Take charge of your sexual well-being from the comfort of your house with our curated list of the best at-home STI tests.
07 October 2024
16 min read
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Importance of Early Testing for STIs
There's something highly anxiety-provoking about living in ignorance of one's STI status. It is estimated that nearly half of Americans wait a week or longer to get tested for an STI. Thankfully, at-home STI tests involve absolutely no stress and no delay; you may conveniently check your status without having to step foot in a clinic.
Why At-Home STI Tests?
Most medical professionals don't stress STI testing as much as other routine checks, such as blood pressure. Add this to possible healthcare barriers, and some people have limited resources for finding a place to get tested for STIs. At-home tests in STDs fill this gap and provide an avenue for privacy and comfortability in testing yourself without necessarily going to a doctor.
The prices of the home tests range from a low of $25 for a specific STI test such as syphilis to $522 for comprehensive panels that screen for a variety of infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early HIV infection.
Regular Testing: Key to Sexual Health
Most STIs don't have any symptoms, so practically the only way to determine your status is by testing regularly, especially when sexually active. Let's take a closer look at our top recommendations for at-home STI tests in 2023.
Best Home STI Tests 2023: Our Picks
Overall Top Choice: STDRapidtestkits.com Runner-up Best: STDCheck.com Best for Immediate Options for Treatment: LetsGetChecked Best Range of Test Options: Personalabs Best for Varied Payment Options: HealthLabs.com Most Straightforward Service: Quest Best for Self-Collection: Nurx Best for Couples: myLAB Box
Always consult with a professional medical professional if you know or even suspect you have been exposed to an STI. These at-home kits are intended for those seeking to test as a precautionary measure and not for those who suspect they have been exposed.
One thing that puts STDRapidtestkits.com on top of a lot of lists with regards to variety is the quality and ease of their STD testing kits. They've designed their kit to give reliable results in mere minutes, without the need for sample collection and waiting days for results from an outside laboratory.
Key Features of STDRapidtestkits.com
Cost: Ranges from $29 to $109 (for 7 STI tests) Testing Method: Rapid Test Kits STD Tests Available: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Herpes I & II Time to Receive Results: 10 minutes
Why STDRapidtestkits.com is Our Top Pick for Quick Results
One of the most annoying things about STD testing is to wait for the results. STDRapidtestkits.com takes away from the annoying wait by offering instant results, shaving off valuable minutes from the usual waiting period offered by most STD testing services.
Pros and Cons of Using STDRapidtestkits.com
Pros
Myriads of STI tests offered
In the position to choose specific STIs to be tested
Can detect early HIV infection
Gives instant results in minutes
Guarantees privacy 100%
Eliminates need for lab visits and waiting the results
Nominal pricing
Cons
Requires self-collecting of samples
Requires understanding of instructions for self-testing
How Testing Works at STDRapidtestkits.com
After choosing the STI tests you require on STDRapidtestkits.com, your order is promptly shipped out. Delivery within the USA takes 1-5 business days. Once you get the test kit(s), it will be important to go through the instructions manual or watch the video on YouTube that shows how to use it. Afterwards, sample collection and testing can take place from the comfort of your home, with results sent in just 10 minutes.
All-Inclusive Screening and Professional Advice on STDRapidtestkits.com
What's unique about STDRapidtestkits.com? First of all, privacy and results in virtually no time. Secondly, the price of its STD test kit is much lower than that of others. Their all-inclusive panel tests for 7 different STIs, including Hepatitis C, and on the website, they give substantial information about every type of STI test one may be taking; thus you are well-informed about each option.
The comprehensive All 7 STD rapid tests costs $109, while single tests for individual STIs have relatively cheaper costs at $29 only. Payment may be made via credit card.
Give you peace of mind with STDCheck.com, with the fastest STI test results.
Key Characteristics of STDCheck.com
Price: $24 - $259
How it works: Lab-based
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, and herpes I & II
Results in: 1 to 2 days
Why STDCheck.com is Our Choice for Fast Results
The waiting for STI test results may be worrisome. For this reason, we would highly recommend STDCheck.com because of its quick results that minimize the period of stressful waiting.
Pros and Cons of Using STDCheck.com
Pros
Offers a wide variety of STI testing
Testing options allow for selection of different STIs
Provides early HIV detection
Cons
Requires a lab visit for sample provision
Lab locations may not be convenient for all clients
Testing process may involve some wait time
How STDCheck.com Works
To start, you place an order for your STI tests on STDCheck.com. All orders are accepted online or by phone. Your order is then entered into their system and passed along to a local lab in your area. Then, you simply visit this lab and provide a urine and/or blood sample. One thing that truly sets this service above many in the industry is the detection of a new HIV infection as early as six days post-exposure, using confirmatory testing 9 to 11 days post-exposure.
Comprehensive Testing and Professional Advice
What really sets STDCheck.com apart is the complete test panel, where they cover 10 STIs, including hepatitis A. For further enlightenment, detailed information is available on each of the STI tests that they have. They even provide consultations with doctors over the phone for more inquiries or doubts.
Although STDCheck.com requires you to pay a visit to the lab, in most cases this will be swift, and in turn, the company guarantees results within one or two days.
The 10-test panel is $139, or $259 if you add early detection of HIV. Single tests for individual STIs are between $24 and $59. You can also pay using your FSA or HSA card.
Personalabs offers the widest range of STI tests, including sexual health and wellness panels, which is why it's our top pick for test variety. Take 10% off with code Very10 at checkout.
Key Specifications of Personalabs
Price: $46 - $522
How it works: In-lab testing
Available STD Tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HIV-related, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes
Results Timeline: 2 - 10 business days
Why We Recommend Personalabs
Personalabs offers one of the most comprehensive menus of STI tests available, including general sexual health and wellness panels.
Pros and Cons of Using Personalabs
Pros
Very comprehensive list of testing options
Provides numerous different wellness tests in addition to STI tests
You can select your preferred lab vendor for most tests
Cons
Website can be frustrating to use
Not a lot of information is given about each test.
The large test menu may be confusing and could lead to unwanted tests and also miss desired tests.
How Personalabs Works
Personalabs offers up to 11 STI tests in their panels along with bundles which include general "sexual health and wellness" screenings. While allowing you to schedule labwork on-demand, dispensing with the need to see a doctor, you will have to go to the lab to get tested.
It sells panels offering deep insight, such as tests that will tell you how much hepatitis B virus is present in your blood, but most of these will be difficult for someone without a medical background to interpret.
Unfortunately, Personalabs will give only a long list of what it has available, with very minimal information on what each particular test might say. Doctor consultations are possible, though, and some STIs can be prescribed treatment in certain states.
Personalabs Pricing
Personalabs' tests range in cost from $42 to $522, mainly depending on the number of STIs you are testing for and your choice of lab for sample collection. At the time of writing, the Comprehensive STD Blood Test, which identifies six of the most common STIs, was listed for $251 if you choose a Quest lab or $230 with Labcorp
HealthLabs.com excels in its eclectic payment options, offering several variants of STI panels ordered directly into a local lab. This includes early detection of HIV and options to consult with its in-house physicians.
Key Specifications of HealthLabs.com
Cost: $99 to $349
Testing Method: Lab-based testing
STD Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes type 1 and 2
Turn-around Time: 1 - 3 business days
Why We Recommend HealthLabs.com
In choosing HealthLabs.com, we considered their method of having lab-based testing without the need to go through at-home testing. It provides tests for early detection of HIV but also has the option to talk with one of its physicians.
Pros and Cons in Using HealthLabs.com
Pros
Wide range of test options available
Early detection for HIV is available
Lab-based testing eliminates sample collection at home
Cons
More expensive single STI tests than other options available
No obvious referral for treatment
Inconvenient as you have to go to a lab
Like most of its lab-based testing brethren, HealthLabs.com enables interested customers to choose the STI tests that interest them, order online or by phone, and then be routed to a local lab where specimen collection of urine and/or blood will be collected. FSA and HSA cards are accepted.
This company offers HIV testing that can detect a recent infection and gives detailed information on appropriate testing windows for all of its options. Specialists are available to help interpret the results, and where results might require it, physicians are available for consultation.
Quest provides uncomplicated STI testing without some of the extraneous steps involved with other testing services.
Quest's Key Specifications
Cost: $49 - $379
Testing Method: In-laboratory testing
STD Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C
Time to Receive Results: In 3 to 5 business days, on average
Why Quest is Our Top Choice
Quest cuts out the middle step that so many home STI tests provide, sending you directly to their labs for sample collection.
Pros and Cons of Using Quest
Pros
Lab-based options include blood and urine testing
Direct testing with many options directly from the source
Preconception testing set for those looking to conceive
Cons
Website can be spotty and hard to use at times
Testing requires a lab visit
Not everyone will find the Quest labs conveniently located
Overview of Quest Testing
QuestDirect is the consumer-facing business line of the diagnostic giant, Quest. So many healthcare providers refer their patients to Quest for lab work that, with the increasing demand for health testing without doctor orders, QuestDirect was created in 2018.
QuestDirect offers a variety of STI and sexual health testing panels, including tests for four common STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Another fantastic test from the company is STI screening to test for the pathogens of STIs that can affect pregnancy; this is an excellent test if one is trying to conceive.
Offering confirmatory testing for many STIs, QuestDirect also minimizes false positives and can allow independent physician consultation if you test positive or if your results are outside the normal ranges. Its website is a bit scant on information regarding STIs compared to others.
The costs range from $49 for a single test of syphilis to $379 for the expanded test panel for seven STIs.
Nurx uses the swabs required for sample collection, availed to customers to comfortably collect specimens from any site of sexual contact, including throat and anus.
STD Tests Offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis C
Time to Deliver Results: Within 7 business days
Why We Picked Nurx
What makes Nurx unique is in its holistic testing approach. It will have you take swabs from various places. Other than that, unlimited messaging with a medical professional for consultations is made possible.
Pros and Cons of Using Nurx
Pros
Among the few services that take insurance
Allows throat and rectum swabbing to identify STIs contracted through oral/anal sex
Messaging with a medical team is available unlimitedly
Cons
Some users may be uncomfortable taking the necessary swabs
Less customization options than some competitors
Early HIV testing is not available
Overview of Nurx Testing
Nurx has carved out its niche in the world of telehealth and prescription medication, and it carries this concept over into its at-home testing kits. Among its many options are a number of STI-focused packages, including the Full Control Kit, which tests via a throat swab, a rectal swab, a finger-prick blood sample, and a urine sample.
To obtain a Nurx STI kit, you just need to download the Nurx app, answer some questions regarding your health and medical history, and select a test kit. A Nurx medical provider will review your request and, upon approval, prescribe a test kit. The consultation costs $15, but it covers unlimited messaging with your provider for a year.
Although not covered by insurance, Nurx happens to be one of the selected few at-home testing companies that can take insurance owing to a prescribing health professional. With insurance, the test kit will go as low as 44.50 dollars for a Basics Covered test.
myLAB Box stands out because it provides really comprehensive test packages that cater to couples. That way, both partners can gain more insight into their risks and sexual health.
Key Specifications of myLAB Box
Price: $79 to $399 for individual kits, or $378 for a couples' kit; coupons available
myLAB Box was unique in that it had been offering a couple's comprehensive testing kit, enabling partners to approach intimacy with full knowledge about the status of their sexual health.
Pros and Cons of Using myLAB Box
Pros
Ability to test for urinary tract infections
Suitable for a broad population base
Presents multiple kit discounts for couples testing together
Provides detailed information on the testing process
Cons
May involve aggressive website navigation to locate required information
Some individuals may be uncomfortable self-collecting samples
Samples are required to be shipped back to the laboratory
myLAB Box Overview of Tests
myLAB Box has a variety of different testing kits and bundles for mouth and rectum sample collection, among others, and genital STI testing. That is quite helpful, since sexually transmitted infections like herpes and syphilis can infect parts other than genitals, which may not show up on a genital swab test if it had been contracted through oral or anal sex.
myLAB Box offers a range of niche test options, including the couples kit called the Love Box; the V-Box Vaginal Health Test Pack, which tests for five of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge; and the Boomer Box At-Home STD Test for Seniors.
The website for myLAB Box does have some light educational information on each STI; however, no specific details on testing windows. Physician consults are available for those who test positive with possible treatment prescription. Certified STI counselors are available upon request for those who test negative.
Prices range from $59 for a Rapid UTI Home Test to as high as $399 for the Total Box 14-Panel with HPV testing for women aged 30 and above. That is a unique offering among many companies.
Final Review: Best Home STI Testing Services
Today, the market is saturated with several feasible home STI testing options to suit the needs of anyone seeking to know their status. Various companies are providing home testing services with the same labs a doctor would recommend but without the hassle of visiting the doctor. Our Overall Best Pick is STDRapidtestkits.com, given its ease of using test kits and obtaining instant results.
Things to Consider with STDRapidtestkits.com
Testing in STDs through STDRapidtestkits.com requires you to collect your own samples. The whole idea of dealing with one's blood, urine, or any other kind of secretion upsets some people. If so, then STDCheck.com might be more suitable for you. The website is relatively easy to use, and you have considerable latitude in terms of what kind of test you want to take. You will not be asked to collect your sample yourself, unlike with STDRapidtestkits.com. You would just pay them a visit at a local lab and have the professionals there do the job for you.
Comparison of the Best At-Home STI Tests
To make a choice easy for you, below is a comparison of some of the best at-home STI testing services available today:
STDRapidtestkits.com: Our Overall Pick
Cost: $29 to $109 (for 7 STI tests)
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, hepatitis B & C, HIV, Herpes I & II
Results Turnaround Time: Within minutes
STDCheck.com: Our Pick for Quick Results
Cost: $24 to $259
Available STI Tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes I & II
Results Turnaround Time: 1 to 2 days
LetsGetChecked: Our Pick for Quick Treatment
Cost: $99 to $249
Available STI Tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, herpes, ureaplasma, gardnerella, mycoplasma
Results Turnaround Time: 2 to 5 days
Personalabs: Our Pick for Test Options
Cost: $46 to $522
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HIV-related, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes
Results Turnaround Time: 2 to 10 business days
HealthLabs.com: Our Pick for Payment Options
Price: $99-$349
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes type 1 and 2
Results Turnaround Time: 1 to 3 business days
QuestDirect: Our Pick for Most Direct
Price: $49 - $379
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C
Results Turnaround Time: Usually within 3 to 5 business days
Nurx: Our Choice for Self-Collection
Cost: $150 to $220 (insurance accepted - $75 plus $15 copay for consultation)
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis C
Results Turnaround Time: Within 7 days
myLAB Box: Our Choice for Couples
Cost: $79-$399; $378 for couples kit; coupons available
STI Tests Offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, HIV, mycoplasma; options for PreP and vaginal discharge
Results Turnaround Time: 2-5 days
Summary
At-home STI testing represents a modern, convenient, and quick understanding of the status regarding one's sexual health without the time investment associated with visiting a doctor. With the variety available, choosing one service over the others that best fits your particular needs in terms of immediacy of results, breadth of STIs tested, or privacy of self-collection should not be difficult.
Keep in mind that the sooner STIs are diagnosed, the more effective the usually applied treatment is and complications that may appear in the future are avoided. Find the best at-home STI testing service for your personal needs and take things into your hands when it comes to your sexual health.
For Men & Women
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No Lab Needed
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