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The following table provides general information on how frequently to be tested for STIs. Please use the table as a guide, but note that testing frequency should be discussed individually with your doctor or nurse practitioner. Testing frequency should be determined by the type of sex work you do, the services you offer, sexual risks and symptoms. In some states and territories frequency is determined by legislation or regulation, mandated by workplace rules, or is self regulated.
Depending on sexual risks and symptoms, testing may simply involve one swab or urine test and one blood test, or in some cases, a self collected swab. The complete list of infections and tests are listed in the table below. The window period between exposure and a positive test varies depending on the type of test used.
Should a condom break or you experience symptoms, visit a sexual health centre.
| Test Site | Regular testing interval | Testing after potential exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 3-monthly | When you have symptoms 7-14 days after a potential exposure When a sexual partner tests positive |
| Vagina (cervix)* Urine Rectum (if anal sex)* Throat | ||
| Gonorrhoea | 3-monthly | 1-2 weeks after potential exposure When you have symptoms When a sexual partner tests positive. |
| Vagina (cervix)* Urine Rectum (if anal sex)* Throat | ||
| Hepatitis A | Once, before immunisation | If you are not vaccinated against hepatitis A, test two weeks after a potential exposure risk. |
| Blood test | ||
| Hepatitis B | Once, before immunisation | If you are not vaccinated against hepatitis B and have an exposure risk, wait at least four weeks before testing, as it is unlikely to be detected by a test until then. |
| Blood test | ||
| Hepatitis C | Only if blood exposure | Get tested for hepatitis C straight after potential exposure. You will need to be tested again after 3 months and possibly again at six months. |
| Blood test | ||
| HIV | At least twice a year | If you think you have been exposed to HIV, see a doctor to get PEP within 72 hours. Follow up with a test as instructed by a doctor. Most people who have been exposed to HIV will test positive within 1 month. For a small number of people, HIV may take up to 3 months to be detected on a test. |
| Blood test Rapid test (finger-prick or saliva) Self Test/At-Home Testing (finger-prick) | ||
| Syphilis | 3-6 monthly | It is possible to detect syphilis in a blood test 1-2 weeks after a potential exposure, but more likely to be detected from 6 weeks. |
| Blood test | ||
| Herpes | If symptoms appear | It is not recommended to test people who do not have any symptoms of herpes If symptoms are present, it is best to test when the blister is less than 4 days old |
| Swab from a blister or sore | ||
| Trichomoniasis | 3-monthly | Test when you have symptoms and have tested negative for other STI. You may have to request a test. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. |
| Urine test Vaginal/cervical swab* | ||
| Thrush (Candidiasis) | If symptoms appear | N/A – this is not an STI |
| Vaginal swab* | ||
| Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) | If symptoms appear | N/A – this is not an STI |
| Vaginal swab* |
* May be a self-collected swab
** In the case of a high-risk event, test at 7 days after potential exposure
