On-demand STI testing launches at Cowichan District Hospital
A brand new on-demand service just lately launched at the Cowichan District Hospital (CDH) lab is enhancing entry to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On-demand testing is a fast and simple solution to examine for STIs while not having to see a nurse or physician (purchasers are helped by a lab assistant).
On-demand testing at the CDH lab is out there for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Syphilis
- HIV
Clients can ebook an appointment on-line or go to the lab for on-demand testing (no appointment wanted). A nurse will comply with up on optimistic or unsure outcomes. If outcomes are unfavourable, purchasers won’t be contacted.
Clients can entry most outcomes through MyHealth or Health Gateway. They may also comply with up through phone or their common health-care supplier.
On-demand testing can be utilized as a part of an everyday STI checkup apply. Testing is really helpful each three to 6 months, particularly when individuals have new or informal companions, or if they’ve had a change in sexual actions.
Clients ought to see a nurse or physician at a clinic as an alternative of utilizing the on-demand service if:
- They have signs that point out an STI as they need to be assessed by a health-care supplier
- They just lately had sexual contact with somebody who examined optimistic for an STI, as therapy typically accompanies testing in these conditions
- They need to entry HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment
- They need to converse with a nurse or physician
The service at CDH shall be evaluated over time with the opportunity of increasing to different Island Health websites sooner or later.
