If you've had unprotected sex you are at an increased risk of catching chlamydia and should get tested, whatever your age or sex. Even if you have had protected sex you are at risk.
A simple urine test is all you need to confirm whether or not you have chlamydia. You can buy the Clamelle Chlamydia Test Kit from a participating pharmacy.
Each test kit contains:
- instruction leaflet
- test request form including a verification tear off slip
- urine sample bottle
- transport container
- pre paid padded envelope.
Post the urine sample off directly to the designated laboratory. The test used is the gold-standard Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. Other inferior quality test kits should not be used, for example self test 'wand kits', that can be purchased from the internet.
You will be sent a result letter by post, within seven days. Remember to take the result letter with you to get treated (if suitable). Alternatively you can return to the pharmacy from which you purchased your Clamelle test kit or to another participating pharmacy* for your test result. It is essential to take the verification tear off slip with you, otherwise you will not be able to obtain your result and therefore have to purchase another test kit, so keep this safe. Results are confidential and no details will be passed on to your GP.
If you do have any symptoms suggestive of chlamydia, or other STIs, or you are under 16 years old, the test is NOT suitable for you; you will need to visit a sexual health or GUM clinic or GP. Ask your pharmacist for advice and for details of local sexual health venues.
Positive test result?
Just go back to the pharmacy where you bought the test or any participating pharmacy offering a Clamelle chlamydia service. The pharmacist will provide you with appropriate sexual health advice and following consultation you can purchase Clamelle tablets if the pharmacist confirms the treatment is suitable for you.
You will need your result letter or your verification tear-off slip with your URN number to do this.
Clamelle Chlamydia Test only tests for chlamydia. If you want to be tested for other STIs, such as gonorrhoea, speak to your pharmacist for advice on where to go locally for this.
Negative test result?
You don't have chlamydia, but because you may have had unprotected sex you are also at risk of other STIs and so it's a good idea that you
go and get yourself tested at a GUM clinic, just in case.
Inconclusive test result?
Very occasionally the test result may be inconclusive (equivocal) and you will need to repeat the test. Simply go back to the pharmacy from which you purchased your test kit, or another pharmacy participating* in the Clamelle chlamydia service, taking with you the inconclusive (equivocal) letter or your verification slip, and they will give you a replacement test kit free of charge.