Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep)
Private Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR Thin Prep test in London for £107.99, detecting two common bacterial STIs from an appropriate cervical sample.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinic.full_address }}
{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Overview of the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep)
The Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) test is a molecular test that detects genetic material from Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in an appropriate ThinPrep cervical specimen.
The test contains 1 combined biomarker: Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep).
ThinPrep is a liquid-based cervical sampling system commonly used when cervical cells are collected for screening or other gynaecological investigations. Where an appropriate ThinPrep vial has been collected, laboratory molecular testing can also be performed for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea without necessarily requiring a separate genital swab.
PCR and other nucleic-acid amplification methods are highly sensitive techniques because they detect specific genetic sequences from the organisms rather than relying on symptoms or an antibody response.
This is particularly important because both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can be present without noticeable symptoms.
Chlamydia can cause cervicitis and, if untreated, may occasionally ascend into the upper reproductive tract and contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease. Gonorrhoea can also cause cervical infection and may lead to complications if it is not identified and appropriately treated.
The test assesses the anatomical site represented by the ThinPrep specimen. It does not automatically test the throat or rectum.
This distinction matters because sexually transmitted infections can be site-specific. A person can have a negative cervical result while infection is present at another exposed anatomical site.
PCR can detect Gonorrhoea genetic material but does not provide antibiotic susceptibility information. When Gonorrhoea is detected, additional culture may sometimes be clinically appropriate so that antimicrobial susceptibility can be investigated.
The ThinPrep PCR should also not be confused with cervical cytology or HPV testing. These tests may use similar specimen pathways but answer different clinical questions.
What Does the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) Test Check?
This test measures 1 combined biomarker.
Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep)
Detects genetic material from Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in an appropriate ThinPrep cervical specimen using molecular amplification.
Who May Benefit From the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) Test?
This test may be appropriate when a cervical ThinPrep specimen is available and Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea screening or diagnostic testing is required.
People already having a ThinPrep cervical sample collected - An appropriate ThinPrep specimen may allow Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea PCR testing without collecting a separate genital swab.
People following unprotected sexual contact - Both infections can be transmitted even when neither partner has symptoms.
People with a new sexual partner - STI screening can identify asymptomatic infection before complications develop.
People whose partner has been diagnosed with Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea - Direct molecular testing and appropriate follow-up are important after known exposure.
People with abnormal cervical or vaginal discharge - Discharge can occur with cervical infection, although many other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
People with bleeding after sex - Cervical inflammation can occasionally cause contact bleeding and may justify STI assessment.
People with pelvic symptoms where an STI is being considered - Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease, although pelvic pain requires broader clinical assessment.
People having cervical screening who also require STI testing - ThinPrep material may provide an efficient specimen pathway where the laboratory accepts the sample for molecular CT/NG testing.
People with previous Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection - Repeat testing may be appropriate following new exposure or according to sexual-health advice.
People specifically advised to obtain Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea ThinPrep PCR - The test can be arranged when the specimen type has been chosen by a GP, gynaecologist or sexual-health clinician.
How to Prepare
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) Test
Many cervical Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infections produce no symptoms at all, so absence of symptoms does not exclude infection.
Unusual vaginal or cervical discharge - Cervicitis caused by Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea can change the amount or appearance of genital discharge.
Bleeding after sexual intercourse - An inflamed cervix can become more prone to bleeding after contact.
Bleeding between periods - Intermenstrual bleeding can occur with cervicitis but has many other possible causes.
Pain or burning during urination - Dysuria may occur when infection affects the lower genital or urinary tract.
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain - Ascending genital infection can contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pain during sexual intercourse - Deep pelvic discomfort can occur when upper genital tract inflammation is present.
No symptoms following a new or unprotected sexual exposure - Chlamydia in particular is frequently asymptomatic, making screening important even when a person feels completely well.
A partner who has tested positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea - Partner exposure is a strong reason to obtain appropriate STI assessment.
Previous infection followed by a new exposure - Previous treatment does not provide immunity against future Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection.
These symptoms are not specific to Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, and other genital, urinary and gynaecological conditions can produce similar problems.
Severe pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, significant bleeding, pregnancy with pelvic pain or rapidly worsening symptoms should be assessed promptly rather than relying solely on routine private STI testing.
How to Book Your Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) Test
Booking this test requires an appropriate ThinPrep cervical specimen.
Choose the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep)
Select the ThinPrep CT/NG PCR test and confirm that this sample type is appropriate for your testing requirement.
Select your sample collection option
Arrange an appropriate clinician-led cervical sample collection or confirm whether a suitable ThinPrep specimen is already available for additional molecular testing.
Attend your appointment
A qualified healthcare professional collects the cervical ThinPrep specimen where a new sample is required.
Laboratory analysis
The ThinPrep material is analysed using molecular techniques for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae genetic material.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised laboratory report is delivered securely and can be reviewed with a GP, gynaecologist or sexual-health clinician where appropriate.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) test is approximately 2 business days after the laboratory receives and enters an acceptable specimen into its system.
Results are released once molecular analysis, laboratory quality checks and authorisation are complete. The turnaround therefore begins from laboratory receipt rather than necessarily from the time the cervical specimen is collected.
Occasionally, a sample may require repeat analysis because of technical quality-control findings, insufficient material or another laboratory issue. Where additional Gonorrhoea culture, wider STI testing or clinical follow-up is required, those investigations have their own turnaround times and are not included within the 2-business-day PCR estimate.
Understanding Your Results
A not detected result means that Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae genetic material was not identified in the submitted ThinPrep specimen above the detection threshold of the assay.
This makes infection at the sampled cervical site less likely at the time of collection.
A negative result can be less reliable if the sample was collected very soon after exposure, after recent antibiotic treatment or if the specimen was not adequate.
A Chlamydia detected result provides molecular evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the sampled site.
A Gonorrhoea detected result provides molecular evidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in the submitted specimen.
Positive results require appropriate clinical management, including antibiotic treatment according to current guidance, consideration of partner notification and advice about avoiding further transmission.
PCR detects organism genetic material but does not determine which antibiotics a Gonorrhoea strain is susceptible or resistant to. Culture may therefore be recommended in selected positive cases.
The result applies to the cervical specimen only. Separate testing may still be required for the throat or rectum depending on sexual exposure.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private STI testing in London - Access confidential Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea molecular testing privately.
Two important bacterial STIs assessed together - One appropriate ThinPrep specimen can be tested for both organisms.
Highly sensitive molecular methodology - PCR or equivalent nucleic-acid amplification can identify infection even when symptoms are absent.
Can use an appropriate ThinPrep specimen - Testing may be possible without collecting a separate genital swab.
Clear distinction from cervical screening - STI PCR, HPV testing and cervical cytology are different investigations and can be selected according to clinical need.
Appropriate clinical follow-up - Positive results can be discussed with a GP or sexual-health professional.
Secure results - Your authorised STI report is delivered confidentially.
Clear pricing - The Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) test costs £107.99.
Private Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR ThinPrep testing in London for people requiring confidential molecular assessment of cervical Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infection.
The test costs £107.99 and contains one combined biomarker: Chlamydia/Gonorrhoea PCR (Thin Prep).
An appropriate ThinPrep cervical specimen is required, and results are expected approximately 2 business days after laboratory receipt.
Because Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are often asymptomatic, molecular testing can identify infection even when there are no obvious symptoms.