Written by Dr.Deyn Natthakhet Yaemim (Founding Director) on 6 June 2015, Last updated 5 April 2023

Most Advanced STD Testing in

Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai (Thailand)

PCR Multiplex DNA for 28 Infections

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

 +66 65 237 1936    @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic

What we'll learn here?

- WHAT ARE URINE PCR & SWAB PCR TEST?
- WHAT INFECTION CAN THE DNA PCR DETECT?
- WHICH BODY PART CAN I GET TESTED FOR ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS USING DNA PCR TEST?
- HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE RESULTS OF THE URINE PCR AND SWAB PCR?

What's New

Sexually transmitted infections are a very frequent and under-diagnosed cause of illness worldwide. A high number of detection methods and a large range of specimens in which sexually transmitted infections can be determined are available at the moment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed on first void urine, throat swab, vaginal and cervical swab, and anal swab offering the advantage of being painless non-invasive, self-collectible, and high sensitivity and specificity.

Most of the time, people with sexually transmitted infections do not have any symptoms, this is called asymptomatic infection which means the person carries infections without having any symptoms but can pass it on to their partners through kissing and/or oral sex.

Asymptomatic testing, getting tested even though you don't have any symptoms, is a good idea to make sure you DO NOT have any infections hidden in your throat, vaginal canal and cervix, urethra, and urine as well as anal canal. If the test detects DNA of any bacterial or viral STIs, it will be a good chance for you to start treatment in time and tell your partner to get treatment as well to prevent transmission to other people in the community. This is a very helpful way to reduce STI transmission in the community.

Nucleic acid amplification tests, also known as NATs or NAATs, are used to identify small amounts of DNA or RNA in test samples. They can, therefore, be used to identify bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens even when the material of interest is present in very small amounts. When it comes to STD testing, there are NAAT tests available that can detect a variety of different STDs. Most urine tests for STDs are performed using nucleic-acid amplification tests.

WHAT ARE URINE PCR & SWAB PCR TEST?

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction it is also called Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is a modern molecular technique used to detect a particular pathogen (virus or bacterium) in a specimen of blood, body fluid, or other tissue. This technique detects virus/bacterial DNA. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is the recommended method of testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas, among other infections. It has very high specificity (higher than 99.5%) higher sensitivity and accuracy than culture (old diagnosis technique). In both men and women, painless Urine PCR (Yeah, you just have to pee) and Genital PCR were significantly more sensitive than culture. It can detect infection whether the organism is dead or alive! This is mostly done in first-world countries and medical schools.

WHAT INFECTION CAN THE DNA PCR DETECT?

In people who have infection with the symptom (symptomatic infection) and without symptoms (asymptomatic infections), DNA PCR TEST can detect;

• Chlamydia Trachomatis(serovars A-K) which causes chlamydia
• Chlamydia Trachomatis(serovars L1-L3) which causes LGV or Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae which causes Gonorrhea 
• Trichomonas vaginaliswhich causes Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma hominis (read more)
• Mycoplasma genitalium(an emerging STI)
• Ureaplasma urealyticum(read more)
• Ureaplasma parvum(read more)
• Herpes Simplex Virus type I(read more)
• Herpes Simplex Virus type II (read more)
• Treponema pallidum which causessyphilis
• Haemophilus ducreyi which causes chancroid
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (read more)
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) (read more)
• Candida albicans (read more)
• Candida dubliniensis (read more)
• Candida glabrata (read more)
• Candida krusei (read more)
• Candida lusitaniae (read more)
• Candida parapsilosis (read more)
• Candida tropicalis (read more)
• Atopobium vaginae (read more)
• Bacterial vaginosis (associated bacteria 2) (read more)
• Bacteroides fragilis (read more)
• Gardnerella vaginalis(read more)
• Lactobacillus (read more)
• Megasphaera Type 1 (read more)
• Mobiluncus (read more)

Pricelist

Prices are in Thai Baht

• Price per one location of testing
• Online results will be available at PULSE Online Portal (POP) and E-Doc mobile application
• For semen/sperm specimens, please avoid all sexual activity that results in ejaculating semen/sperm for 2 - 7 days before providing the sample.
• For PCR28 same-day results, the sample must be taken at the clinic before 3 p.m.
• **Same-day and next-day results are only available at the Bangkok and Pattaya branches

WHICH BODY PART CAN I GET TESTED FOR ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS USING DNA PCR TEST?

Let's think about how we use our part of the body to give ourselves (and our partners) pleasure. 

THROAT SWAB

Imagine we kiss and suck and for all the oral sex we use our mouth (and tongue and throat) the infections can be localized on your tonsil glands.

So for this area, we perform a swab, gently rubbing the swab (or small cotton bud) on the back of the throat, on the tonsils, and in any other area where there might be redness, inflammation, or pus. A throat swab can detect 28 infections mentioned above. There are no risks or complications associated with a throat swab culture. The test may cause momentary gagging because the back of the throat is a sensitive area, but it shouldn’t be painful.

ANAL SWAB

Doesn't matter if you are a man, a girl, or a transwoman, if you like it from the back or using your backdoor for some fun the infections from your partners (or toys, hands, or gloves when fisting) can localize on the surface of the anal canal or rectal tissue surface. Don't be too embarrassed to discuss your anal sex and safe anal sex practices with your doctor (We've seen many holes before and you won't be the last). To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab (you wish it is bigger) is placed into the anal canal and the rectum. The swab is rotated gently, removed, and put in a container to be sent to our lab. There may be pressure as the swab is inserted into the rectum. The test shouldn't cause you any pain, we are always gentle and handle it with care.

VAGINAL SWAB

We're talking about women and transwomen, vaginal canal can be a house to host STI parties and as a matter of fact, STIs amongst transwomen do not differ from the non-TG population unless there are other risk factors involved. To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab is placed into the vaginal canal. The swab is rotated gently, removed, and put in a container to be sent to our lab. 

URINE PCR FOR 28 INFECTIONS

Urine testing for STIs is becoming increasingly available. These days, 28 STIs can be detected using urine testing. Urine PCR tests are a lot more pleasant than urethral or cervical swabs (the old technique which was painful and uncomfortable) and are quickly becoming standard practice. Urine testing, as opposed to swab testing, makes it easier for people to undergo STI testing as part of their regular medical care. To collect the specimen for testing, YOU JUST HAVE TO PEE!

Here are the steps starting from:
Registration >> Receive label sticker and container >> Go to the toilet
>> do not wipe or clean your penis/vagina >> open the urine cup >> pee the first stream urine until it’s filled halfway
>> place urine cup in specimen bag >> wash your hands with THANN hand wash and water
>> pass it to staff at the counter >> pay >> confirm email address >> Sashay away

**For urinalysis, please do not urinate for at least an hour before your appointment for an accurate result**

SIMPLE SUMMARIZATION

• Our STD PCR Multiplex is the most advanced technology to detect multiple infections all at one test.
• Our STD PCR Multiplex includes 28 Infections in different locations;
  • Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma Veneruem (LGV)
  • Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes Simplex type 2 (HSV-2)
  • Trichomonas vaginlis
  • Mycuplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma Parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
  • Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida luitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis
  • Atopobium vaginae, Bacterial vaginosis (associated bacteria 2), Bacteroides fragilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Lactobacillus, Megasphaera Type 1, Mobiluncus
• Our STD PCR Multiplex can detect infections in different locations;
  • Throat and oral cavity
  • Male and female urethra
  • anorectal area
  • vagina and cervix
  • sperm
  • skin lesions

• If you want to look for any possible infection in your urethra and urinary tract, you have to choose URINE PCR 28 infections which you will have to pass the urine.
• If you performed oral sex and want to check any possible infection in your throat, you have to choose THROAT SWAB PCR 28 infections which will be assisted by our staff.
• If you happen to be a female who enjoys anal sex without a condom, men who have sex with men, and bottom for anal sex without a condom, then you have to choose ANAL SWAB PCR 28 infections which will be assisted by our staff.
• If you are a female who has vaginal sex, then you have to choose Vaginal Swab PCR 28 infections, which will be assisted by our staff.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE RESULTS OF URINE PCR AND SWAB PCR?

For normal PCR for 28 infections service, PCR test process takes 7 days. But we are able to speed up the laboratory and their process so that we have faster results from same day, next day result and 3 days result with additional cost. The results will be sent to your email address given to our clinics or you can check the result online on PULSE ONLINE PORTAL or E-DOC mobile application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book an appointment?

• You can walk in.
• Booking an appointment is optional. Here's how:
  • Go to the PULSE Clinic Booking page (or click the Book an Appointment Now button below)
  • Choose your preferred location
  • Choose the service you want to avail
  • Choose your preferred appointment date and time
  • Fill out necessary details
  • Confirm booking

What preparations are needed before testing?

• You don't have to fast to do these tests.