Private STI Tests & STD Testing in Preston
If you are searching for rapid, confidential and professional-standard STI testing or STD testing near me, My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston offers GP-led sexual health services.
Confidential · GP-Led · No NHS registration needed
Confidential STI and STD Testing in Preston
Through our STI Clinic Preston, we offer full confidential STI and STD testing with no waiting time, no NHS GP registration is required, and with evening and weekend appointments available.
From a standard sexual health screening to a same day STI test in Preston, or if you have had unprotected sex or other issues related to sexual health, Dr Faizal Secretary will examine your symptoms, recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and exposure, and discuss your options.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · Last updated: October 2026
When to See a GP for STI Tests & STD Testing
- After unprotected sex or a new sexual partner
- If your partner has an STI
- Unusual genital discharge, sores, blisters or rash
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Pelvic, testicular or genital pain
- Unusual bleeding, including after sex
- If you are concerned about a recent sexual exposure, even without symptoms
- For routine STI screening if you may be at increased risk
How Private STI Testing Works at Our STD Clinic Preston
Understanding the process of how to get an STI test is straightforward at our STI clinic Preston. We take away the hassle and queues of using public facilities.
Book Online or by Phone
Discreet booking after hours or on Saturdays at Fulwood. Referral not required.
Private GP Consultation
Talk to a GP privately about your exposure history or symptoms.
Easy Sample Collection
Your GP will recommend a urine test, swab or quick private blood test as appropriate to your symptoms and exposure.
Quick, Safe Test Results
Samples are analysed by the clinic’s partner laboratory, with results returned to you in 24-48 hours via SMS or encrypted email and reviewed by Dr Faizal.
What We Test For and How
For accurate results, the testing method is matched to your symptoms and exposure:
PCR DNA analysis
Nucleic acid amplification (PCR) is the method BASHH guidance recommends for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, on urine or swab samples.
Male testing methods
Pain-free urine tests to identify the cause of urethritis infections, and skin swabs when there are active lesions.
Female testing methods
Swab or urine tests that can be self-collected by the patient, and quick blood draws.
Expanded pathogen panel
Besides the basic tests, our expanded panel includes Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Review the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) Guidance on STI Testing for comprehensive details.
Diagnostic Packages & Pricing
If you are wondering how much a private STI test costs, you deserve transparency on pricing: no referral required, easy booking, and no hidden consultation or lab charges.
STI Screening Package
£49Chlamydia & gonorrhoea, DNA PCR test (urine/swab)
Complete STI Screening Package
£99Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas vaginalis
Blood Screening Package
£99HIV-1/2, syphilis, viral hepatitis B/C
Review our full pricing page for all consultation and testing fees.
Window Periods, Timing & Testing Accuracy
The accuracy of a test depends on knowing the incubation period of the infection you are testing for.
- What is the window period for STI tests?
- A window period is the time after exposure before an infection produces genetic or antibody markers that a test can detect.
- When can chlamydia and gonorrhoea be detected?
- PCR urine or swab tests can detect them from 14 days after exposure.
- When can HIV and syphilis be detected?
- These take longer, typically 28 to 45 days after exposure.
- How soon after unprotected sex can I get tested?
- An immediate test will only reveal an infection you already had. For a new exposure, a follow-up test after 14 days is needed.
- Can you do an STI test on your period?
- Yes. Menstrual blood does not affect PCR DNA amplification.
Why Choose My Private Clinic for STI Testing?
Private and Confidential
Private STI testing where your information is handled confidentially.
Direct Appointments
You can book directly into the clinic without having to use the NHS appointment or triage system.
Clinically Supported Testing
Testing involves collection of samples in a clinical setting; this is different from postal test kits.
Flexible Appointment Times
Appointments on Saturday and in the evening are convenient when testing.
Local Private STI Clinic
Private STI testing at our local Preston clinic, without leaving the area.
A Note on the Alternatives
The NHS offers free STI testing and treatment, though appointment availability and opening times vary. Home testing kits can be convenient, but you need to collect and return your samples correctly.
STI Testing FAQs
Do I need symptoms to get tested, or will I always know if I have an STI?
No to both. Most bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, often cause no symptoms at all, so you can carry an infection without knowing. Testing after a new partner or a possible exposure is the only way to be sure.
Does a GP automatically test for STIs during routine checkups?
No. Routine NHS checks and general blood tests do not include STI screening unless it is specifically requested. If you want to be tested, you need to ask for it or book a sexual health appointment.
Is a pap smear an STI test?
No. A cervical screening test looks for cell changes caused by high-risk HPV. It does not test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or HIV, which need their own tests.
Can you get an STI through oral sex?
Yes. Gonorrhoea and syphilis can infect the throat, which is why a throat swab may be recommended alongside a urine or genital sample depending on your exposure.
Is STI testing confidential?
Yes. We take great care to keep your medical records private at our STI clinic in Fulwood. Nothing is shared with your NHS GP unless you ask us to.
What does a full STI screen include?
The 10-STI panel screens for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma and Trichomonas vaginalis.
How long do STI test results take?
Results from the lab-verified tests are usually returned within 24-48 hours, by SMS or encrypted email, and are reviewed with you by Dr Faizal Secretary.
How often should I get tested for STIs?
Annually for sexually active adults, and sooner when you change sexual partner, after condom failure, or if a partner tells you they have an infection.
How soon after unprotected sex can I get an STI test?
An immediate test will only reveal an infection you already had. For a new exposure, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be detected by PCR from 14 days, while HIV and syphilis take 28 to 45 days, so a follow-up test is needed.
Can you do an STI test on your period?
Yes, you can have your STI test during your period. Menstrual blood does not affect PCR DNA amplification.
Related Tests & Services
Ready to Book Fast, Confidential STI & STD Testing in Preston?
Take charge of your sexual wellbeing with speedy and discreet testing. Book an appointment with Dr Faizal Secretary, a GMC-registered GP, at My Private Clinic in Fulwood, without any NHS registration.
- Face-to-face with our private GP in the Fulwood clinic
- Online GP consultation in Preston
- Same-day appointments where available
- Private GP home visits where clinically important in Fulwood and Preston
No registration is required; with your consent, we can also get access to your NHS records, and you continue to remain registered with your NHS GP.