STI-Test

Sexually transmitted infection panel covering HIV I/II, hepatitis B (HBs-Ag), hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis, and STI multiplex PCR. At €157.03 all-in, a comprehensive screen addressing the most clinically significant sexually transmitted pathogens.

The STI-Test panel at Promed Check covers the five most medically important categories of sexually transmitted infection through a combination of serological (blood-based) and molecular (PCR) testing methods. The selection targets infections that are either curable when caught early, or manageable with treatment but dangerous if undetected. HIV I/II screening uses a combination antigen-antibody test (4th generation) that detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen. This combination shortens the diagnostic window period to approximately 2-4 weeks after exposure, compared to 6-12 weeks for antibody-only tests. The test detects both HIV-1 (responsible for the vast majority of infections in Europe) and HIV-2. Modern antiretroviral therapy makes HIV a manageable chronic condition when detected early, with near-normal life expectancy — making screening one of the highest-impact preventive interventions available. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag) screening detects active hepatitis B infection, both acute and chronic. Chronic hepatitis B affects approximately 0.5% of the German population and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated. Effective antiviral therapy exists, and vaccination is available for those found to be non-immune. Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) screening identifies current or past HCV infection. Unlike hepatitis B, HCV is now curable in over 95% of cases with 8-12 weeks of direct-acting antiviral therapy. The challenge is detection — HCV is often asymptomatic for decades while causing progressive liver damage. Risk factors include any history of injecting drug use, blood transfusion before 1992, tattoos or piercings in unregulated settings, and certain sexual practices. Syphilis serology detects Treponema pallidum infection, which has seen a marked resurgence across European cities in the past decade. Syphilis is fully curable with penicillin when caught in primary or secondary stages, but can cause severe cardiovascular and neurological damage (tertiary syphilis) if untreated for years. The initial chancre is painless and may go unnoticed. The STI multiplex PCR component tests for multiple pathogens simultaneously using molecular detection from a swab or urine sample. This typically covers Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and potentially Trichomonas vaginalis — all infections that are highly prevalent, often asymptomatic (especially in women), and fully treatable with appropriate antibiotics. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea are leading causes of pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal infertility. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the testing process. Results are delivered securely and can be discussed with laboratory staff.