Symptomatic Lesion Test

This test is for patients who have a sore or blister and a sexually transmitted infection is possibly the cause. The testing that we use will look for evidence of a Syphilis or Herpes infection using PCR technology.

How does the test work?

You order the kit online and this is sent the same day so long as we have your order before 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. Next day delivery is available as a shipping option.

The kit contains a swab that you run over the lesion and place carefully in the protective tube supplied. This is sent back to our lab using the business reply envelope.

How long do results take?

The testing for Syphilis and Herpes from a swab is quite complex. Results can take up to 5 days as the testing is done overseas. This test profile using this particular detection technique is not currently available in any UK lab.

What happens if I test positive?

If the test is positive for herpes then we can prescribe some oral medication that will help to calm down the symptoms. Herpes cannot be cured but symptoms can be managed. The herpes virus goes through dormant and active stages. If you are symptomatic during the active stages then medication can be prescribed each time.

If you test positive for Syphilis then we recommend that you attend a clinic for the first line treatment that includes an intramuscular injection. Oral alternatives are available for patients who are unwilling or unable to have the injection.

What happens if I test negative?

If you test negative then this means that the lesion is unlikely to be caused by either Syphilis or Herpes. We can then do a few photo upload diagnosis to check the likely cause of the skin lesion.