Is testing confidential?

Yes, results go to you. Some infections are notifiable to public health authorities as part of routine surveillance, which does not make your result public.

How long after exposure should I test?

Roughly two weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, six weeks for HIV, and up to twelve weeks for syphilis and hepatitis C.

What if something comes back positive?

See a sexual health service or your GP promptly. Most bacterial infections are straightforward to treat. FORM does not treat infections.

Is a blood test enough on its own?

No. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea need a urine sample and swabs from any site of exposure.

STI testing without a GP in New Zealand

Medically reviewed for factual accuracy by FORM's medical lead, who is registered to practise in Indonesia and is not registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. This review is general health information only, not New Zealand medical advice. Speak to your own New Zealand-registered doctor about your results. Last reviewed 4 September 2026. About our medical lead.

Sexual health screening is the area where privacy matters most and delay is most common. Here is how the New Zealand options compare.

What a standard screen covers. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea by urine sample and swabs from any site of exposure, plus blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Routine asymptomatic screening does not include herpes antibody testing, which is difficult to interpret outside specific clinical situations.

Window periods. Testing too soon is the main cause of false reassurance. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are usually detectable about two weeks after exposure; fourth-generation HIV testing is reliable at six weeks; syphilis and hepatitis C may take up to twelve. Inside those windows, plan a repeat rather than trusting a negative.

Your options. Sexual health services and family planning clinics provide free, confidential testing and treatment and remain the best choice if you have symptoms or a known contact. Your GP can request the same tests through the funded pathway. Self-funded pathology suits routine asymptomatic screening done privately.

When not to self-order. Symptoms — discharge, ulcers, pain, rash, fever — mean see a clinician now. So does a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, where post-exposure prophylaxis is time-critical. FORM is a pathology testing service and does not provide treatment.

FAQs

Is testing confidential?: Yes, results go to you. Some infections are notifiable to public health authorities as part of routine surveillance, which does not make your result public.
How long after exposure should I test?: Roughly two weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, six weeks for HIV, and up to twelve weeks for syphilis and hepatitis C.
What if something comes back positive?: See a sexual health service or your GP promptly. Most bacterial infections are straightforward to treat. FORM does not treat infections.
Is a blood test enough on its own?: No. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea need a urine sample and swabs from any site of exposure.

See the panels available in New Zealand.

New Zealand testing information

STI testing without a GP in New Zealand

FAQs

More New Zealand testing pages

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