STI Testing course for Nurses

This session will cover testing for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It will explore current testing options for these in the community and home testing and when to refer to specialist services. This session looks at the diagnostic methods used for vaginal discharge. It describes asymptomatic screening for STIs In men and women.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• 9.2.1 State which tests are required to diagnose common STIs, including for those in same-sex relationships and window periods for these
• 9.2.2 Explain how to perform a self-taken test for STIs
• 9.2.3 Distinguish normal physiological vaginal discharge from pathological conditions that need further investigation
• 9.2.4 Conduct an effective consultation with a patient requesting an asymptomatic screen (including offering HIV and syphilis testing)
• 9.2.5 Conduct an effective consultation with a woman with pelvic pain/vaginal discharge and produce a management plan

There has been a sustained increase in the spread of common genital infections, particularly amongst young people age 15-24, black ethnic minority groups and men who have sex with men (MSM)