How to Take a Rectal Swab for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Testing

You may have a chlamydia and/ or gonorrhoea infection in your rectum or anus if you have received anal sex to someone who has one or both of these infections and a rectal swab can test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to collect your sample

Step 1
Wash and dry your hands before opening the sample kit. Remove the cap from sample tube, do not spill the liquid inside.

Step 2
Remove anal swab from packet. Do not touch the cotton end.

Step 3
Either squat or lift one leg onto a raised surface.

Step 4
Insert the anal swab about 3-4cm into anus and gently rotate for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to snap the swab.

Step 5
Remove swab and insert the anal swab into the sample tube. Snap the shaft of the swab against the side of the tube (there is a ‘score-line’ at the point you need to break it).

Step 6
Screw the lid back on tightly (take care not to pierce foil lid).

Step 7
From the ‘patient return form’, find the barcoded sticker (labelled rectum) and attach it lengthways to sample tube.

Step 8
Place all your samples into the clear bag and seal tightly. Place sample bag back into the box with your completed ‘patient return form’.
Put the box back into the pre-paid returns envelope and post straight away.