NHS testing by post

[Frenchie]

Interesting thread ! I've looked at all the  posts . Am I right in  thinking that this sort of service is only London based ?

Is there  any other ( preferably free ) service  for other parts of the country .. I'd be interested in Southampton / Portsmouth area .

Never had any problems or symptoms .... just a check for peace of mind .

Failing that , what clinics etc do people use in those areas ?


Any info appreciated

[Foxtail17]

Interesting thread ! I've looked at all the  posts . Am I right in  thinking that this sort of service is only London based ?

Is there  any other ( preferably free ) service  for other parts of the country .. I'd be interested in Southampton / Portsmouth area .

Never had any problems or symptoms .... just a check for peace of mind .

Failing that , what clinics etc do people use in those areas ?


Any info appreciated

Postal kits available in East Anglia. I think most regions are trying something out.

[norwichfunseeker]

Postal kits certainly available in East Anglia.
Very easy process, easy to use, and results by text.
Mine have always been clear so I cannot comment on the process for a positive result.

[Punterenas]

Yes you can get the kits from the clinic at Southampton and Portsmouth infirmaries.
Go to External Link/Members Only
They really want you to do it this way but, word of warning, the kits have a label on them telling the post office to return them to the clap clinic if they can't be delivered. Only a day or so delay in getting the results compared to going to the clinic.
Obviously my OH knows (but is in denial about) what I do but she was still very pissed off when it turned up (she ended up buying a bollocks story I gave her about it being a PSA test so now she thinks I have a swollen prostate!) so I only used it once. Told the clinic I had issues with privacy (they could use a PO Box ffs!).

Hope that helps

Punterenas

[Anglofranco]

I used the same site as Punterenas last year and had a postal kit delivered to an address in Portsmouth. The whole process was straightforward and I received my results by text a couple of days after sending off the samples. I didn't pay much attention to the details on the label, but after what Punterenas said, I'll be a bit more careful about what I address I give if I use the service again!

[NelsonH]

Absolutely typical of the cack-handed way government works in this country.

They want to encourage use of a postal service for many good reasons. And they choose a nice cosy name for the website.

But then they are totally oblivious to the one thing that will put everyone off.  Bunch of muppets.

[uncle jessie]

It beggars belief that they can be so fucking stupid to plaster the fact that the package postie is looking at as he pokes it through your letter box is from a clap clinic  .
So that's what could have been an easy cheap scheme for all involved soon to go tits up and scraped because of it .

[norwichfunseeker]

I don't believe that the Norfolk ones have that. Will check when I'm due my next one

[tynetunnel]

 Thanks to this thread I have just learned that my area can provide me with a free STI kit by post, and says it is not identifiable as to what is in the envelope. All it takes is a little prick. Which was what the wife said when she mentioned she wanted kids!   

Slight downside is that they’ve issued all the kits they have a budget for today, so I have to try again tomorrow. 

So typical of this country, a short fucking sighted view of everything. Surely everyone who wants a kit should get one, it’s gotta be cheaper than dealing with people who have an STI?

Anyway thanks for the pointer lads, I’ll get me a kit one day soon 

[norwichfunseeker]

I think you can order every 3 months. Whilst I don't punt all the time, I still order my kit regularly and use it when required. This seems to work. I'm not aware of any restrictions on numbers being issued in my area.
You can't actually be tested (if you are without symptoms) at the GUM clinic, and have to use the postal service.

[bobby1973]

how can i order one in hertfordshire

[dwaynepaine]

If your local NHS operate  the same as in Essex they will send a text if you haven't returned the kit after a couple of weeks. I don't know if they send any more after that or keep a record of who gets sent kits and then don't use them.

[Aengus]

I use a private test lab at.        letsgetchecked.com

It costs £119 for a check on the 6 most common STIs. I do it every 2 months. It’s easy and anonymous and the results are emailed after about 10 days. It’s less than the cost of a punt and the nearest GUM clinic is 30 miles away from me. I don’t think the GUM postal tests are as comprehensive either and not sure if their available in Wales.

[norwichfunseeker]

If your local NHS operate  the same as in Essex they will send a text if you haven't returned the kit after a couple of weeks. I don't know if they send any more after that or keep a record of who gets sent kits and then don't use them.

Never been chased to return a test personally.

[tynetunnel]

My free test kit ordered today 

[Punterenas]

Ok, just been back on the site and it now says the testing kit is despatched in a plain envelope. So it looks like they have worked out why no one was using the service!

Punterenas

[Fabaceous]

Available in Shropshire. External Link/Members Only
Order kit online = They text you (use your punting phone) to say despatched, text to say received and text the results. Very swift service - My last kit arrived on Monday - Results Friday morning.
Fab

[Gordon Bennett]

Not available round my way. Are they focussing on areas where men are prone to worrying and bothering livestock????????

[Kerosene]

There's this for Birmingham. External Link/Members Only

You can opt to pick the kit up from one of a list of chemists rather than have it posted. I've not had much luck in getting a big enough blood sample from what they put in the box. Might just be me and my circulation.

[smellychip]

Have used it in London after a condom ripped while shagging an escort. Flawless service, you are kept updated via text, the package was completely anonymous when it arrived (maybe have a cover story ready just in case the Mrs asks what's in it - mine didn't) and the test was easy to use. I got the all clear via text about 3 days after I sent it back. Will definitely use it again, great service

[Lone-punter]

I'm using this service that is provided by Sexual Health London External Link/Members Only, very satisfied. Subscribed to it in June 2018 and then in December again the kit came through the post. Results available to view online within 3 days of sending samples.

[Shropslad2008]

To those of you using the postal service, are you having the kits addressed to your real nsme/address?

[Gordon Bennett]

I've recently been contacted by NHS about their bowel screening programme for over 50s. Some letters, a kit, an appointment to be probed. I mention this to illustrate you don't need to be all "cloak and dagger"..... In unlikely event someone queries the letter/package you can simply say it's a men's health screening programme from local health authority.

[sensualencounter]

Any idea if this is offered around the Berkshire area?

[r1965h]

To those of you using the postal service, are you having the kits addressed to your real nsme/address?

I'm in Shropshire too and have recently used Sh24. Kit was delivered to my real name at my home address in plain packaging.

[smellychip]

To those of you using the postal service, are you having the kits addressed to your real nsme/address?

Yup

[Lone-punter]

To those of you using the postal service, are you having the kits addressed to your real nsme/address?

Yes, addressed to my real name 

[tynetunnel]

To those of you using the postal service, are you having the kits addressed to your real nsme/address?

Yes, mine’s gone to my home address in my real name. Should be delivered today

[DAlpine1980]

There's this for Birmingham. External Link/Members Only

You can opt to pick the kit up from one of a list of chemists rather than have it posted. I've not had much luck in getting a big enough blood sample from what they put in the box. Might just be me and my circulation.

How do you draw the blood, something like a finger prick test?

[pamplona]

How do you draw the blood, something like a finger prick test?

Yes. You use a spring loaded lancet. Easy enough.

[bobby1973]

done mine this week
got the result back today
all clear 
so much easier than the gum clinic

[HumphryB]

I would be interested to know if any post tests can be found covering the Glasgow area? Provided by the NHS that is.
 i researched quite a bit and came up with nothing when last due my quarterly screen at the end of last year. I have always gone to a clinic in person but was hoping to find something a little more convenient.
 That time i opted reluctantly to go for a paid test from Lloyds Pharmacy. It was £55 and checked all for all the nasties you would be checked for at a GUM. However there are different types/levels of test ranging right up to £100 for additional STI like HIV and others inclusive etc. The test kit was easy to use, with straight forward instructions and simple to use instruments. The post packaging was discreet. Results were emailed like a day or two later, all pretty simple.

Hope  this is helpfull.

Safe shagging lads.

[tynetunnel]

So that’s my test kit completed and ready to post tomorrow. Worst one is the blood one! I have two sore fingers cos my blood clots so well! I don’t anticipate anything bad, but will be on edge until I get the results none the less!

Hidden Image/Members Only

[dwaynepaine]

The testing kit I got last time was urine and blood only so are the other two new tests or just essex not doing the additional two.

[kingmg]

So that’s my test kit completed and ready to post tomorrow. Worst one is the blood one! I have two sore fingers cos my blood clots so well! I don’t anticipate anything bad, but will be on edge until I get the results none the less!

Hidden Image/Members Only

I couldn't get enough blood out of my finger I just sent the sample back with a little blood

[norwichfunseeker]

I couldn't get enough blood out of my finger I just sent the sample back with a little blood

I've had that too, when they texted my results they said 'insufficient blood to test'

[tynetunnel]

I couldn't get enough blood out of my finger I just sent the sample back with a little blood

I had to stab a second finger as the first started clotting 

[tynetunnel]

So that’s my test kit completed and ready to post tomorrow. Worst one is the blood one! I have two sore fingers cos my blood clots so well! I don’t anticipate anything bad, but will be on edge until I get the results none the less!

Hidden Image/Members Only

So samples collected Sunday, posted Monday, received by lab Tuesday and results texted back before lunch today. All in all pretty impressive service.

For those wondering: “you tested negative for chlamydia (penis, anus and throat), gonorrhea (penis, anus and throat), syphilis and HIV” 

[wtfb]

Free test kits in Surrey


External Link/Members Only

[Sparta Prada]

I couldn't get enough blood out of my finger I just sent the sample back with a little blood

Same here. I had to use all 3 lancets on 2 fingers but still couldn’t get enough blood to reach the suggested minimum. I followed the instructions about keeping the arm straight and low and massaging the finger but that didn’t seem to really help.

[Waterhouse]

Same here. I had to use all 3 lancets on 2 fingers but still couldn’t get enough blood to reach the suggested minimum. I followed the instructions about keeping the arm straight and low and massaging the finger but that didn’t seem to really help.

I've heard dipping your finger in a cup of warm/hot water for  couple of minutes or holding hand/finger under hot running water helps?  Not tried it myself but sounds like it makes sense.
 

[tynetunnel]

I've heard dipping your finger in a cup of warm/hot water for  couple of minutes or holding hand/finger under hot running water helps?  Not tried it myself but sounds like it makes sense.
 

Thats what I did, and only needed 2 fingers. I’m a little bleeder! 

[Sparta Prada]

I posted my kit back two days ago and have had the results back today, amazing service and the results came through considerably quicker than going to a clinic. As predicted I didn’t provide sufficient blood to get a result for those particular conditions but I’ll try again in a few months time armed with the tips from you gents. 

[tynetunnel]

The worst thing about the whole experience for me (and I am a wimp) is that having cut two of my fingers with the bladey things, and eventually exorcised enough blood to fill the little pot, the cuts left behind hurt like fuck for about a week after! Long after I had the results back, I still had painful fingertips! 

[revoltra]

Any idea if this is offered around the Berkshire area?

Royal Berks offer the home testing kit. But I am not sure if they send them out, or you have to collect the kit yourself at their clinic

[sensualencounter]

Royal Berks offer the home testing kit. But I am not sure if they send them out, or you have to collect the kit yourself at their clinic

Thanks revoltra. I found this out when I went for a test the other week. I think you can only collect it but you can then post it back. One thing that really pissed me off though was the fat little jumped up cunt on the front desk insisted I had to put my full details down including doctor’s surgery. I argued with him about wanting to be anonymous and he said that they wouldn’t see me otherwise.

He said my details and results don’t get passed on to my GP and aren’t shared anywhere across the NHS but it’s a concern especially considering how shit their IT is and the hacking / blackmailing stuff that has happened. I reluctantly gave the details as I still wanted to get tested and consider not being testing a bigger risk but it really doesn’t promote people to get tested if they’re worried about confidentiality.

[Likesvariety]

Give the name and address of a GP who is not yours.

[daviemac]

Give the name and address of a GP who is not yours.

Why? they can't pass any details on to your own GP without your permission.   

[Likesvariety]

Why? they can't pass any details on to your own GP without your permission.   

Maybe not, but who knows what might happen?  Sites have been hacked and information released or used as blackmail, plus the law may change in the future.

Best to have nothing identifiable written down anywhere.

[cotton]

Available in Shropshire. External Link/Members Only
Order kit online = They text you (use your punting phone) to say despatched, text to say received and text the results. Very swift service - My last kit arrived on Monday - Results Friday morning.
Fab

Visited my local NHS GUM clinic today , they said they had reached capacity and that i could wait but there was very little chance i would be seen so i left thinking id do the mail-order when i got home.
Entered my details to External Link/Members Only and it says "Hello
We're very sorry but we're unable to take your order today.
We have an extremely high demand for our service. We can only send out a set amount of test kits in one day - to learn why, read on."

Sure i can order it tomorrow but you do get the distinct impression that NHS services are over capacitated.