One swab. Both answers.
A sore throat that will not settle has more than one possible cause. This panel checks both at once: the nine sexually transmitted organisms of our oral screen, plus the seven that cause ordinary throat and chest infections. From a single swab.
One throat swab. In and out in a few minutes.
How would you like to get started?
Book a slot
Pick a time that suits you at your nearest branch. The swab itself takes a moment.
Book at a branchAsk first
Not sure whether you need this as well as a genital screen? Message us and we will help.
WhatsApp usWhat does the screen cover?
Sixteen targets by PCR from a single throat swab: nine sexual health organisms and seven respiratory ones.
Common STIs
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1, HSV-2, HPV. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, both herpes types and HPV. Throat gonorrhoea in particular is usually silent, which is why it goes unnoticed.
Respiratory organisms
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Human adenovirus. Plus Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Candida species. The common causes of sore throats, tonsillitis and chest infections, plus the yeast behind oral thrush.
Essential or Comprehensive?
How it works
Book or walk in
Pick a time online or just walk in. No doctor's referral and nothing to arrange beforehand.
A quick throat swab
One swab at the back of the throat, taken by our nurse. It takes seconds, and we can add a genital or anal swab in the same visit if you want those sites too.
Off to the lab
We handle the rest. Nothing further for you to do.
Results in 5 to 7 days
A clear, confidential report emailed to you, with a free certificate you can share with your doctor.
Who is this for?
For anyone, whatever your body or your gender. The throat is the throat.
A full check
A sore throat you want explained, without guessing which kind it is.
Recurring sore throat
One that keeps returning, or has outlasted a course of treatment.
After a new partner
You have had oral sex and want that covered in the same swab.
Recurrent issues
A genital screen came back clear but something still is not right.
A partner tested positive
You want the throat checked properly, and we can add other sites in the same visit.
Peace of mind
Antibiotics have not worked, and nobody has said why.
What people say
Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.
The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.
Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.
Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.
Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.
What this does not do
This screen checks the throat. A clear result here says nothing about the genital or anal sites, which are swabbed separately. Finding a respiratory organism does not always mean it is causing your symptoms, since several of these live harmlessly in the throat.
- Some organisms on this panel can be present without causing problems; detecting one does not always mean treatment is needed.
- Results are best discussed with a clinician who can see the whole picture.
- If you have severe pain, fever or feel very unwell, seek medical care now rather than waiting for results.
- Results are meant to inform a discussion with a registered practitioner.
Quick answers
Three walk-in labs
Durban
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Johannesburg
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Round out the picture
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
One swab, both answers
No doctor's referral, results in 5 to 7 working days. Book a slot and collect your samples in private, or visit a branch.