An STI blood screen can detect several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but isn't a complete picture of your sexual health. Here's why:

• Detectable STIs: Blood tests are effective for identifying specific viral STIs like:

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

• Blood test limitations: It can't detect all STIs. Here are some examples:

  • Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea (needs swabs from genitals or urine sample)

  • Parasitic STIs: Trichomoniasis (usually diagnosed with swab or urine sample)

Comprehensive Screening:

For the most thorough STI screening, a combination of tests is recommended by your doctor based on your sexual history and risk factors. This might include:

• Blood tests: As mentioned above for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis (a two-step process).

• Swabs: Depending on your anatomy and sexual practices, swabs from the cervix, vagina, or urethra may be used to test for:

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhoea

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 & 2 (although blood tests can also be used, they may miss recent infections)

• Urine sample: This might be used for:

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhoea

  • Trichomoniasis (for men)