Italy has some of the best community-led sexual health infrastructure in Europe. The Checkpoint model — community-run testing centres that operate outside the hospital system — is excellent. Combined with a public health service that covers most STI-related care, testing in Italy is genuinely accessible if you know where to go.
The Checkpoint Network
BLQ Checkpoint — Bologna Via Zamboni 22, Bologna (university district) Web: blqcheckpoint.it
BLQ is considered the gold standard among Italy's community testing centres. Run by the community, for the community, it offers rapid HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing in a judgment-free environment. The team at BLQ also has a fast-track partnership with the Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital for PrEP prescriptions — they're not just a testing centre, they're a gateway into the full system. Free or donation-based.
Milano Checkpoint — Milan Via dei Transiti 23, Milan (NoLo district) Web: milanocheckpoint.it
Milan's checkpoint is highly professional and very busy — book well in advance. Full testing services including HIV rapid test, syphilis, hepatitis. PrEP counselling and navigation. One of the highest-volume community testing centres in Italy.
Roma Checkpoint — Rome Via Nicola Zabaglia 8, Rome (Testaccio) Web: romacheckpoint.it
Rome's Checkpoint is connected to the Istituto Spallanzani — the national reference centre for infectious diseases. Roma Checkpoint acts as a critical first-line service and navigation point into the Spallanzani system for PrEP, HIV treatment, and more.
Other cities: The Checkpoint model is expanding. Search for "[città] checkpoint MST" or use prepinfo.it to find community testing services in other Italian cities.
Three-Site Testing: Throat, Rectal, Urethral
This is the point most often missed — even at good clinics. A complete STI screen for gay and bisexual men requires swabs from three sites:
- Tampone faringeo — throat swab (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Tampone rettale — rectal swab (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Tampone uretrale — urethral swab (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
Plus blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. Ask explicitly for all of these. Most infections caught at the throat and rectum cause no symptoms — you won't know without the swab.
Say: "Ho bisogno anche dei tamponi faringeo, rettale e uretrale." (I also need throat, rectal, and urethral swabs.)
Public STI Testing (ASL)
Each Italian region has an ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale — Local Health Authority) that provides STI testing. Routes vary by region:
- In many regions, your GP (medico di base) can issue an impegnativa (prescription) for blood-based STI tests with a reduced ticket (co-pay) or free if you qualify
- Dermatovenerology departments (Dermatologia / Malattie Veneree) at hospitals handle full STI diagnosis and treatment
- Community Checkpoints are usually faster and more affirming than navigating the ASL system, so start there
Ticket (co-pay): Italy's public system charges a ticket for outpatient tests and visits unless you're exempt (exemptions include low income, certain diagnoses, and specifically for HIV-related testing in some regions). At a Checkpoint, testing is free or donation-based regardless.
Frequency
Every 3 months if you're sexually active with multiple partners. Sooner after a higher-risk encounter. The Checkpoints are set up for exactly this rhythm and won't make you feel judged for coming regularly.
After a Positive Result
HIV reactive: The Checkpoint team will walk you through the confirmatory testing process and connect you with the infectious disease team for treatment initiation. HIV treatment in Italy is free through the SSN. Undetectable = untransmittable.
Other STIs: Antibiotic treatment through the Checkpoint or referred clinic. Inform recent partners where possible.