An important part of maintaining your sexual health includes regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This includes testing for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea through swabbing the body parts you may be using for sex, including the rectum (bum) and throat.
Swab tests look for localized infections not detected in your blood work. You can have an infection in one place but not the others, meaning a negative test from one body part (e.g. throat) does not mean your tests will be negative for other body parts (e.g. rectum).
Freddie’s partner pharmacies can include a swab kit with your prescription deliveries upon request!
How do I request a swab kit?
If you are asymptomatic or do not suspect an STI exposure, you can contact our support team to request a swab kit to be included with your next prescription delivery from our partner pharmacy!
Otherwise, you are welcome to reach out to one of Freddie's partner pharmacies and they will be happy to send a swab kit your way upon request.
You can find a list of our partner pharmacies here
What will be included in the swab kit?
- Instructions on how to swab
- Paper copy of your lab requisition (separate from your regular Freddie lab requisition)
- instructions for dropping the completed swabs off at the lab
What happens after I drop the completed swabs off at the lab?
Once the lab tests the swabs, they will relay results to us! Please note that this may take up to 10 business days from the date of swab completion for all results to be processed by the lab and received and reviewed by our clinical team.
We work on a ‘no news is good news’ basis with all results. Our clinical team will always contact you directly if they need to discuss your lab results with you.
Why isn't swab testing included on my regular Freddie lab requisitions?
We do not include swab testing on your routine lab requisitions as swab testing is not a requirement for your refills. More importantly, if the lab you attend does not have swab kits on hand, they will not be able to complete the swab testing that would be marked on your requisition. This can also lead to errors at the lab level such as required testing being overlooked or missed entirely.
Helpful notes
Swab testing is optional and will not impact your prescription with us, so no worries if your swab testing does not coincide with your routine testing.
For instructions on how-to swab and some common FAQ's, please head to our Health Hub:
https://www.gofreddie.com/resources/swabs
What should I do if I suspect an STI?
If you suspect an STI exposure: please let our support team know so we can get you connected with one of our Freddie nurses for assistance.
If you are currently experiencing STI symptoms: it is always recommended to seek in person care through your family doctor, a walk in clinic, or an STI clinic for immediate assistance.
Freddie does not have the capacity to provide urgent care or walk in clinic services.
If you’re having a medical emergency and require immediate assistance: please visit an urgent care center.