Sea moss

At Home STD Tests

at home std test

At home STD tests

Introduction

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is incredibly common among people who are sexually active. People often get STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea through oral, anal or vaginal sex.

So, health experts recommend regular testing for STDs, regardless of whether there are any symptoms or none.

Fortunately, there is lot of information available regarding when to see your health provider, when and what type of home test you need, and which products to consider.

at home std test

How to quickly determine the type of test you need

Situation Fully online test Home-to-laboratory test In-office test
Curiosity testing X X X
Testing post unprotected sexual activity or accident like broken condom X X
Experiencing symptoms of STIs and STDs X
Testing before or post a new partner X X
Testing to confirm a prior infection is gone and treated X X
Present-day or current partner diagnosed positive for STD from test X
Want to stop using protection (condom) with your existing partner X X
Have not had an in-office STD test in 1 or more years X X X

Is one type of test more accurate than the others?

Online-only STD tests are not very reliable compared to home-to-laboratory STD tests and conventional in-office tests. This is because the accuracy of the at home STD test shows a lot of variation depending on the collected sample type and the method of test detection.

The test usually needs a blood or urine sample or vaginal, oral, or rectal swab.

In both conventional in-office STD tests and home-to-laboratory STD tests, a trained health provider collects the test sample.

When using online-only tests, you collect your own sample. As a result, the chances of inaccuracy are greater.

  • A false + occurs when someone who does not have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) takes a test and receives a positive result.
  • A false – occurs when someone who does not have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) takes a test and receives a negative result.

Samples collected by trained physicians are usually more accurate compared to self-collected samples. However, trained physicians also make mistakes at times. It has also been found that certain types of self-collected test samples are more accurate compared to others.

How does fully online at-home testing work?

How to get the test?

An at home STD test kit is delivered to your home once an order is placed online. Most of these test kits are discreet. You can also purchase these at-home STD test kits over the counter at some pharmacies.

How to take the test?

The at home STD test kit contains all the instructions and items needed to do the test. There are three methods to do the test – either blood sample by pricking finger, collecting sample by inserting a swab into your vagina, or filling urine into a small tube.

How to submit the test?

The test kits are delivered at your home together with step-by-step instructions. Follow these steps and then pack the test samples. These test kits usually come with prepaid shipping option. So, all you need to do is mail these samples.

How to get your results?

Most of at-home tests send your STD test results online in few days’ time.

How does online-to-lab testing work?

How to get the test?

First, you need to identify recommended STD tests through some websites. Next, you can easily purchase the test kit online and then visit your nearest lab to take the test.

After you buy the test kit, you will then receive a laboratory requisition form. Then, this form needs to be shown at the testing center.

The best place to get an at home std test is from letsgetchecked.com

lets get checked

How to take the test?

When you go to the testing center, the laboratory requisition form needs to be presented there. Then, the nurse will take the test sample which could be an oral, vaginal, or rectal swab, or a urine or a blood sample.

How to submit the test

The nurse and other laboratory staff will label your sample then submit your it. You do not need to do anything.

How to get your results

Most online-to-lab tests offer access to the results online within a few days.

What happens if the fully online or online-to-lab tests result are positive?

Both online or online-to-lab tests result lets you speak to a health professional at the lab, either by phone or online, if the test results are positive.

However, you still need to visit your GP in person. There may also be some cases when your GP will request you to get a retest done to confirm the result.

How does this compare to traditional in-office testing?

In case the test results are positive, on the spot, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment possibilities with you right away.

If the test results are not immediately available, your healthcare professional will call you when it’s available to discuss your result and recommend treatment options. The provider will also make a follow-up appointment, if required.

Are there any benefits to fully online or online-to-lab testing?

More private – online options offer more privacy than in person tests.

Specific testing options – Single STD or a full panel.

More accessible – Online and online-to-laboratory tests are often more accessible alternatives.

Added convenience – Online testing options are quicker compared to visiting your GP’s clinic.

Less stigma – It’s sometimes uncomfortable when talking about your sexual status, online testing helps you avoid stigma.

(Sometimes) less costly – An online test might be cheaper than setting appointment with your GP.

Popular products to consider for at home STD tests

Some at-home tests are approved by FDA which includes:

LetsGetChecked

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Chlamydia, Gardnerella, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, human immunodeficiency virus, Human papillomavirus, mycoplasma, syphilis, trichomoniasis, urea plasma
  • Result available in: 2 – 5 days
  • Price: $99 to $299
  • Physician support included: Yes — telephonic consultation with a health professional when the test result is positive

Get this test now

STD Check

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis
  • Result available in: 1-2 days
  • Price: $24 to $349
  • Physician support included: Yes — telephonic consultation with a health professional when the test result is positive

Personalabs

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Chlamydia, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, syphilis, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis
  • Result available in: 2-10 business days
  • Cost: $46 to $522
  • Physician support included: Yes — condition counseling and prescription when eligible

EverlyWell

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, human immunodeficiency virus
  • Result available in: 5 business days
  • Price: $69 – $199
  • Physician support included: Yes — virtual consultation with a health professional after a positive test result and prescription when eligible.

myLAB Box

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Human papillomavirus, mycoplasma, Chlamydia, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, trichomoniasis
  • Result available in: 2-8 days
  • Price: $79 to $499
  • Physician support included: Yes — telephonic consultation with a health professional when the test result is positive

PrivateiDNA

  • Certification: Food and Drug Administration-approved laboratory tests and Certification in Library and Information Science (CLIA-certified) labs
  • STD Tests for: Chlamydia, Human papillomavirus, urea plasma, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus-2, human immunodeficiency virus, mycoplasma, syphilis, trichomoniasis,
  • Result available in: 2-7 days
  • Cost: $68 to $298
  • Physician support included: No — free retest available when the test result is positive

The bottom line

Visiting a healthcare professional or a doctor is generally the most reliable method to know if you’ve contracted a Sexually Transmitted Infection or Sexually Transmitted Disease. However, if your doctor or healthcare provider is not accessible, online-only and home-to-lab tests may be a good option.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/at-home-std-test#products

https://www.247labkit.com/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-at-home-std-testing-kit

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *