COVID-19 - Get vaccinated and stay up to date, and find public health advice for residents.
If you have symptomatic patients, in-person appointments are encouraged. Accommodate same day appointments when possible.
The chart below outlines current testing options for reportable sexually transmitted infections. 1st line indicates great test sensitivity; 2nd line options are less accurate because they are less sensitive.
Site of exposure and / or symptoms | Chlamydia / Gonorrhea Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) | Syphilis Serology Testing |
---|---|---|
Penile | Urine NAAT (first line) Consider adding culture testing for gonorrhea if discharge present or for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. |
Not applicable |
Vaginal or cervical | Vaginal or cervical (when pelvic exam is being done). NAAT (first line) If pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected, add cervical culture with any NAAT for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Urine NAAT (Second line) |
Not applicable |
Receptive anal sex / rectal, and any of the following:
|
Rectal NAAT (whether asymptomatic or symptomatic at exposure sites) | Not applicable |
Oral sex on penis / pharyngeal and any of the following:
|
Pharyngeal NAAT (whether asymptomatic or symptomatic at exposure sites) | Not applicable |
Genital lesions | Not applicable | 1. Syphilis serology |
Oral and rectal lesions | Not applicable | 1. Syphilis serology testing |
*Cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men, including males who identify as gay, bisexual, queer, two-spirit or other men who have sex with men
Niagara Region Public Health doesn't have access to the lab results for your patients.
The Public Health Ontario laboratory works to get health care professionals test results in a timely manner. Learn about specific test information, including submitting samples and turnaround times or call their customer service at 1-877-604-4567.
Call the Health Care Provider Info-Line at 905-688-8248 ext. 7720, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m.