PCR31 Multiplex DNA STD Screening for 31 Infections in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai & Koh Samui (Thailand)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common worldwide, and many infections can develop without symptoms. You may feel healthy while carrying an infection that can affect your health or be passed to your partner. Regular STD screening is effective for protecting yourself and others, especially if you’re sexually active or have multiple partners.

One test. 31 microbes. Multiple body areas.

PCR31 Test - STD Screening Promotion at PULSE Clinic Thailand

• Prices are in Thai Baht
• Online results will be available at the PULSE Online Portal (POP) and the E-Doc mobile application
• For same-day result testing, the sample must be taken at the clinic before noon (12:30 PM)
• Same-day and next-day results are only available at the Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket branches

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

What is the PCR31 STD Test?

PCR31 is a comprehensive STD screening for 31 infections that uses advanced molecular testing to detect a wide range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic STDs from a single test. 

Why Should You Get a PCR31 STD Screening?

Compared to traditional tests that check for a few common STDs, PCR31 is a 31-pathogen panel that provides broader coverage. This helps identify undetected infections. Some infections might go unnoticed until they start showing infection, which might already pass the point that the treatment can be done with a few doses of antibiotics. Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, reduces complications, and prevents further transmission.

Who Should Get a PCR31 STD Test?

PCR31 is perfect for people who may have a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections. These types of screenings can make sure there aren't any infections going unnoticed compared to a routine screening that checks for the few most common infections (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, which the latter two can be caused by a few different bacteria). A full STD screening panel is particularly recommended for individuals who:

• Have multiple sexual partners
• Have a new sexual partner
• Have had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Have symptoms of an STD
• Have been notified that a partner tested positive for an STD

Get peace of mind through routine sexual health screening. A comprehensive STD screening panel offers a more comprehensive view of your sexual health, enabling early detection and appropriate treatment of infections, even in the absence of symptoms.

You may consider speaking with a doctor about PCR31 if you have:

• Burning or pain when passing urine
• Unusual vaginal, penile or anal discharge
• Genital itching, irritation, redness or swelling
• An unusual vaginal or genital smell
• Genital sores, ulcers, blisters or skin lesions
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• Throat symptoms after oral sex
• Anal symptoms after sexual contact
• Symptoms following unprotected sex
• A partner who has tested positive for an STI
• Recurrent genital or urinary infections
• Symptoms that have not improved after treatment
• Negative culture results but continuing symptoms

The test may also be considered as part of a medical assessment for:

• Recurrent urogenital inflammation
• Poor response to previous treatment
• Pre-conception health concerns
• Selected prenatal assessments
• Infertility evaluation
• Selected male reproductive concerns
• Suspected mixed infection

When Should You Get a PCR31 STD Screening?

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, starting a new relationship, or taking a proactive approach to your sexual health, a 31-infection STD panel offers a comprehensive screening option. This guide explains what the test checks for, who should consider getting tested, how the screening process works, and why comprehensive STD testing is important for overall health.

What Infections Do PCR31 Detects?

PCR31 detects 31 pathogens that cause STD in one go. From most common infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, to often unnoticed infections like mycoplasma genitalium that causes urethritis, which when left untreated often go antibiotic-resistant.

Why Get a Comprehensive STD Screening Panel Over Individual Tests?

Many sexually transmitted infections (STDs) exhibit similar symptoms or remain asymptomatic, making it challenging to pinpoint the specific infection you may have. By choosing a comprehensive STD screening panel instead of testing for individual infections, you enhance the likelihood of detecting all potential causes in a single visit.

Detect Multiple Infections Simultaneously

It’s possible to have multiple STDs at the same time. A full screening panel tests for various bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections simultaneously, thereby reducing the risk of an undiagnosed co-infection.

Many STDs Remain Asymptomatic

Common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, and HPV can remain asymptomatic for months. A broad screening panel helps identify these “silent” infections before they lead to complications or are transmitted to partners.

Get More Accurate Diagnoses

Symptoms such as discharge, burning during urination, genital sores, or pelvic pain can be caused by several different infections. Rather than relying on guesswork, a comprehensive panel helps identify the exact pathogen responsible, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Save Time and Reduce the Need for Repeated Testing

Testing for multiple infections in one appointment is often more convenient than returning for additional tests if initial results are negative or symptoms persist. This approach leads to faster diagnosis and earlier treatment.

Better Protection for Yourself and Your Partners

Early detection and treatment significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, and the continued spread of STDs to sexual partners.

Which Body Areas Can Be Tested for STDs with PCR31?

Collecting samples for PCR31 STD testing can be done many ways. The correct sample area depends on where an infection may be present.

Your healthcare provider will advise which sample type or combination of samples is suitable.

What Symptoms Can PCR31 Help Investigate?

PCR31 may be considered when several possible infections could be causing similar genital, urinary or reproductive symptoms.

Burning or pain when urinating

Burning urination can be associated with urethral infection, urinary tract infection, genital inflammation or irritation.

Related symptoms may include:

• Pain when passing urine
• Frequent urination
• Urethral discomfort
• Penile discharge
• Vaginal discomfort
• Lower abdominal pain

Unusual genital discharge

You should speak with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Penile discharge
• Anal or rectal discharge
• A change in the colour or consistency of discharge
• Discharge accompanied by smell, itching or pain

Vaginal itching, irritation or smell

These symptoms may be associated with yeast, bacterial imbalance, sexually transmitted infection or another vaginal condition.

PCR31 includes several Candida species, selected vaginal bacteria and Lactobacillus species that may give your doctor additional information about the microbial findings in the sample.

Genital sores, ulcers or blisters

A genital sore may have several possible causes, including herpes and syphilis. PCR31 includes HSV-1, HSV-2 and Treponema pallidum among its microbial targets.

However, the correct sample and additional tests remain important. A doctor may recommend taking a swab directly from a fresh sore or blister and performing separate blood tests.

Throat symptoms after oral sex

Oral sexual contact may expose the throat or oral cavity to certain infections. A urine test does not necessarily identify an infection located in the throat.

A throat or oral swab may be considered based on the type of exposure and symptoms.

Anal or rectal symptoms

Rectal testing may be appropriate if you experience:

• Anal discomfort
• Rectal pain
• Anal discharge
• Bleeding
• Sores around the anus
• Symptoms following receptive anal sex

CDC guidance advises people who have had oral or anal sex to discuss throat and rectal testing options with their healthcare provider.

Recurrent or unexplained symptoms

PCR31 may also be considered when:

• Symptoms repeatedly return
• Symptoms do not improve after treatment
• Previous culture results were negative
• More than one infection is suspected
• The cause of inflammation remains unclear
• Antibiotics or antifungal treatment did not resolve the symptoms

How Are Each Testing Location Different?

STDs can infect different body parts based on sexual contact. Healthcare providers recommend sample collection sites based on symptoms, practices, and risk factors for comprehensive screening.

Throat Swab

Kissing, sucking, and engaging in oral sex, all of which involve our mouth, tongue, and throat, can lead to some STDs. These areas can harbor infections that may be localized to the tonsil glands. To address this, we perform a throat swab. Gently, we rub a swab (or a small cotton bud) on the back of the throat, tonsils, and any other area showing redness, inflammation, or pus. A throat swab can detect 31 infections mentioned above.

There are no risks or complications associated with a throat swab culture. The test may cause momentary gagging due to the sensitivity of the back of the throat, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Anal Swab

Whether you’re a man, a woman, or a transgender woman, anal sex, whether from the back or using the anus, can expose you to infections from your partners (or toys, hands, or gloves during fisting). These infections can localize on the surface of the anal canal or rectal tissue. Don’t be embarrassed to discuss your anal sex and safe anal sex practices with your doctor. We’ve seen many anal areas before, and you won’t be the last.

To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab (preferably larger) is inserted into the anal canal and rectum. The swab is gently rotated, removed, and placed in a container for laboratory analysis. There may be some pressure as the swab is inserted into the rectum, but the test should not cause pain. We always handle the procedure with care and gentleness.

Vaginal Swab

For women and transgender women, the vaginal canal can serve as a breeding ground for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, STIs among transgender women are not significantly different from those in the non-transgender population, unless other risk factors are present. To collect the specimen, a small cotton swab is inserted into the vaginal canal. The swab is gently rotated, removed, and placed in a container for laboratory analysis. 

Urine Sample

Urine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is becoming increasingly accessible. Nowadays, urine testing can detect many STIs. Urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are significantly more comfortable than traditional urethral or cervical swabs, which were painful and uncomfortable. As a result, urine testing is rapidly becoming the standard practice. Unlike swab testing, urine testing makes it easier for individuals to undergo STI testing as part of their routine medical care. The only requirement for urine testing is to urinate.

Semen Sample

Semen (Sperm) PCR testing detects the DNA or RNA of sexually transmitted pathogens in semen samples. It’s an advanced molecular test that can identify infections affecting the male reproductive tract, especially in individuals with symptoms like urethral discharge, painful ejaculation, pelvic discomfort, or fertility concerns.

Compared to traditional culture methods, PCR testing is more sensitive and can detect multiple bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections from a single sample. While urine or urethral swabs are common for STD testing, semen PCR may provide additional diagnostic value in cases involving the prostate, seminal vesicles, or other parts of the male reproductive system.

Which Sample Collection Site is the Best?

Choosing the right sample collection site is important for accurate STD diagnosis. Since different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect various body parts depending on the type of sexual contact, testing should be tailored to your sexual history, symptoms, and risk factors. For example, if you are mostly giving oral sex, a throat swab can give you a more accurate diagnosis compared to someone who rarely does oral.

How Long Does PCR31 STD Screening Take?

For the standard PCR test for 31 infections, the process takes 7 days. However, we can expedite the laboratory and their process to provide faster results, ranging from same-day, next-day, to 3-day results, with an additional cost. The results will be sent to your email address provided to our clinics.

Where is PCR31 Testing Available?

PCR31 testing is available at participating PULSE Clinic locations in Thailand, including:

• PULSE Clinic Bangkok
• PULSE Clinic Pattaya
• PULSE Clinic Chiang Mai
• PULSE Clinic Phuket
• PULSE Clinic Koh Samui

Contact your preferred clinic to confirm appointment availability, sample collection timing and result options.

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

Find PULSE Clinic Near You for STD Screening

Frequently Asked Questions About PCR31

Can PCR31 be performed using urine?

Yes, urine may be suitable for selected urinary or urethral concerns. However, urine may not identify an infection located only in the throat, rectum, cervix or a skin lesion.

Can PCR31 test my throat after oral sex?

A throat or oral sample may be considered following oral sex exposure, particularly if you have symptoms or a specific clinical concern. Your doctor will determine whether throat testing is appropriate.

Can PCR31 test for an anal infection?

A rectal or anal swab may be collected when there has been receptive anal exposure or when symptoms such as anal pain, discharge or discomfort are present.

Can PCR31 test a genital sore?

Yes, a sample may be collected from a suitable sore, blister or ulcer. The doctor should examine the lesion and determine which tests are appropriate.

Does PCR31 test for herpes?

Yes. The panel includes herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. A fresh blister or sore may be the most appropriate sample when an active lesion is present.

Does PCR31 test for syphilis?

PCR31 includes Treponema pallidum, but it does not replace standard syphilis blood testing. A doctor may recommend both blood testing and lesion assessment.

Does PCR31 test for HIV?

No. HIV is not included. A separate HIV test is required.

Does PCR31 detect antibiotic resistance?

No. PCR31 detects targeted microbial genetic material but does not provide an antibiotic susceptibility result.

Does every positive result require treatment?

No. The need for treatment depends on the organism, symptoms, sample location, examination findings and other clinical information. Do not self-medicate based only on a positive result.

How soon after sexual exposure can I take PCR31?

The appropriate testing time depends on the organism, sample site and type of exposure. Testing too early may produce a negative result even if an infection is present. Speak with a doctor about the exposure date and whether immediate or repeat testing is recommended.

Can PCR31 detect more than one infection?

Yes. The multiplex panel may detect several microbial targets in the same sample. Your doctor will assess which findings are clinically relevant.

What if my result is negative but I still have symptoms?

A negative result does not exclude organisms outside the panel, infection in another body area or a non-infectious medical condition. Return to your doctor if symptoms continue, worsen or return after treatment.

Can I take PCR31 comprehensive STD test without symptoms?

Testing may be considered after a potential exposure or for selected reproductive health concerns, but PCR31 is not automatically the most appropriate routine screening test for everyone. A healthcare provider can recommend a testing plan based on your sexual history and individual risks.

Do my partners need testing?

Partner testing or treatment may be recommended for certain sexually transmitted infections. The recommendation will depend on the organism detected and your doctor’s assessment.