This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of at-home STI testing.
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What Infections Can Rapid Tests Detect?
Some have higher sensitivity and specificity than others.
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With diseases like HIV, this is important since early treatment translates to alower risk of illnessand alonger lifespan.
The newer tests also aim to overcome another factor that keeps many people away: needles and blood.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, a lower sensitivity rate translates to an increased risk of afalse-negative result.
This means a person is told they do not have the infection when they actually are infected.
You will probably need another test to confirm your results.
If the second test also comes back positive, you will need to begin treatment right away.
These tests can be done in the privacy of your home and can give you fast results.
Unfortunately, at-home STI tests are not as accurate as those conducted by a healthcare provider.
It is possible to test negative even if you are infected.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before or after self-testing.
For example, improper swabbing can cause a false negative result.
Testing outside of thewindow periodmay also cause a false negative result.
National Library of Medicine.Chlamydia infections.
National Library of Medicine.Gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital HPV infection.
National Library of Medicine.Syphilis tests.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening.
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