STI testing and screening
If you have symptomatic patients, in-person appointments are encouraged. Accommodate same day appointments when possible.
The following information outlines current testing options for reportable sexually transmitted infections. First line indicates great test sensitivity; second line options are less accurate because they are less sensitive.
Penile
Urine NAAT (first line)
Consider adding culture testing for gonorrhea if discharge present or for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Vaginal or cervical
Vaginal or cervical (when pelvic exam is being done).
NAAT (first line)
If pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected, add cervical culture with any NAAT for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Urine NAAT (Second line)
Receptive anal sex / rectal
Receptive anal sex / rectal, and any of the following:
- MSM*
- Engaging in sex
- Having signs or symptoms or rectal infection
Rectal NAAT (whether asymptomatic or symptomatic at exposure sites)
Oral sex on penis / pharyngeal
Oral sex on penis / pharyngeal and any of the following:
- MSM*
- Engaging in sex work
- Having signs or symptoms or pharyngeal infection
Pharyngeal NAAT (whether asymptomatic or symptomatic at exposure sites)
*Cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men, including males who identify as gay, bisexual, queer, two-spirit or other men who have sex with men.
Lesions: syphilis serology testing
Genital lesions
1. Syphilis serology
2. HSV-use viral UTM swab
Oral and rectal lesions
1. Syphilis serology testing
2. Consider HSV-use viral UTM swab
Testing results from Public Health Ontario
Niagara Region Public Health doesn't have access to the lab results for your patients.
The Public Health Ontario laboratory works to get health care professionals test results in a timely manner. Learn about specific test information, including submitting samples and turnaround times or call their customer service at 1-877-604-4567.