FAQ
The questions people actually hesitate over.
Most unreliable results come from testing too early or collecting the sample the wrong way. Everything you need to get it right the first time is below — along with the questions we answer most often on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Turnaround, sampling, results and confidentiality — answered.
The four things people ask before they order: how long it takes, how the sample is collected, what the result actually means, and who ever gets to see it.
Turnaround time
How long each step takes, from pickup to report.
Sampling process
What arrives, what you do, and how it gets back to the lab.
What results mean
How to read your report — and what happens next.
Confidentiality
Who sees your result — and who never does.
Eligibility & collection guidance
Who should test, when to test, and exactly how to collect your sample.
Most unreliable results come from testing too early or collecting the sample the wrong way. Everything you need to get it right the first time is below — along with the questions we answer most often on WhatsApp.
Who can order, and when
Adults 18 and over
Anyone 18 or older living in or visiting the UAE can order. No referral, no sponsor letter and no Emirates ID is needed to enquire — we only ask for identification at the point a clinical result has to be issued.
With or without symptoms
Most STIs cause no symptoms at all, so a routine screen after a new partner is normal and sensible. If you do have symptoms — discharge, burning, sores, pelvic or testicular pain — tell us, because it changes which tests we recommend.
Timing after exposure matters
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas and mycoplasma are reliable from 1–2 weeks. Syphilis and hepatitis B from 3–6 weeks. Hepatitis C from 4–10 weeks. Herpes antibodies from 6–12 weeks. HPV is not tied to a recent exposure and can be tested any time.
HPV screening
High-risk HPV screening is recommended for women from age 25, repeated every 3–5 years if negative. A self-collected swab is enough for genotyping; only the HPV + cytology co-test needs a clinician-collected cervical sample at the clinic.
Pregnancy, periods and antibiotics
Testing is safe in pregnancy — just tell us. Avoid vaginal swabs during heavy menstrual flow if possible. If you have taken antibiotics in the last 3 weeks, mention it: it can suppress a bacterial result and we may advise waiting.
Under 18, or needing treatment now
We do not test under-18s through the at-home service. If you have severe pain, fever, or a possible high-risk exposure in the last 72 hours, contact a clinic or emergency service directly — some situations need same-hour care, not a test result.
How to collect your sample
Urine sample
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas
- 1Use first-catch urine — the first 20–30 ml of the stream, not mid-stream.
- 2Collect at least 1 hour after you last urinated; first thing in the morning is ideal.
- 3Fill the tube to the marked line, close it firmly and seal it in the bag provided.
- Do not clean the genital area immediately before collecting
- Keep the sealed sample cool and out of direct sun until pickup
Self-collected swab
Vaginal, rectal or throat sites, HPV genotyping, candida, gardnerella
- 1Wash your hands, open the swab without touching the tip.
- 2For a vaginal swab, insert about 5 cm and rotate gently for 15–20 seconds.
- 3Place the swab straight into the tube, snap the shaft at the line and cap it.
- No lubricants, creams, pessaries or douching for 24 hours before
- For throat swabs, do not eat, drink or use mouthwash for 1 hour before
Blood sample
Syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes antibodies
- 1Book a home visit or a clinic slot in Sharjah — blood is drawn by our phlebotomist.
- 2Drink water beforehand; no fasting is required for STI serology.
- 3The draw takes under five minutes and the sample goes straight to the laboratory.
- Tell us about blood thinners or a needle phobia in advance
- Home visits are unbranded — the phlebotomist arrives in plain clothing
Handling and labelling
Every kit contains illustrated instructions in English and Arabic, plus a WhatsApp number you can message while collecting if anything is unclear.
Label the tube with the reference number on your kit card — never your name. That reference is how the laboratory identifies your sample.
Samples should be picked up within 24 hours of collection. If that slips, message us and we will send a fresh kit rather than run a compromised sample.
Common questions
Sample collection
Results and accuracy
Booking, payment and privacy