What is the Rectal Swab Test?

A rectal swab test involves collecting a sample from the rectum or anal canal using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify bacterial, viral, or other infectious organisms.

This test is commonly used to detect sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as well as other bacterial infections affecting the rectal area, depending on the laboratory panel requested. It allows direct sampling from the site most likely to harbour infection.

Rectal swab testing is an important diagnostic and screening tool, particularly when symptoms are present or when exposure risk exists despite the absence of symptoms.

Why do I need a Rectal Swab test?

Rectal infections can be asymptomatic or cause non-specific symptoms that are easily overlooked. Undiagnosed infections may persist, spread, or increase the risk of transmission to others.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Rectal pain or discomfort
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Rectal discharge or mucus
• Bleeding not explained by other causes
• Pain during bowel movements
• Symptoms after unprotected anal sex
• Screening as part of sexual health assessment
• Known exposure to a partner with an STI

Testing helps identify infections early and supports appropriate clinical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Direct site-specific testing
   Samples the rectum where infection may be present.
2. Detects asymptomatic infections
   Useful even when no obvious symptoms exist.
3. Supports sexual health screening
   Important for comprehensive STI assessment.
4. High diagnostic accuracy
   Laboratory analysis provides reliable detection.
5. Quick and minimally invasive
   The swab procedure is brief and generally well tolerated.
6. Useful for recurrent or unexplained symptoms
   Helps clarify ongoing rectal issues.
7. Guides further medical evaluation
   Clear results support appropriate next steps.
8. Reduces undiagnosed infection risk
   Helps prevent ongoing transmission.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician performs the rectal swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Rectal swab taken at your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no infection detected)

• No pathogens identified
• UK standard: Not detected
• Suggests no evidence of infection in the rectal sample

Low-level detection

• Small quantities of organisms detected
• UK standard: Low positive / equivocal
• May represent early infection or colonisation

Positive (infection detected)

• One or more pathogens identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active rectal infection requiring clinical interpretation