Relax and follow these simple steps

A throat swab can test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea if you’ve had oral (in your mouth) sex, or have been deep kissing as this has been shown to be a way that people can pass on gonorrhoea.

You might find the following tips helpful:

• Read the printed instructions in your kit first - this has the most up-to-date information
• Give yourself enough time, so you’re relaxed.
• It helps to have a mirror handy to see where you are putting the swab
• It is best to avoid taking a throat swab immediately after eating and drinking.

Here's your step-by-step guide on how to collect your sample

Before you start

• Wash your hands
• Unpack your kit

• Wash and dry your hands before opening the sample kit.

• When you're ready, open your mouth and look into a mirror. You'll notice an arch across the back of your mouth
• Avoiding the tonsils, run the swab across the back of your throat behind the arch.
• Make sure to also swab the sides of your throat, including over and around where your tonsils are - similar to completing a COVID test.
• Remove the swab from your mouth being careful not to touch your tongue.

You're all done, get ready to return your samples to us.

• Place the swab back into the collection tube, pushing tightly to close the lid
• Place sample collection tube into the transport pack.

• Place your samples in the box with the completed return slip. Insert the two large tabs into the slots and seal with the security tape included in the kit.
• The box is free to return, so pop it in any postbox.