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Frequently Asked Questions
Interpreting Your Results
Vaginal Discharge - When to Test
The Herpes Virus - When to Test
HPV and Vaccination
Hepatitis C - When to Test
Rectal and Pharyngeal Swabs
What If I Don't Have OHIP
All About STI Testing
When should I get checked for STIs?
The following section outlines common incubation periods and appropriate early intervals for testing, and re-testing after treatment.  If you get tested too early, a negative test result is not reliable and you may have repeat testing to ensure a valid result.  Engaging in sexual activity if you are premature in testing may mean transmitting an STI unknowingly.  We hope you use the guide below for choosing a time that is appropriate for you.
Chlamydia
·      Window Period for testing: 24 hours – 5 days after exposure
·      Test of cure: repeat a test of cure 3 weeks after treatment to ensure clearance.
·      Resumption of sexual activity: you and your partner(s) should abstain from intercourse for 7 after treatment is completed for all partners, and until all symptoms have resolved for all individuals.  
Gonorrhea 
·      Window Period for testing: 48 hours – 6 days after exposure
·      Test of cure: repeat a test 3 weeks after treatment to ensure clearance
·      Resumption of sexual activity: you and your partner(s) should abstain from intercourse for 7 after treatment is completed for all partners, and until all symptoms have resolved for all individuals.  
Trichomoniasis
·      Window Period for testing: 5 days – 28 days after exposure
·      Test of cure: repeat a test 3 months after treatment to ensure clearance.
·      Resumption of sexual activity: you and your partner(s) should abstain from intercourse for 7 after treatment is completed for all partners, and until all symptoms have resolved for all individuals.  
  Syphilis 
·      Window Period for testing: 3 weeks – 6 weeks after exposure
·      Test of cure: repeat a test at 12 weeks to ensure clearance.
·      Resumption of sexual activity: transmission only occurs when the infected individual has oral or skin lesions.  We recommend clearance of the infection and guidance from an infectious disease specialist before resumption of sexual activity.  All partners should be tested and seek medical care.
  Hepatitis B
·      Window Period for testing: 60 days – 90 days after exposure
·      Test of cure: while your immune system may clear Hepatitis B, your antibody test will remain positive for life.  We advise you to seek treatment with an infectious disease specialist if you test positive for guidance regarding treatment options.
·      Resumption of sexual activity: we recommend guidance from an infectious disease specialist before resuming sexual activity.  Factors include your partner(s) immunity status and your viral load. 
Hepatitis C
·      Window Period for testing: 8 weeks – 12 weeks after exposure
·      Test of cure: while your immune system may clear Hepatitis C, your antibody test will remain positive for life.  We advise you to seek treatment with an infectious disease specialist if you test positive for guidance regarding treatment options.
·      Resumption of sexual activity: we recommend guidance from an infectious disease specialist before resuming sexual activity.  Factors include your partner(s) immunity status and your viral load. 
HIV
·      Window Period for testing: 9 day – 12 weeks after exposure, depending on the test used by the laboratory.  If you believed you were exposure to someone with HIV, we suggest seeking care with a health care provider for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) evaluation at an emergency room.  We always recommend repeat testing for HIV at 12 weeks to confirm a negative result is a true negative test. 
·      Test of cure: HIV cannot be cured at present time, however we recommend ongoing surveillance and treatment with an HIV specialist in your area.        
Herpes
·       Window Period for testing: 4 weeks – 6 weeks after exposure via blood testing; active genital or oral sores can be swabbed if you have an outbreak at a local walk-in clinic or urgent care centre immediately. 
·      Test of cure: your antibody test will remain positive for life.  If you are experiencing multiple recurrent outbreaks, you may qualify for suppressive therapy and we suggest seeking care with a local walk in clinic or urgent care centre. 
Footnotes
1.     https://actt.albertadoctors.org/CPGs/Lists/CPGDocumentList/hepatitis-guideline.pdf​
2.     https://www.ndhealth.gov/hiv/Docs/CTR/TimePeriodsReference_HIVSTDsHep.pdf​
3.     https://www.std.uw.edu/go/pathogen-based/chlamydia/core-concept/all​
4.     https://www.catie.ca/en/pif/spring-2017/canadian-hiv-testing-and-prevention-guidelines​
5.     https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm​
Frequently Asked Questions
Interpreting Your Results
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