What to Know About At-Home STD Tests

26 Oct.,2023

 

The USPSTF recommends screening for STDs in persons who are at increased risk for infection, in particular, syphilis infection.

At-home STD tests offer convenience and privacy while testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you're sexually active and want to know if you're infected, STD testing at home can help. There are several infections transmitted sexually, and the test for each is different. Testing for STDs can get you timely treatment and help your partners.

If you're sexually active, testing for STDs is a part of safeguarding your health. Testing at home has many advantages:

Home tests for STDs are sold over the counter (OTC) or can be ordered by mail. The tests have instructions and all the material needed to collect a specimen. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests often need only a swab from your mouth and provide the result as soon as 20 minutes later. If the result is positive, you should have a confirmatory test at a laboratory.

In the US, chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested using nuclear acid amplification tests (NAAT). You collect the specimen at home and send it to the laboratory. They will notify you of the results by email or on their secure portal.

At-home tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea provide you with a swab to take a specimen from your vagina (women) or urethral opening (men). Men can also send a urine sample. The test kits provide instructions on collecting the specimen and sending it to the laboratory.

Tests for syphilis need a blood sample. The kits contain a sterile needle or lancet for a fingerprick. You clean your finger with an alcohol swab and prick it. Collect the drops of blood onto a card provided. You then send the card with dried blood to the laboratory. After processing your sample, they'll inform your results.

If you have any questions on rapid gonorrhea test. We will give the professional answers to your questions.