A new on-demand service recently launched at the Cowichan District Hospital (CDH) lab is enhancing access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On-demand testing is a quick and easy way to check for STIs without needing to see a nurse or doctor (clients are helped by a lab assistant).
On-demand testing at the CDH lab is available for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Syphilis
- HIV
Clients can book an appointment online or visit the lab for on-demand testing (no appointment needed). A nurse will follow up on positive or uncertain results. If results are negative, clients will not be contacted.
Clients can access most results via MyHealth or Health Gateway. They can also follow up via telephone or their regular health-care provider.
On-demand testing can be used as part of a regular STI checkup practice. Testing is recommended every three to six months, especially when people have new or casual partners, or if they have had a change in sexual activities.
Clients should see a nurse or doctor at a clinic instead of using the on-demand service if:
- They have symptoms that indicate an STI as they should be assessed by a health-care provider
- They recently had sexual contact with someone who tested positive for an STI, as treatment often accompanies testing in these situations
- They want to access HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication
- They want to speak with a nurse or doctor
The service at CDH will be evaluated over time with the possibility of expanding to other Island Health sites in the future.