Genital blisters or ulcers
Active vesicles or ulcers may need lesion HSV PCR/NAAT and syphilis evaluation. HSV IgM is not recommended; type-specific HSV serology has selected uses and important limitations.
Genital herpes guide →Confidential STD / STI evaluation · Dehradun
STD / STI Testing Panel in Dehradun
Diagnosed with genital warts, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea or another STI? Finding one STI should prompt assessment for others. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can sometimes be present without obvious symptoms.
Dr Neeraj Garg · MBBS (IMS-BHU), MD (IMS-BHU) · Dalanwala, Dehradun
One positive STI result?
Look beyond the obvious.
Clinically planned testing, matched to your exposure and medical history.
Why investigate other STIs even when only one is diagnosed?
A person with genital warts or herpes may also have another STI acquired at a different time or from the same exposure. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis infections, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be asymptomatic. Diagnosing one infection should lead to a conversation about screening for other treatable or consequential infections—even if there is no discharge, ulcer, fever or pain.
The aim is a comprehensive STI assessment: offer relevant screening, discuss the rationale, and choose the right samples and repeat-testing times. There is no single universal laboratory panel that detects every STI.
What may be included
Common infections assessed in an STD testing work-up
These are important screening considerations after an STI diagnosis or concerning sexual exposure. The final tests depend on risk, prior results, vaccination, symptoms and exposure sites.
| Infection | Test commonly used | Sample / key point |
|---|---|---|
| HIV-1/2 | Laboratory fourth-generation HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody test; HIV RNA for selected situations | Blood. Very recent exposure may require follow-up testing; HIV PEP decisions are time-critical. |
| Syphilis | Non-treponemal RPR/VDRL with a treponemal test such as TPHA/TPPA, interpreted together | Blood. One test alone may not establish stage or distinguish treated from active infection. |
| Hepatitis B | HBsAg; anti-HBs and anti-HBc when useful for full infection/immunity assessment | Blood. Vaccination status and post-exposure prophylaxis needs matter. |
| Hepatitis C | Anti-HCV with confirmatory HCV RNA when indicated | Blood. RNA may be considered for selected recent exposures or positive antibody results. |
| Chlamydia | Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) | First-catch urine or genital swab; rectal swab when exposure warrants. |
| Gonorrhoea | NAAT; culture and susceptibility when clinically appropriate | First-catch urine or genital swab; throat or rectal swab according to exposure. |
A urine-only STI screen does not reliably exclude infection at the throat or rectum. Site-specific swabs may be needed after oral or anal exposure.
Not every test belongs in every panel
Additional investigations selected for symptoms or risk
Warts or visible genital growths
HPV-related warts are usually diagnosed through clinical examination. A routine HPV blood test cannot determine whether genital warts are present. Other STI screening should still be discussed.
Genital warts guide →Vaginal discharge or persistent urethritis
Testing for Trichomonas vaginalis or other causes may be indicated. Mycoplasma genitalium testing is generally reserved for particular persistent or recurrent syndromes, not routine testing in everyone.
Chlamydia guide →Pregnancy, repeated exposures or partners with STIs
The recommended timing, urgency and test selection can differ. Partners may need evaluation, vaccination or treatment, and some infections warrant testing again after treatment.
STD specialist guide →Timing and follow-up
When to test after sexual exposure
At the initial consultation
Discuss the date and type of contact, symptoms, vaccination history and any earlier STI treatment. Baseline tests help establish current status but may not detect very recent infections.
Repeat at the right interval
HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis tests have different window periods; a clinician may schedule follow-up tests based on the assay and exposure date. NAAT timing also matters.
Plan treatment, partners and prevention
Positive results need confirmation or interpretation when indicated, appropriate treatment, partner evaluation, counselling, immunisation and sometimes recommended retesting.
Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours? Seek emergency medical advice immediately about HIV PEP; do not wait for a routine consultation or for the laboratory tests to turn positive. Potential hepatitis B exposures may also require urgent prophylaxis assessment.
Understand your report
Privacy, explanations and sensible test selection
An STI test result is more useful when understood alongside symptoms, past reports, previous treatment, possible exposure and test timing. A positive result does not necessarily reveal when or from whom an infection was acquired. Results should be explained without assumptions or judgment. Relevant laboratory tests can be arranged or reviewed as part of clinical care; this page does not advertise a fixed-price laboratory package or promise that all tests are performed on-site.
Frequently asked questions
STD panel testing questions
If I have genital warts or herpes, should I check for other STIs?
Yes. A diagnosis of one STI should prompt an assessment for possible coexisting, sometimes symptom-free infections. HIV and syphilis testing are important considerations; hepatitis B and C and chlamydia/gonorrhoea screening depend on history, risk and the exposure sites involved.
Does a complete STD panel detect every STD?
No. No single blood panel detects all STIs. Some infections require urine or swab NAATs, lesion testing or examination. Some tests are not useful without symptoms or risk factors.
Can urine testing detect infections from oral or anal sex?
Not reliably. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can occur in the throat or rectum without appearing on a urine test. Throat or rectal swabs may be recommended based on reported exposure.
If my tests are negative immediately after sex, am I clear?
Not necessarily. Many tests have a window period after infection. A doctor may recommend testing now and again later, depending on the exposure and type of test.
Do I need herpes IgM or an HPV blood test in a routine STD panel?
Routine HSV IgM is not recommended, and there is no general-purpose HPV blood test for diagnosing genital warts. Active sores may need HSV PCR swabs, while genital warts are often diagnosed on examination.
What if I had a possible HIV exposure within 72 hours?
Seek urgent medical assessment immediately for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Do not wait for a routine STD appointment or for the initial test results.
Clinical reference: CDC STI/HIV Risk Assessment · CDC STI Screening Recommendations · CDC Genital Herpes Guidance.
Diagnosed with one STI? Discuss screening for the others.
Confidential STD / STI assessment with Dr Neeraj Garg · MBBS (IMS-BHU), MD (IMS-BHU), at Maheshwari Hospital, Dalanwala, Dehradun.
Medical education only. Investigation and treatment must be individualised; the consultation fee is ₹800. For emergencies, seek urgent medical care.