At-home STI testing in Ireland has come a long way. The HSE now offers a free postal kit through sh24.ie to anyone 17 or over — no GP referral, no medical card, no clinic queue. This page covers everything: what the free kit includes, how it works step by step, how it compares to paid private options and clinic testing, and what to do if a result comes back positive.
The short version — get a free kit right now
Go to sh24.ie, answer a few questions, and a free STI test kit will be posted to you in plain packaging. Tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Available to everyone 17+ anywhere in Ireland. Results by text or phone in 7–14 days. Completely free — no hidden charges.
Or call the HSE Sexual Health Line free on 1800 700 700 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm) to request a kit by phone.
How at-home STI testing works — step by step
Order online
Go to sh24.ie, answer a few short questions about your sexual health. Takes about 3 minutes. No account required.
Kit arrives
Your kit arrives by post in plain, unbranded packaging — no indication of what's inside. Delivered to any Irish address.
Collect your samples
Follow the instructions in the kit. Usually a urine sample, a finger-prick blood spot, and/or a self-taken swab. Takes about 10 minutes at home.
Post your sample
Seal your samples in the prepaid return envelope included in the kit and drop it in any postbox. Freepost — no stamp needed.
Get your results
Results arrive by text or phone call from a clinician — not by post. Usually 7–14 days after your sample reaches the lab. All clear = text. Positive = phone call.
Treatment if needed
If a result is positive, a clinician calls to explain and refers you to a free HSE clinic for treatment. Most STIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics.
What does the free sh24.ie kit test for?
The free HSE at-home kit covers the four most common or serious STIs in Ireland:
HIV
Blood spot test. Detects HIV antibodies. Highly accurate from 45 days after potential exposure.
Chlamydia
Urine sample (and/or swab). The most common bacterial STI in Ireland — often no symptoms.
Gonorrhoea
Urine sample (and/or swab). Bacterial — rising rates in Ireland. Often no symptoms.
Syphilis
Blood spot test. Bacterial — increasingly common again in Ireland. Easily treated early.
What the free kit does NOT test for
Herpes (HSV), HPV, hepatitis B/C, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis, and pubic lice cannot be tested at home via the sh24.ie kit. If you have symptoms — sores, unusual discharge, pain, lumps — or you specifically need to test for herpes or hepatitis, you need a free HSE sexual health clinic. Use the 30-second self-check if you're unsure which option suits you.
At-home testing vs clinic — which is right for you?
| Option | Cost | What it tests | Turnaround | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sh24.ie free kit (HSE) | Free | HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis | 7–14 days | Routine check, no symptoms, anywhere in Ireland, want privacy of home |
| Private at-home kit | €30–€150 | Varies — often wider panel including herpes, hepatitis | 3–5 days | Faster results, wider panel, can't access clinic quickly |
| Free HSE clinic | Free | Full panel — all common STIs including herpes, hepatitis, HPV symptoms | 7–14 days | Symptoms, pregnancy, recent high-risk exposure, need PEP, want to see a clinician |
| GP | Free (medical card) or €50–€70 | Usually HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis | 7–14 days | Existing GP relationship, prefer face-to-face, medical card holder |
Private at-home STI test options in Ireland
sh24.ie
The only fully free at-home STI test kit in Ireland. HSE-funded, lab-accurate, available to everyone 17+. Tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis. Results in 7–14 days.
Lets Get Checked / MyHealthChecked
Private home testing services with wider panels (herpes antibody, hepatitis, mycoplasma) and faster turnaround (3–5 days). Useful if you need a broader screen or results urgently.
Not reviewed or endorsed by STI.ie — compare panels and prices directly.
Free HSE clinic near you
If you have symptoms, need herpes or hepatitis testing, or want to speak to a clinician, a free HSE clinic is the right call. No referral needed, no medical card required.
When at-home testing is the right call
- You've had unprotected sex with a new partner and have no symptoms — routine check.
- You want to test but don't live near a clinic, or the clinic times don't suit.
- You're a student and prefer the privacy of home.
- You've tested before at a clinic and just want a top-up screen.
- You're not sure if you need a test and want to check without the commitment of a clinic appointment.
When you should go to a clinic instead
- You have symptoms — sores, unusual discharge, pain when urinating, lumps, rash.
- You need to test for herpes (HSV), HPV, hepatitis, or mycoplasma.
- You've had a high-risk exposure in the last 72 hours and may need PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV) — go to an Emergency Department immediately.
- You're pregnant and need a full antenatal STI screen.
- A partner has tested positive and you want a comprehensive in-person screen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the sh24.ie at-home STI test really free?
Yes — completely free. sh24.ie is funded by the HSE. Anyone aged 17 or over in Ireland can order a kit with no cost, no medical card, and no GP referral. The kit is posted in plain packaging and return postage is included.
What does the free at-home STI test include?
The sh24.ie kit tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. It does not test for herpes, HPV, hepatitis, or mycoplasma. For a broader screen, you need a free HSE clinic or a paid private kit.
How accurate are at-home STI tests?
The sh24.ie kit uses the same lab testing as HSE clinics — samples go to an accredited HSE laboratory. Accuracy is equivalent to a clinic test, as long as you collect the samples correctly using the instructions in the kit.
How long do at-home STI test results take?
The free sh24.ie kit returns results in 7–14 days after your sample arrives at the lab. Private at-home kits are usually 3–5 days. You receive results by text or phone — not by post — so there's no envelope to worry about.
Can I test for herpes at home?
Not through the free sh24.ie kit. Herpes (HSV) diagnosis requires either a swab taken during an active outbreak, or a blood antibody test at a clinic. Some paid private kits do offer an HSV-2 blood antibody test, though this has limitations. If you have symptoms that could be herpes, a clinic visit gives the most reliable answer.
What happens if my at-home result is positive?
A clinician from sh24.ie will phone you to explain the result and advise next steps. You'll be referred to a free HSE sexual health clinic for confirmatory testing and treatment. Treatment is free and most STIs are straightforward to treat. Read our guide to the first 24 hours after a positive result.
Does the at-home test show up on my medical record?
sh24.ie results are not shared with your GP or added to your standard medical record unless you specifically request this. Your results are confidential within the sh24.ie service. Read our full confidentiality guide for details on what leaves a trace and what doesn't.
Ready to order your free kit?
Go to sh24.ie — takes 3 minutes, arrives in plain packaging, completely free for everyone 17+ in Ireland. Or call 1800 700 700 to request one by phone.
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Important: Nothing on STI.ie is medical advice. Always speak to a clinician for diagnosis, treatment, or anything you're worried about. Free HSE helpline: 1800 700 700.