Medical Services

Comprehensive Guide To Home STD Testing: What You Need To Know

In the digital age, it is easier than ever to get tested for STDs at home. Home STD tests kits are becoming more and more popular because they allow people to take an active role in their health care. This article will discuss what you need to know before buying a Kit to make an informed decision about your sexual wellness.

1) What is this test?

Consumers use these test kits to perform laboratory testing on samples of urine or blood at home. Home tests can screen for different STDs like HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and HPV (genital warts). Home tests work similarly to traditional lab-based tests; however, there is no need to visit a doctor because the sample collection occurs in the comfort of your own home.

2) How accurate is this test?

These tests are 95% accurate. The accuracy of home STD tests is on par with the typical doctor’s office test, which is 97%-99% accurate when used correctly. Home Tests have a lower rate for false negatives than doctor’s office tests because they can be taken at any time and do not need to be sent in first thing in the morning after having no sex or ejaculation since last tested as oral fluid swabs may contain some semen even if you just had fellatio. However, Home Test kits cannot detect herpes antibodies, so if your tester comes back negative, it does not mean that you are free from HSV infection.
For more information, consult your physician.