The HSE free home STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing service is available to anyone aged 17 or older who lives in the Republic of Ireland.
You can:
If you have symptoms of an STI or need urgent support, you should contact your local STI clinic or GP.
STIs the kits test for
Our home test kits test for:
You may also get a test for hepatitis B or hepatitis C but they’re not always needed.
Order a test kit online
The provider we use for this service is called ‘SH:24’.
You can order a test kit at sh24.ie.
If no kits are available, try again the next morning.
You will get a text message once your kit has been sent.
Taking your samples
Your test kit will include:
- all the equipment you need to collect the samples
- instructions and links to videos on how to take the samples
If you have any problems, you can reply to any text from SH:24 and ask for help. A member of their clinical team will help you.
Returning your samples
You will get a stamped addressed envelope with your kit. Use this to post your samples back to the lab.
You will get a text message when the lab gets your samples.
If there is a problem with your sample (for example, if it is damaged), you will be sent another test kit.
Test results
If all your results are negative, you will get a text message with the results.
If you have a positive result for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, you will get a text message that shows the result. Your text will also explain how to get free care and treatment from an STI clinic.
If you have a reactive blood result for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, you will get a phone call with your results. If you have a reactive blood result for syphilis, you will get a text message with your results.
A reactive blood result doesn’t always mean a positive result. It needs to be checked with a blood test taken by a healthcare provider. The SH:24 clinical team will explain this to you and refer you to a public STI clinic for assessment and testing.
Contact
You can contact the service by replying to any of the text messages they send you.
More information
Sexually transmitted infections
