Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are transmitted through sex, and several companies manufacture and sell testing kits for sexually transmitted infections. There are two different testing kits for testing a sexually transmitted infection: lab-based and self-collection tests.
How Do Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Kits Work?
This article will tell you how STI home testing kits work, the types of home testing kits, and when to get a sexually transmitted infection home testing kit.
Self-Collection Test
After ordering and receiving the sexually transmitted infection kit, people can conduct the test using all of the tools and materials provided. The materials for conducting the self-collection test includes prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, tubes, needles, and other materials. Depending on the STI test you are conducting, you might need to get a sample of your urine, blood, vaginal, oral, or rectal swab, and the sample collected is returned to the lab for proper testing. Make sure to follow the self testing kits instructions exactly as they are shown in the package to ensure you get accurate results.
Lab-Based Test
This method involves individuals collecting a lab requisition and sending it to a healthcare facility where a test is conducted correctly. Individuals who have sent their lab requisition to a healthcare facility or provider will learn their test results through the healthcare’s patient portal or email. Getting back results might take a few days.
People request STI testing kit they can use in testing for either multiple conditions or a particular STD, but one of the questions people are constantly faced with is how reliable STI home testing kits are.
The National Board of STD directors has revealed that STI home tests pass through a validation test for more accurate and precise results. In addition, companies are tasked with maintaining the stability of samples when shipping them to avoid altering the integrity of results. Finally, the centre for disease control and prevention revealed that the clinical laboratory improvement amendments of 1988 put together a quality control standard laboratory generally, and it also launched an accreditation program for every clinical laboratory.
All online testing companies are yet to receive the CLIA certification, so individuals must look for the CLIA certification before purchasing an STI testing from a company online. The CLIA certification tells you the company’s test kits will provide individuals with precise and accurate results.
When To Conduct An STI Test
The centre for disease control disclosed that the STI test is necessary for people at a high risk of contracting a sexual infection. These people are;
- People who fail to use preventive methods like a condom
- Sexually active individuals
- Pregnant women
Conducting an STI test while pregnant helps avoid complications, but individuals should bear in mind that conducting an STI test doesn’t aggravate symptoms. It is okay for you to conduct a test if you notice any of the following;
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Warts or soreness around the genital regions
- Unusual discharge
- Redness and itchy feeling around the genital region
If you know you have been exposed to an STI, it is okay for you to get an STI test.
Summary
Home STI testing kits are for people who want to conduct a discreet STI test, and some of these STI home testing kits come with re-testing, consultation, and test bundles while an individual waits for the results to be ready. Therefore, it will be wise for an individual to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using an STI home testing kit to obtain precise and accurate results.