On-demand STI testing now available at Cowichan hospital
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Island Health has announced that on-demand testing for sexually transmitted infections is now available at Cowichan District Hospital.
Clients can be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV by booking an appointment online or dropping in at the lab as no appointment is needed.
A nurse will contact patients should the results be positive or uncertain and those who test negative won’t be contacted. Patients can also call their regular health-care provider or access most results via the MyHealth or Health Gateway services online.
“On-demand testing can be used as part of a regular STI checkup practice,” according to Island Health. “Testing is recommended every three to six months, especially when people have new or casual partners, or if they have had a change in sexual activities.”
Those with active STI symptoms, who have recently had sexual contact with someone who tested positive for an STI, those who want to access HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication, or those who want to speak with a nurse or doctor should see a nurse or doctor at a clinic instead of using the drop-in testing service.