Overview

These guidelines show which tests we recommend during an asymptomatic STI checkup. 

Take a history

A patients risk for STIs depends on sexual behaviours. It is important to ask specific questions about sexual history and behaviours to determine risk and guide testing. It is not helpful to make assumptions. Always ask about behaviours to guide testing.

Taking a sexual history: Australian STI Management Guidelines

Organise testing

Use the information in the table below to determine which STI tests you may need to organise for your patient.

Quick testing tips
Patient Tests

Men who have sex with men (MSM) (cisgender)

Swabs can be self collected. Always encourage MSM to have anal swabs as asymptomatic rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia are common.

  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep A & B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
  • Rectal swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Throat swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR

Men who have sex with women (cisgender)
  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
Women(cisgender)

Self collected high vaginal swab can be done instead of first pass urine.

  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
Transgender men

Ask about sexual behaviour and test accordingly. If having receptive anal sex then rectal swabs are recommended. Self collected high vaginal swab and first pass urine are both suitable options.

  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep A & B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
  • Rectal swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Throat swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
Transgender women

Ask about sexual behaviour and test accordingly. If having anal sex then rectal swabs are recommended.

  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep A & B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
  • Rectal swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Throat swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
Non-binary people

Ask about sexual behaviour and test accordingly. If having receptive anal sex then rectal swabs are recommended.

  • First pass urine: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Serology: HIV, syphilis, Hep A & B. Add Hep C if injecting drug user
  • Rectal swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR
  • Throat swab: chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR