At Home STD Test

There are a few ways to get tested for STDs. There is the most known way of going to the doctor’s office, but, with the technological advancement society has made, it is now possible to receive medical treatment with just the internet. With the increase of these new options, you should be aware of the pros and cons of each! 

The most widely-known, yet increasingly outdated, method is to go to your doctor’s office. Once there, you have a consultation, schedule another appointment for testing, go home, return to provide the sample, go home again, then return to discuss results and treatment. Lest we forget each time you visit, you have to spend time in the waiting room, avoiding eye contact with others, and continuing to have the same awkward conversation with the nurses and doctor. I can easily bet this isn’t your ideal way of spending your free time!

Fortunately, with the rise in telehealth companies, or health care that is conducted through remote means (over the phone or internet), there are options for people who are seeking easy, affordable, efficient, and private STD testing.

The advancements in the digital world have welcomed two other ways for people to test for STDs:

1. At-Home STD Testing
2. Direct to Lab STD Testing

You may feel inclined to opt for an at-home test if you’re under the impression that it is more private. The hope is that modern medicine has made at-home STD testing as effective as lab testing, but with the added benefit of being at home. If the internet allows you to receive a college degree, obtain clothes, and get groceries, why not also receive health services from the comfort of your home? After all, home is home and labs sound like cold, sterile places full of total strangers.

On the other hand, there’s lab testing. While lab testing isn’t new, the public’s access to lab testing without a doctor’s visit has recently become easier thanks to telehealth companies like STDcheck.com.

Presumably, you’re reading this to get a better idea of which test is your best option. So, without further delay, below are comparisons of the processes, reliability, benefits, and drawbacks of at-home STD testing and lab STD testing.

Home STD Test

Home STD testing has become a popular option for those who want to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases in the privacy of their own home. While there are many advantages to this option, it is important to understand the limitations and potential risks of home STD testing as well.

One advantage of home STD testing is convenience. Instead of having to make an appointment with a healthcare provider or go to a testing center, you can simply order a kit online or pick one up at a pharmacy. The kit typically includes a set of instructions, a collection device (such as a swab or urine sample), and a prepaid envelope to send the sample back to the laboratory for testing. Results are typically available within a few days or weeks, depending on the specific test and lab.

Another advantage is cost. Home STD testing kits are often less expensive than traditional testing methods, especially if you do not have insurance or a high deductible plan. Some kits may even be covered by insurance or available at low or no cost through community resources. However, it is important to note that not all home STD testing kits are the same, and some may not be as accurate or comprehensive as those offered by healthcare providers.

One potential disadvantage of home STD testing is the lack of professional supervision. When you are tested by a healthcare provider, they can answer any questions or concerns you may have about the testing process or the results. They can also provide counseling and education on prevention and treatment, if necessary. With home STD testing, you may not have this level of support or guidance.

Another limitation is the potential for false results. Home STD testing kits are not always as accurate as those offered by healthcare providers, especially if they are not used correctly. For example, if you do not follow the instructions carefully or if the sample is not collected properly, the results may be inaccurate. This can lead to false reassurance or a delay in seeking treatment if you do have an STD.

There is also the issue of privacy and confidentiality. While home STD testing kits are often marketed as a private and discreet option, there is still the potential for others to find out about your test. For example, if you order a kit online, the billing and shipping information may be visible to others. Similarly, if you pick up a kit at a pharmacy, there is the risk of being seen by someone you know. Additionally, if you test positive for an STD, the results may be reported to public health authorities, as required by law in some states.

Finally, there is the potential for stigma and discrimination. While STDs are common and can affect anyone, there is still a significant amount of shame and judgment surrounding them. If you test positive for an STD, you may fear being ostracized or discriminated against by others, especially if the results are made public. This can be especially true for people who are already marginalized or vulnerable, such as those in the LGBTQ+ community or sex workers.

Home STD testing can be a convenient and cost-effective option for those who want to be tested for STDs in the privacy of their own home. However, it is important to understand the limitations and potential risks of this option, including the lack of professional supervision, the potential for false results, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and the risk of stigma and discrimination. If you are considering home STD testing, it is important to research and compare different kits and laboratories, and to be aware of the potential limitations and risks. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a trusted resource.

Lab STD Testing

Lab STD testing is another option for those who want to be tested for STDs. This type of testing is typically done at a laboratory, either through a healthcare provider or at a testing center.

One advantage of lab STD testing is the level of accuracy and reliability. Lab testing is often more accurate than home STD testing kits, as the samples are collected and handled by trained professionals using standardized techniques. This can give you more confidence in the results and reduce the risk of false reassurance or a delay in seeking treatment if you do have an STD.

Another advantage is the availability of professional supervision and support. When you are tested at a laboratory, you have access to trained professionals who can answer any questions or concerns you may have about the testing process or the results. They can also provide counseling and education on prevention and treatment, if necessary. This can be especially important if you test positive for an STD or have other health concerns.

A potential limitation is the time and effort required to go to a laboratory for testing.  This is not an issue with us (STDcheck.com), because we have relationships with over 4,500 lab testing centers throughout the US.  There is always a laboratory near you!  From gonorrhea to syphilis, we can help get you results quickly.

How do the tests work?

At-Home STD Testing

The at-home testing steps are:

1. Figure out which brand you want to purchase.
2. Purchase a kit to be delivered to your home.
3. The kit is delivered within 5-8 business days.
4. Follow the instructions in the kit to perform the tasks yourself.
5. Return the kit with samples contained. The brand will receive the sample within 3-5 days from the time you mail it.
6. Once samples are received, they are tested.
7. Your results will be posted online to your private account.

Many at-home testing brands charge more than labs, yet test for fewer STDs. The higher price is possibly due to the cost of shipping and handling.

Below are the tests typically included in their kits, most of which are 8-panel tests or less:

• Blood Test: HIV I, HIV II, hepatitis C, herpes II, syphilis
• Urine Test: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich

Lab Testing

STDcheck.com’s steps are:

1. Order a test online.
2. Take your order form from your email to a test center close to you and provide the sample.
3. Receive the results in 1-2 days on your private online account.

The actual trip to the test center shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes. If you’re pressed for time and want to make sure you stay right on schedule, you can make an appointment, although it’s not necessary.

It’s easy to choose a lab near you or if you’re in a large city, we have created individual city pages that list all the clinics around you like our Los Angeles page.

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After providing a sample at one of the 4,500 labs available nationwide, a professional technician runs all the tests requested. Once the test panel is complete, the results are uploaded to your private online account.

The following are the tests included in STDcheck.com’s

10-panel test:

• Blood Test: HIV I, HIV II, herpes I, herpes II, hepatitis A, B, C, and syphilis
• Urine Test: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich*

Which STD Test is Less Expensive?

In comparison to doctor visits and insurance, both at-home and lab STD testing are more affordable.

Yet STDcheck.com is still less expensive than at-home kits. Plus, you get more tests done (with higher accuracy) and at a lower rate.

Which Method of Testing is More Private?

Lab testing doesn’t take much time at all, and since it doesn’t, there’s a much lower risk of anyone either noticing your absence or finding out you tested. The process and results remain on a need-to-know basis.

At-home is private, but it incurs a risk. Chances are someone may stumble upon your kit in the trash, someone living with you could get the mail, someone may walk in on you while taking the test, etc.

Both are also private in terms of insurance. Your insurance company will not get a record of the test or the results.

Which One Is More Accurate?

Labs are highly accurate and CLIA-certified. The tests are performed by a professional whose living is based on conducting lab tests. Their experience avoids the chances of a mistake occurring. They allow your mind to relax and be assured that you are precisely aware of your status.

Some at-home tests can show false-negatives as often as 1 in 12 times. False-negatives are dangerous because you may go about your life believing you’re STD free, have unprotected sex with other partners and unknowingly spread the STD further. Not only that, but if you consider yourself healthy and knowledgeable of the state of your body, you might run into a wall of confusion and pain when late-stage symptoms begin to appear. Some of these symptoms are flu-like symptoms, furthering your ignorance of the STD because you most likely will incorrectly self-diagnose.

Want To Know Results ASAP?

For lab testing, you can order the test and then immediately go to the lab to provide your samples. Your results will be available within 24-48 hours of testing.

At home STD testing takes longer since you have to receive the package, extract the samples properly, mail the samples back, wait for them to test it, and then wait to notified of your results. This takes almost 2 weeks longer than lab testing.

Which One’s Process is Easier and Less Time-Consuming?

The process of lab testing is simpler since all you have to do is go to the collection center for five minutes, and then you’re done.

For at-home testing, you need to understand the instructions, prick your finger, deal with your urine, and, depending on the brand, repeat this process for every disease you want to be checked.

What if I test positive for an STD?

In the case of a positive test result, STDcheck.com will connect you with a doctor that will be able to prescribe you medication and get you on your way to healing. STDcheck.com will even send the prescription to your pharmacy for you.

Some at-home STD kits encourage you to find a doctor and take your results to them. Very few assist in matching you with the right doctor; at most they may provide you with counseling.  

In conclusion:

The results are in! Lab testing is quicker, easier, and CLIA-certified! It provides you with privacy, accuracy, and connects you with doctors. It might sound a little biased, but we urge you to do the research if you feel inclined to! We’re confident you’ll reach the same conclusion.

If you don’t decide to heed our warning, that’s fine!  We are glad you are taking care of your sexual health, regardless, but be aware of the disadvantages that at-home STD testing has. We urge you to think carefully about your decision and to understand that you might not be getting the most bang out for your buck!

Before You Go

Whichever route you choose, first you should make sure that you’re in the right time frame since the encounter to give the infection time to incubate and reveal itself in a test or else you may get a false-negative.

For more detailed information on time frames for each STD, check out this post: How Soon Can I Get Tested for STDs After Unprotected Sex?

You’ve done the research, now you’re ready to test!