SCORES of students turned up to get tested for a sexually-transmitted infection, and potentially break a world record.
Solent NHS Trust, which provides sexual health services in the Portsmouth area, wanted to screen as many people in 24 hours for chlamydia as possible.
And today they were at the University of Portsmouth’s student union bar, in Cambridge Road, from 10am to 5pm.
Ros Tolcher, chief executive of the trust, said: ‘It’s such an important message to get out in Portsmouth and we seem to be doing well.
‘We did a world record attempt because we wanted to get a high-impact message to really grab people’s attention.
‘We want to get the message across about chlamydia and get people tested.
‘It’s really easy to do and people get results in about two weeks’ time.
‘Chlamydia is one of the most common reasons that causes infertility in women.
‘But it’s easy to test and easy to treat with a course of antibiotics.’
Around 200 people were tested at the student union bar at the University of Portsmouth.
Later tonight the team are due to go to Liquid nightclub.
Laura Hayter, 23, is a third year drama and performance student.
She found out about the record-breaking attempt through an email from the university, and decided to take part.
She said: ‘It was such a simple and easy test.
‘I have been tested before, so know what to expect.
‘But the service gave out a lot of information and explained everything really well.
‘It’s not an easy subject to talk about, so something like this has probably helped.’
Anna Pearce, 23, also a third year drama and performance student, got tested.
She said: ‘For me it’s the fertility problem.
‘Although at the moment you might not be thinking about having children, in about seven or eight years time, you may do.
‘Also I think if there’s a problem, then just get it treated so it’s sorted.’
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