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The only difference is that instead of getting a doctor to order them for you, you order them online. Then you go to a commercial laboratory and they take a urine sample and/or blood. There are also at-home testing kits that allow you to collect your own sample of urine or saliva and send it to a company for testing. These tests are likely to be less accurate than lab-based testing. The STD test checks whether or not you test positive for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Once you return your test sample to our lab and your sample is processed, you’ll be notified via email that your results are ready.
With diseases like HIV, this is important since early treatment translates to a lower risk of illness and a longer lifespan. Yes, it is true that LetsGetChecked is indeed our “Best Overall” choice for at-home STD tests but that does not mean that the rest of the options on our list should be disregarded. In fact, all of the companies that are on this list not only delivers high-quality accurate results, they also put a strong emphasis on privacy and discreteness as well.
A quick look at the 10 best at-home STI tests:
This makes it hard to decipher which infection you might be experiencing. The CDC also suggests young women are more prone to the infection, with 1 in 20 women between 14 and 24 years old estimated to have chlamydia. People with chlamydia might not have symptoms, making it a silent infection that can threaten their reproductive organs and cause extreme damage if undetected. It is well known that certain activities are specially considered risk factors such as needle sharing and drug use, men having sex with men, young age, etc. For a mail-in HIV test, you must prick your finger and collect a very small sample of blood.

Sexually active adolescents or adults who are comfortable with telemedicine consultations if they get a positive result. STD Check enables you to get tested in a lab where a trained clinician will take your samples. Sexually active adolescents and adults who are comfortable with telemedicine consultations if they get a positive result. Sexually active adults who have been tested for STDs before and want a status check covered by insurance. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If results are positive, treatment is not readily available.
Understanding a Negative Result
The frequency of necessary testing really varies based on how sexually active you are and if you’re currently outside of a monogamous relationship. Preventing the spread of STIs and STDs is everybody’s responsibility and knowing your status is a great way to do your part while also keeping yourself and your partner healthy. The frequency of necessary STD testing really varies based on how sexually active you are and if you’re currently outside of a monogamous relationship.
Biological sex - Young people assigned female at birth are more biologically susceptible to many sexually transmitted infections than those assigned male at birth at the same age. This STD test screens for 6 common sexually transmitted infections. This lab-based at-home option has over 4,500 testing centers and an easy online test ordering interface.
How reliable are at-home STD tests?
The refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider. Thankfully, our STD testing provider has various benefits and other options that are easily accessible to anyone in the country. Unfortunately, this test does not provide accurate test results. One should always get an additional medical setting which eventually leads to burdensome bills.

The bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, can be transferred without ejaculation or even penetration during sexual contact. For example, the bacteria can be transferred by sharing sex toys that have not been properly cleaned or covered with a new condom with each use. Or, getting semen or vaginal fluid in one’s eye can also spread infection. At-home tests can fail for many reasons besides just the technical limitations of the tests themselves. For example, improper swabbing can cause a false negative result.
LetsGetChecked – Best for Cheap Ongoing STD Testing
In rare cases, you may not receive a definitive result because of short post-exposure time or inadequate sampling. If you’ve had sex with someone who’s positive, or if you’ve had a sexual encounter with a new partner, your results can be detected within the incubation period. If you’re not sure your symptoms are STI-related and you want to talk with a doctor in addition to getting testing, an in-person doctor’s visit may be the best choice for you.

As with all Everlywell tests, our at-home STD Test is taken in the privacy of your own home, and shipped to the lab in a prepaid mailer. Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus , a blood-borne virus. HCV is more commonly transmitted through needles or blood exposure and is only rarely spread through sexual intercourse. It’s wise to get tested regularly when you’re sexually active to keep you and your partner safe.
Even when your test gets back to the lab, physicians can only see your unique ID code, not your name. Results are straightforward, which makes it easy to see whether anything has been detected. If you chose the subscription option, it also shows your results from previous results, too, so you can keep track. Shipping is free both ways and you don’t have to pay extra processing fees.
You get quick results, free shipping, easy-to-use kits, and a huge variety of test choice options. You need to pay for the cost of the STD kit, which can range between $24 to over $300. The cost usually includes processing fees, return shipping, and all the sample materials you need. Some testing companies even throw in a free follow-up call with a physician to discuss your results, such as MyLAB Box and LetsGetChecked. Taking the test is quick and easy in the comfort of your own home. Most require either a finger-prick blood sample or a urine sample, but there are sometimes swabs included, too.
However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes. This provides a reasonable option to choose our partner, myLAB Box for those who want to save time, and get affordable STD testing. Sometimes, you may not even have a Walgreens clinic or CVS pharmacy branch in range to your home.

The service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and will not mail anything to your home or report anything to your healthcare professional. STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Her love for content writing stems from an ability to connect with readers, understand their needs, and provide solutions in an honest and easy-to-read manner. In her spare time, you can find Elly on long dog walks, cooking a new recipe, or in the gym.
The Test Kits contain all you need for RESULTS IN MINUTES at home.
Your local health department or another organization near you may offer free or reduced cost self-tests, which you can find using the locator below. The only FDA-approved HIV self-test currently available in the United States is an oral fluid test. Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing.

It depends on the rapid STD test provider, but in simple terms, not always. There are a number of things that can go wrong when it comes to rapid STD tests. It's important to ensure that if you are testing yourself, you pick a reliable STD test provider who is accredited and clearly displays their certifications on their website.