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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread through sexual contact. Many companies sell home testing kits for STIs. Share on PinterestPlease note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. A quick look at the 10 best at-home STI tests Best STI test for fast results HealthLabsBest STI tests for pregnant people: QuestDirectBest subscription service for STI tests EverlywellBest range of STI tests PersonaLabsBest HIV STI test OraQuickBest STI test for medical advice LetsGetCheckedBest lab testing STDLabsBest for comprehensive STI testing myLAB BoxBest for insurance coverage NurxBest for hepatitis A and early HIV tests STDCheck What is an STI An STI is an infection that people transmit from one to another during sexual or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can affect people of all ages but are most common in those 15–50 years. STIs can cause complications if a person does not receive treatment, such as infertility. Additionally, those who are pregnant can pass on STIs during childbirth to the infant. Learn more about STIs here. How we chose MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria: Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certified labs. Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that are suitable for a wide range of budgets. Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results. Chlamydia tests The CDC states that chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the United States, and it can affect people regardless of their sex. According to advocacy group Planned Parenthood, chlamydia can cause: painful urinationswelling in the testicles or the urethrapain during sexother symptoms The CDC states that those who receive a diagnosis for chlamydia should take another test 3 months after treatment. This is because retests may prevent onward transmission and complications. The sexual partners of a person who receives testing should also undergo testing and treatment if required, so the infection does not pass back and forth or on to others. Learn more about chlamydia. Two home tests for chlamydia include: Best STI test for fast results HealthLabs Price: $59. HealthLabs offers lab-based testing, so once people receive the lab requisition form, they can take it to one of its 4,500 testing centers. The company states its laboratories are CLIA-certified, meaning they have obtained federal certifications. People may choose to provide a blood or urine sample — the latter can check for bacterial infections in the urogenital area. The blood test checks whether a person has contracted a nongenital chlamydia infection. It detects Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and may also reveal past chlamydia infections. Individuals generally receive their results within 1–2 business days. HealthLabs sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: many testing centers, results available quickly, no appointment neededCons: no consultation with a healthcare professional Learn more about HealthLabs here.SHOP NOW Best STI test for pregnant people QuestDirect Price: $139 + $6 physician fee. QuestDirect’s self-collection home testing kits look for both chlamydia and gonorrhea. This company also produces STI tests for use during pregnancy. There is an additional charge that may cover laboratory tests and follow-up consultations. Once they receive their home kit, people may collect their sample and return it in a prepaid envelope. Results are typically available within 7 business days through the company’s patient portal. The service also claims that its laboratories have certification with CLIA and the College of American Pathologists. QuestDirect sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: convenience, suitable for use during pregnancyCons: additional charge for laboratory tests and follow-up consultation, longer turnaround time than other optionsSHOP NOW Syphilis tests According to health experts, people with syphilis may have sores, rashes, and ulcers on the genitals and mouth. Without treatment, the condition can lead to blindness and paralysis. Learn about the four types of home syphilis tests. Two home tests for syphilis include: Best subscription service for STI tests Everlywell Price: $49 or $24.99 with membership. Everlywell offers a finger prick sample collection, providing individuals with all the tools they need to take the test at home. After mailing the sample to one of its CLIA-certified testing facilities, people receive their results on the company’s website. If a person requires regular testing, they could subscribe to the membership plan to save up to 49% off the cost of separate tests. Everlywell’s tests reportedly feature 99% accuracy, and if an individual receives a positive result, a physician may contact them to discuss the next steps. Everlywell sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: CLIA-certified testing facilities, physician consultation, subscription discountCons: requires a finger-prick blood sample Learn more about Everlywell here.SHOP NOW Best range of STI tests PersonaLabs Price: $46-51, depending on the lab used. Personalabs offers lab-based home STI testing, with the help of around 2,300 lab testing centers across the U.S. After purchasing a home test kit, people receive a requisition order that they may have to present at the testing center. Once they provide a blood sample, they generally receive their results within 2–10 business days. Personalabs recommends taking a test if a person does not use any barrier methods each time they engage in sexual activity. Those with possible syphilis symptoms or who have had sexual contact with an individual who has received a diagnosis should also undergo testing. Personalabs states that it works with Quest Diagnostics and that its testing centers comply with federal certifications. Persona Labs sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: works with federally certified labsCons: can take up to 10 business days for test resultsSHOP NOW HIV According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV attacks a person’s immune system. People with the virus may have an increased risk of developing other infections or diseases. Without treatment, an individual may go on to develop AIDS. Learn how to test for HIV with an at-home test kit. One option for at-home HIV testing includes the below. Best HIV STI test OraQuick Price: $38.99. OraQuick offers an at-home HIV test kit that only detects antibodies after 3 months of exposure to the virus. This is the only at-home oral HIV test with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The test kit includes a test stick that people use to swab their upper and lower gums. They then insert this into the test tube and read the result within 20–40 minutes. People can order multiple packs at once for a discount. OraQuick does not sell tests for other STIs.Pros: convenience, privacy, fast results, free standard shippingCons: cannot detect HIV until 3 months after exposureSHOP NOW Multiple STI tests Many of the brands in this article, such as Everlywell, HealthLabs, and Personalabs, offer a range of different STI tests, including options for specific conditions such as herpes, trichomoniasis, or hepatitis. Some companies also sell specialist STI tests. For example, QuestDirect offers STI tests for use during pregnancy. Many of these brands also have comprehensive STI tests that test for multiple STIs simultaneously. This is usually a more expensive option but is more convenient and useful in some cases. Best STI test for medical advice LetsGetChecked Price: standard 5 test for $149. Discount available with a subscription. LetsGetChecked offers a range of multiple STI tests in collaboration with CLIA-certified laboratories. The service provides a self-collection testing method, meaning individuals collect their sample at home and return it on the same day. Those who require regular STI testing may purchase the subscription plan to save up to 30% off the price of separate tests. People generally receive their results within 2–5 days. They may also contact the company’s nurses at any time if they wish to discuss their results and treatment. LetsGetChecked sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: CLIA-certified laboratories, subscription discount, quick turnaround, access to consultation with healthcare providers, discreet packaging, medication sent at no extra costCons: more expensive than other options Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.SHOP NOW Best lab testing STDLabs Price: complete STD panel for $199. STDLabs allows a person to purchase tests online. They can then visit their local STDLabs test center, with over 4,500 locations available. This complete STD test requires a person’s blood sample. If the result comes back positive for any STIs, the company provides a follow-up test at no additional cost. A person may receive their results in as little as 3 days, while all the company’s laboratories have FDA approval and CLIA certification. STDLabs offers a range of STI tests.Pros: follow up tests for positive results, FDA and CLIA-certified labs, quick turnaroundCons: more expensive than other optionsSHOP NOW Best for comprehensive STI testing myLAB Box Price: $379, or $399 with the HPV test included — subscription options available with a discount. The most comprehensive STI testing kit from myLAB BOX is called the Total Box. It involves testing blood, saliva, and urine samples for 14 STIs. The labs involved have Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and CLIA qualifications. Using FDA-approved technology, the test screens for:chlamydia (genital, throat, and rectal)gonorrhea (genital, throat, and rectal)hepatitis CHIV types one and twosyphilis People over 30 also have the option of testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). This test kit costs $379, or $399 with the HPV test included. The company says that providing the samples takes 5 minutes and that results are available on a secure online platform within 5 days. It also offers free consultations with certified physicians to anyone with a positive result. myLAB BOX sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: quick turnaround, free consultations with certified physiciansCons: more expensive than other options Learn more about myLAB Box here.SHOP NOW Best for insurance coverage Nurx Price: $150–220 without insurance, $75 with insurance. Nurx offers a range of screenings, including these three at-home tests for STIs:Basics Covered Kit: This tests urine and finger prick blood samples for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.Full Control Kit: This tests a urine sample, a throat swab, a rectal swab, and a finger prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.Healthy V Kit: This tests a vaginal swab, a throat swab, and a finger prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The company says its labs have accreditations and approvals from CAP and CLIA, and that it protects personal and health information according to the statutes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). One advantage of choosing Nurx is that the company allows payments from insurance plans. In this case, a person still needs to pay $75 plus any deductibles or applicable co-payments. The price without insurance ranges from $150–220, depending on the kit. The first step is filling out a health history questionnaire on the Nurx app or website. Next, the person selects their kit, with or without advice from Nurx’s medical team. Once the kit arrives, the person takes their samples, packages them in the prepaid envelope, and drops them in the mail. The company says it provides results within 7 days. Nurx sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.Pros: insurance coverage, quick turnaround timeCons: more expensive than other options without insurance, longer turnaround time than other options Learn more about Nurx here.SHOP NOW Best for hepatitis A and early HIV tests STDCheck Price: $139 for a 10-panel test, $258 for a 9- or 10-panel test, plus an HIV RNA early detection test. STDCheck offers a range of FDA-approved STI tests and says it is the first to provide an early HIV detection test. Its labs have CLIA certification. However, the company does not accept health insurance. The most comprehensive option is the 10-Panel STD Test. This checks for 10 STIs, including:hepatitis A, B, and Cherpes one and twoHIV one and twosyphilis The test costs $139. If a person adds the HIV RNA early detection test, it costs about $258. The latter detects HIV as soon as 11 days after exposure, the company says, explaining that standard HIV tests may only detect the virus after 2–3 months of exposure. A person needs to provide samples at one of the company’s labs, which emails the results within 2 days. Physician consultations are also available. STDLabs offers a range of STI tests.Pros: FDA-approved tests, CLIA-certified labs, quick turnaroundCons: does not accept health insuranceSHOP NOW Comparison table The table below compares the STI test kit brands listed above:Price rangeSubscriptions?Collection locationResult timelineHealthLabs$24–479nolab testing centers1–2 business daysQuestDirect$49–379noat home7 business daysEverlywell$49–149yesat homeunspecifiedPersonaLabs$46–799nolab testing centers2–10 business daysOraQuick$38.99noat home20–40 minutesLetsGetChecked$99–249yesat home2–5 business daysSTDLabs$15–299nolab testing centers3 business daysmyLAB Box$59–499yesat home5 business daysNurx$75–220yesat home7 daysSTDCheck$24–259nolab testing centers2 days Pros and cons Some advantages and disadvantages of at-home STI tests, compared with lab tests, include: Prosgreater privacyspeed and conveniencediscreet packaging, potentiallymultiple STI screening Conspotential delays in sending and receiving samplespotential unavailability of consultationsdifficulty in interpreting resultsno immediate treatment How do home STI tests work There are two types of at-home STI tests: self-collection and lab-based tests. Self-collection tests After receiving their test kit from an online provider, people can take the STI test with all the tools provided by the company. This may include needles, tubes, alcohol swabs, and a prepaid envelope, among others. An individual might need to take a blood or urine sample, or a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab, depending on the STI test. They can then return their sample to a testing center. Lab-based tests With lab-based tests, individuals receive a lab sample order and present it to a testing facility, where a healthcare professional performs the test. Individuals generally receive results from both tests via email or through the company’s patient portal within a few days. People may also purchase individual tests to screen for one STI in particular or a kit that tests for multiple conditions. Are at-home tests reliable Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) has established quality standards for laboratory testing and an accreditation program for clinical laboratories. However, not all online testing companies have received CLIA certification. Therefore, a person may wish to look for this certification when looking for tests to buy to verify their accuracy and quality. When to take a test The CDC mentions that STI tests may be beneficial for people who may have an increased chance of contracting a sexual infection. They include: sexually active peoplethose that do not use barrier methods of birth control, such as condomspregnant people The CDC also states that taking an STI test during pregnancy may help prevent complications. It is important to note that STIs do not always cause symptoms. However, people may wish to take a test if they experience:genital rashabdominal painfeveritchiness and redness around the genital areaunusual dischargesores or warts in the genital area Individuals may wish to undergo a test if they believe they have had exposure to an STI. Where to get free or low cost STI testing Healthcare insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover some or all of the cost of STI testing. However, there are several places where a person may receive free or low cost STI screening. Learn more about where to receive STI testing here. Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood is no longer eligible for federal funding through the Title X program. The organization can only offer free or low cost STI testing if it receives funding from the location state. Due to this, a person must call or otherwise contact their local center to check whether it offers affordable testing. Community clinics and city health centers A person’s local community clinic or city health center may offer free or low cost STI testing. These clinics may provide a mix of walk-ins or appointments. Find a local community health clinic here. Additionally, the CDC offers a database where people can find centers that offer free or low cost STI testing and vaccinations. People can search via their ZIP code or state. Access the CDC database here. Student health centers Student health centers may offer low cost STI screening for students enrolled in local colleges. A person can find their student health center through their college website or by contacting their college unions. LGBTQ community centers People who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community may prefer to visit an LGBTQ+ community center. These centers may be able to provide people with information on where to find low cost healthcare with an LGBTQIA+ friendly healthcare professional. Find a local LGBTQ+ community center here. Questions to ask a doctor after a positive STI test Some people may feel nervous talking about their STI results, and may not know which questions to ask. Below are some examples that may help people have a conversation with their healthcare professionals about their results.Will the STI have any short- or long-term effects on my body?Are there ways of managing any side effects of the STI?Is there any treatment for the STI?Do I need to take any medication, and if I do, how long must I take it?Does the medication cause any side effects?How long will I have to wait before I can have sex without transmitting the infection?How do I reduce my risk of contracting an infection in the future?Are there any local centers or organizations that provide free or low cost condoms? Frequently asked questions about at-home STI tests Here are some of the most common questions about these tests. Where can I get free STI testing Free or heavily discounted STI testing may be available. People in the U.S. can search in this CDC database to find free tests nearby. Certain foundations and nonprofit organizations also provide free testing. For example, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers this in more than 28 locations nationwide. What happens if the result comes back positive The next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate any symptoms, for example, and prevent the infection from passing to others. A healthcare professional can also provide guidance about any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of contracting STIs. How do at-home STD tests protect privacy This depends on the testing company’s security and privacy measures, including HIPAA compliance. Some use internet encryption and discreet packaging and destroy samples and data after the test is complete and the person has seen their results. As an STI test can easily link back to a person through their DNA, it is crucial to use a reputable service that protects personal information and healthcare data at all costs. Summary An at-home STI test may be suitable for people who need convenient, discreet testing. Various companies offer test bundles, consultations, and retests, and the results are generally available within a few days. Follow the company’s instructions carefully to increase the likelihood of an accurate result. Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022Sexual Health / STDs 19 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Centerlink LGBT Community Center Member Directory. (n.d.).https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LgbtCentersChlamydia. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/chlamydiaChlamydia - CDC fact sheet (detailed). (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htmChlamydia infections. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/chlamydia.htmChlamydia treatment and care. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/treatment.htmCLIA law & regulations. (2018). https://www.cdc.gov/clia/law-regulations.htmlClinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). (2020). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/ivd-regulatory-assistance/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-cliaFacts about in-home HIV testing. (2020). https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-about-home-hiv-testingGarcia, M. R., et al. (2022). Sexually transmitted infections.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560808/Get tested. (n.d.).https://gettested.cdc.govHIPAA. (n.d.). https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.htmlHIV/AIDS. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv-aids#tab=tab_1How to find low-cost healthcare in your community. (n.d).https://www.healthcare.gov/community-health-centersLaboratory Accreditation Program. (n.d.). https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/laboratory-accreditation-programPlanned Parenthood Staff. (2020). Does Planned Parenthood do STD testing for free?https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/does-planned-parenthood-do-std-testing-for-freeSexually transmitted diseases. (2021). https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.htmlSyphilis. (2019). https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/syphilis-a-to-zvan der Helm, J. J., et al. (2018). What is the optimal time to retest patients with a urogenital chlamydia infection? A randomized controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5770107/Which STD tests should I get? (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htmFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Kristina Iavarone and Suzy Davenport — Updated on September 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow long does it take for STD symptoms to show?Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP How long does it take for an STD to show up and when can people test for them? 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