How safe are STI home tests?
Checking the different STI test options
Are you active in matters of love and want to take care of your sexual health with self-confidence and personal responsibility? Are you toying with the idea of testing yourself at home for an infection with an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV (STI for short), but are still unsure which test suits you and is the safest? Don’t worry, we at s.a.m health are here to help you.
Self-tests for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV: convenient and discreet
With a home test for HIV and STIs, you can test yourself from the comfort of your own home – discreetly and easily. With a home test with laboratory analysis, such as ours from s.a.m health, you simply take the samples yourself and send them to the laboratory for professional analysis. But beware, there are major differences in the test and analysis methods, which can influence the validity of the results – and an incorrect test result can have serious consequences.
Overview of different STI home tests
The home test as a quick test (without laboratory evaluation)
This test is quick and uncomplicated. You simply carry it out at home and can read the result after just a few minutes. But beware, home tests without laboratory analysis are not always as reliable as analysis in a professional laboratory.
The home test with laboratory evaluation
This type of STD test is the perfect combination of convenience and reliability. You take the samples yourself at home, send them to the laboratory and receive a reliable test result at the highest medical level. Ideally, you should receive instructions on how to take and send in the samples correctly.
Carrying out an STI self-test
Self-tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are easy to obtain – you can buy them at the pharmacy or anonymously online. Two types of samples are commonly used:
Blood sample
Prick your fingertip with a small lancet to take a blood sample. It is important that you take a certain amount of blood. This procedure is used for HIV and syphilis tests.
Urine sample
Collect some urine, ideally the first portion of the day. This procedure is used for chlamydia and gonorrhea (gonorrhea) tests.
What you should consider when self-testing for STIs
Comparison of rapid test vs. home test with laboratory evaluation
| Home tests as rapid tests | Home tests with laboratory evaluation | |
| Type of samples | HIV tests carried out with saliva or urine are inaccurate in their results. | The HIV home tests should have EU approval (CE mark). Blood plasma or serum is suitable for analysis. |
| Infections | The tests must be purchased individually. It can only be tested for one specific sexually transmitted disease at a time. | The home test with laboratory evaluation is available as a test kit for various STIs (e.g. HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis). |
| Execution | Independently at home | Independently at home, ideally with prior instruction |
| Evaluation and transmission of results | The test person can read the result independently after 10 to 30 minutes, e.g. by means of a color change on a test strip. Misinterpretations are possible, e.g. failure to recognize a color or confusion between control and test strips. Only the pure HIV test provides a reliable result. The home test for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis offers poor test results according to medical standards. | The analysis is carried out in the laboratory. The results are then transmitted discreetly. The test results are classified as safe based on the evaluation in the laboratory. Standardized, state-of-the-art medical test procedures are used for laboratory tests. Counseling options for testing and reactive results vary. |
| Recommendation for action | If the result is positive, the test person is left to their own devices. | Depending on the offer, there is the possibility of a consultation on the treatment options. |
s.a.m health: the combination of an STI home test with professional laboratory analysis and confidential advice
With our service, you can take samples discreetly at home and have them analyzed at the highest medical level. Experienced advisors are available to answer all your questions about the test and your sexual health.
Further detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases and testing, diagnosis and treatment options can be found on the website of Deutsche Aidshilfe.
Should you get tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
The probability of contracting a sexually transmitted disease increases with the number of sexual partners. Most show no symptoms for a long time, but can also be transmitted without symptoms and have long-term consequences.
Regular testing for STIs is the only way to be safe.
Which sexually transmitted diseases should you get tested for?
What does it make sense to test for? And which ones not? The selection of tests is large. We offer STI tests for the four most common STIs that require treatment:
Our former medical consultant explains further in our article which sexually transmitted diseases should you be tested for?
Would you like to take control of your own body and your love life and carry out the HIV and STI home test from the comfort of your own home? This is possible with s.a.m health! Don’t wait, start your path to a safe, self-determined and active sex life now.
Sources: Epidemiological Bulletin (5/2012) www.rki.de Emis final report MSM 2010 www.ecdc.europa.eu
