the right sample
Different infections call for different samples, such as blood, urine or swabs. A urine test only tells you about what its validated sample and method can detect. Tell your clinician about oral and anal contact, since a throat or rectal swab may be useful.
Possible HIV exposure in the past 72 hours
Seek urgent medical assessment as soon as possible for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). When indicated, PEP needs to begin within 72 hours, and earlier is better. A recent negative test or delivery of a home kit should never delay that assessment.
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