FabSwingers.com forum: Getting Tested

By *aldy321 OP Man
20 weeks ago

Huddersfield

As a responsible bloke I do go through blood tests now and again. Started with the free NHS ones but difficult to book over and over again. Tried the home test kits but find them difficult to draw blood. Yesterday went through an agency, I assume they are an agency, who got me a private appointment for £325. Being part of the fab community testing from time to time is essential. But at £325 a pop? Anyone have other alternatives that aren't the home test kits?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *allySlinkyWoman
20 weeks ago

Leeds

£325.

Wow.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *reyToTheFairiesWoman
20 weeks ago

Carlisle usually

I just pop up to my local clinic every few months. Doctors surgeries aren't keen on forever dealing with it when there's proper GP work to do, but I think most places will have specific sexual health clinics that'll do it for free 💜

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *allySlinkyWoman
20 weeks ago

Leeds

Locala Sexual Health Clinic Huddersfield

HD1 4EW

Free

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ray_BTWMan
20 weeks ago

Worcester

SH24 are free and fast

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *allySlinkyWoman
20 weeks ago

Leeds

"SH24 are free and fast "

Isn't this for people under 25 ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleMissCali_MrDJCouple
20 weeks ago

wonderland.

"SH24 are free and fast

Isn't this for people under 25 ?"
no as I use them for my tests. But they are home tests so no good for the op.

Op I normally use the home ones but when I'm not i just pop into my local clinic

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ertcamembertMan
20 weeks ago

Reading area

"I just pop up to my local clinic every few months. Doctors surgeries aren't keen on forever dealing with it when there's proper GP work to do, but I think most places will have specific sexual health clinics that'll do it for free 💜"
I do the same and the NHS sexual health clinic that I use are always happy to do regular testing for me

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *urvyownedsubCouple
20 weeks ago

Rochdale

"SH24 are free and fast "

They don't cover all areas tho? Neither do Northern health services anymore

Can anyone help with other alternatives?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *urvyownedsubCouple
20 weeks ago

Rochdale

"I just pop up to my local clinic every few months. Doctors surgeries aren't keen on forever dealing with it when there's proper GP work to do, but I think most places will have specific sexual health clinics that'll do it for free 💜I do the same and the NHS sexual health clinic that I use are always happy to do regular testing for me

Are these full tests do you know or just for the main few?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleMissCali_MrDJCouple
20 weeks ago

wonderland.

"I just pop up to my local clinic every few months. Doctors surgeries aren't keen on forever dealing with it when there's proper GP work to do, but I think most places will have specific sexual health clinics that'll do it for free 💜I do the same and the NHS sexual health clinic that I use are always happy to do regular testing for me

Are these full tests do you know or just for the main few?"
mine offer a full range of testing... but have to push for throat swabs as apparently don't need them.. yet it's the one I need most

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ikeValentinaCouple
20 weeks ago

London

If OP struggles to draw enough blood, I had the same problem but if you rinse your hands in hot water just before, it’s much easier! We use SHL 4 times a year for me and my husband also does 4 times a year so I feel we get enough tests as a couple. If you need more than 4 in a year, SHL might not agree.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aldy321 OP Man
20 weeks ago

Huddersfield

I might try soaking my hands. All I get is a dribble of blood. This is the second attempt I've tried though

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleMissCali_MrDJCouple
20 weeks ago

wonderland.

"I might try soaking my hands. All I get is a dribble of blood. This is the second attempt I've tried though "
i struggle.. I just get them to send me more of the lancett things.

I do find hot water and being well hydrated helps to

Cali

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *acky RacersCouple
20 weeks ago

Lincoln

"SH24 are free and fast "

They don't operate in all areas...we aren't covered here

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *orny PTMan
20 weeks ago

Peterborough

I have the same problem with thick blood. It took 3 visits to the GP to get it enough red stuff out of my two arms.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *allySlinkyWoman
20 weeks ago

Leeds

"I have the same problem with thick blood. It took 3 visits to the GP to get it enough red stuff out of my two arms."

Has your GP suggested taking daily aspirin ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *reyToTheFairiesWoman
20 weeks ago

Carlisle usually

"I just pop up to my local clinic every few months. Doctors surgeries aren't keen on forever dealing with it when there's proper GP work to do, but I think most places will have specific sexual health clinics that'll do it for free 💜I do the same and the NHS sexual health clinic that I use are always happy to do regular testing for me

Are these full tests do you know or just for the main few?"

They'll try and get away with only doing the main few unless you prompt for more at mine.

Being able to say I have a bisexual transgender former heroin addict and sex worker as a regular partner has made the fight to get the full range done much less than it used to be 💜

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ophieslutTV/TS
20 weeks ago

Central

I'd expect a private suite and medic, for that price

Probably better to travel a little further, to where good free NHS services exist! Most tests are every 3 months or some do monthly. I'd not consider paying when local clinics are so good

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
20 weeks ago

u do voluntary work for a safe sex charity there are 100s out there for free testing of all types

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *orny PTMan
20 weeks ago

Peterborough

"I have the same problem with thick blood. It took 3 visits to the GP to get it enough red stuff out of my two arms.

Has your GP suggested taking daily aspirin ?"

Not with GERD/long term heartburn. That's gonna cause more aggro for my stomach.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *etitesaraTV/TS
20 weeks ago

rochdale

"SH24 are free and fast

They don't cover all areas tho? Neither do Northern health services anymore

Can anyone help with other alternatives?"

Ive just done a SH24 test & I'm in Rochdale.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ndynaughtyramMan
20 weeks ago

Derby

[Removed by poster at 12/03/25 21:07:16]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *urvyownedsubCouple
20 weeks ago

Rochdale

"SH24 are free and fast

They don't cover all areas tho? Neither do Northern health services anymore

Can anyone help with other alternatives?

Ive just done a SH24 test & I'm in Rochdale."

Do you mind if I message you for some help please?

(I'm not the best with technology so it could be something I'm doing wrong but when I tried last week got a message to say I wasn't in an area they currently cover)

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *lossomTreeWoman
20 weeks ago

Ipswich

I pay £290 with a private GP.

Full range of tests every STI known to science.

Blood draw & urine sample.

Local postal kits only offer 4 tests and backed by an STI clinic which is over subscribed and under resourced.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *inkystar1Woman
20 weeks ago

Heathfield

"As a responsible bloke I do go through blood tests now and again. Started with the free NHS ones but difficult to book over and over again. Tried the home test kits but find them difficult to draw blood. Yesterday went through an agency, I assume they are an agency, who got me a private appointment for £325. Being part of the fab community testing from time to time is essential. But at £325 a pop? Anyone have other alternatives that aren't the home test kits?"

If you find it difficult to get enough blood from a finger prick..do it after a hot bath. You'll bleed better

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iddle ManMan
20 weeks ago

Walsall

Do not pay that ort if money, not without good reason anyway.

There are plenty of free clinics, offering different levels of service. Check out the ones around you.

The home kits can vary a lot so they are not always reliable as people don't do them properly, but still an option to for many so don't rule it out.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rcadian110Couple
20 weeks ago

Barnsley

There is a free testing service at some of the events at pandoras. I'm sure some other clubs must do the same

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *avidagainMan
20 weeks ago

st.leonards on sea

those are good tips when peaple say have warm hands it can also help to manipulate or massage the finger to get blood to flow x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ellhungvweMan
20 weeks ago

Cheltenham

I use SH24 - super quick and reliable.

For those who struggle drawing blood I have found that having a really hot shower and keeping your arm low will get loads of blood in the fingers. Turn the shower off, dry your fingers whilst keeping the hand low and then use the needle - I went from really struggling to get anything to turning the shower into a murder scene this way.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aughtyFreddoMan
20 weeks ago

Coventry

Stick tp the home tests - just learn how to do the bloods properly - warm up etc

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rdere OpusCouple
20 weeks ago

Brum - ish

I used to struggle getting enough blood. Best suggestion is drink plenty of water in the few hours ahead, take a hot shower before and do some exercises to get your HR up - I run on the spot, do jumping jacks etc before 😂 it’s really helped me.

I’d also say be prepared for it to take some time. I keep at it patiently, a drop at a time, and get there eventually - even if it takes a good 20 minutes.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uckslut and MCouple
20 weeks ago

Derby

We use SH24 for the tests, then pop into clinic for them to take our bloods. - all free. Went yesterday a great day out.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uliette500Woman
20 weeks ago

Hull

"I have the same problem with thick blood. It took 3 visits to the GP to get it enough red stuff out of my two arms."

That is normally down to dehydration. Try drinking plenty prior to having blood taken.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aldy321 OP Man
20 weeks ago

Huddersfield

"I have the same problem with thick blood. It took 3 visits to the GP to get it enough red stuff out of my two arms.

That is normally down to dehydration. Try drinking plenty prior to having blood taken. "

Thank you. Ill give that a try

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleMissCali_MrDJCouple
20 weeks ago

wonderland.

"We use SH24 for the tests, then pop into clinic for them to take our bloods. - all free. Went yesterday a great day out.

"
glad it's not just us that makes a day out of the test trips x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *heTattooedDomMan
20 weeks ago

Winnersh

I’ve just ordered my from sh.uk should be here in a few days. I like the fact you can generate a secure link that works for thirty days so you can share your results.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleMissCali_MrDJCouple
20 weeks ago

wonderland.

"I’ve just ordered my from sh.uk should be here in a few days. I like the fact you can generate a secure link that works for thirty days so you can share your results. "
I've never had that option on mine. Think it's area specific.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *asher11Man
20 weeks ago

Market Harborough

my friends live only 10 miles away but they cant get sh24 test kits so they just used my adress got kits posted to mine

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ophieslutTV/TS
20 weeks ago

Central

"We use SH24 for the tests, then pop into clinic for them to take our bloods. - all free. Went yesterday a great day out.

glad it's not just us that makes a day out of the test trips x"

You could have a night in a 4 star London hotel, for less than OP paid, if going to a free NHS clinic

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ndynaughtyramMan
20 weeks ago

Derby

You can only get test kits from SH24 every 17 weeks.

If you want more frequent tests, you need to go to a clinic. No need to go to a privately run one.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aughtyFreddoMan
20 weeks ago

Coventry

"You can only get test kits from SH24 every 17 weeks.

If you want more frequent tests, you need to go to a clinic. No need to go to a privately run one.

Use 2 diff mobile numbers you can then get more often.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
20 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"I’ve just ordered my from sh.uk should be here in a few days. I like the fact you can generate a secure link that works for thirty days so you can share your results. I've never had that option on mine. Think it's area specific. "

It's on the mobile version, below your results and says "share my results".

I've never seen the point in having that optiosn myself. Like a car MOT any test is only really valid on the day it's samples are taken. It's theoretically possible to do your tests, send them off and in the few days between the two, have sex and pick something up. 🤷‍♂️

But anyone not testing regularly for their own welfare as much as anyone else's, needs to give their head a wobble.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *romsgrovianMan
20 weeks ago

Cutnal green

"I might try soaking my hands. All I get is a dribble of blood. This is the second attempt I've tried though i struggle.. I just get them to send me more of the lancett things.

I do find hot water and being well hydrated helps to

Cali "
well hydrated.... of course i never twigged... when i last had a blood test (not sex related) the nurse moaned at me your bloods thiclk you need to drink more water ...thanks cali i will drink more before i do a home test and see if i am a bleeder.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
20 weeks ago

Proper sexual drought going on here but I decided to take a test myself recently..all clear..used a company called Zults..all very easy, self-explanatory, super efficient and free too

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread