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Last Updated: Dec 2024

Best STD Testing Kits for 2024
Test yourself privately at home

You don't need to make a doctor's appointment to test yourself for STDs. Compare the top home testing kits below and choose one that works for you.

Our Top STD Testing Kit Services
We Recommend
LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked
fair
7.5
300,000+ tests performed
Order Now
Health Testing Centers
Health Testing Centers
fair
7.8
3500 testing locations nationwide
Order Now
LetsGetChecked Basic 3
LetsGetChecked Basic 3
fair
7.5
300,000+ tests performed
Order Now
1
LetsGetChecked -Comprehensive at-home kits, support & treatment for the most common STDsRead Review
  • Results in 2 to 5 days
  • Discrete packaging & anonymized data
  • Physicians & nurses available 24/7
  • Labs with highest acccrediation levels
  • Save 25% with code SELFTEST25
fair
7.5
Visit Site
2
Health Testing Centers -Testing kits for both individual STDs & early detection HIVRead Review
  • Complete STD kit checks for 7 STDs
  • All data is protected by federal HIPAA laws
  • Third-party physicians provide prescriptions
fair
7.8
3
LetsGetChecked Basic 3 -Affordable home kit featuring the 3 most common STIsRead Review
  • Online results: 2-5 days
  • 3-in-1 test kit
  • Test type: urine sample
fair
7.5
4
Everlywell -STD testing with home-kits and online resultsRead Review
  • 7-in-1 test
  • Anonymous packaging & confidentiality
  • Receive physician-reviewed results in days
very good
8.8
5
STD Check -Affordable, telehealth STD testing with ordering via online and phoneRead Review
  • Tests returned within 1-2 days
  • All results protected by federal HIPAA laws
  • All testing services managed by physicians
fair
7.8
6
myLAB Box -Longest running at-home STD-testing service in the U.S.Read Review
  • Lab-certified 5-minute test
  • All data is protected by federal HIPAA laws
  • Free same-day medical consultations
fair
7.8
7
Priority STD Testing -Easy 3-step process with same-day appointments for testingRead Review
  • Results available online in 24-72 hours
  • Over 4,000 discreet collection facilities
  • Care counselors available for help
fair
7.8
8
Nurx -Basic STD kits & affordable birth control delivered to your door
  • Medical team contacts you in 7 business days
  • Data anonymized & protected by HIPAA laws
  • Consultation includes unlimited messaging
Coming Soon
9
HealthLabs -Variety of STD tests with reports sent via a secure online portalRead Review
  • Comprehensive panel for 10 most common STDs
  • 128-bit SSL encryption & HL-7 interface
  • Care advisors available via live chat
fair
7.8

What Are STD Test Kits?

STD test kits let you screen for common sexually transmitted diseases without having to visit a doctor or clinic. A typical STD kit includes materials for collecting a sample at home and shipping it to a lab to be tested.

Most STD test kit providers work with licensed and certified labs and abide by HIPAA standards. Many offer supplementary medical support, sexual health resources, and nurse hotlines, as well as follow-up services like prescriptions and referrals.

What STDs Can They Test For?

Most STD test-kit companies offer kits for the following STDs:

  • Herpes 1 & 2
  • Hepatitis A, B, and C
  • HPV
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis
  • HIV

Companies often offer panels that test for multiple STDs at once. These are generally more affordable, and the most popular option for general STD screening.

How Do STD Test Kits Work?

Using an STD test kit is simple and usually requires no referrals or prescriptions from your doctor. The process may vary slightly from one company to the next, but here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

Receiving your kit:

After you order your kit, it will be shipped to you in a discreet package and will include all the instructions, forms, and return information you’ll need. Most kits will include a barcode that you enter into the site which logs you into your own portal. This is typically where you’ll receive your results and communicate with staff.

Collecting a sample:

Collecting your sample can be done in minutes, though the squeamish may want some company for assistance or support. The sample needed depends on the test, but the 3 most common sample types are urine, vaginal swab, and finger-prick. The kit will include complete instructions as well as all the materials necessary for collecting and shipping the sample.

Submitting for results:

After you’ve collected your sample, you need to send it to the lab to be tested. The time it takes to receive your results varies but generally spans 3 days to 2 weeks depending on the company.
Results are typically delivered via a private online portal.

Follow-up:

Most STD test-kit companies provide healthcare professionals to answer questions, explain results, and in the case of a positive test, guide you through the next steps. The degree and availability of the medical staff varies from one company to the next, though typically the staff will include nurses or physicians who offer referrals and prescriptions.

Why Get Tested Through a Kit?

There are multiple reasons STD test kits can be advantageous. Anonymity is a big factor. Some people feel embarrassed to discuss their sex lives with their regular healthcare providers. By circumventing face-to-face encounters, STD kits allow people to be proactive about sexual health without the fear of being embarrassed or feeling judged.

STD test kits can also be more affordable than doctor’s visits, and are likely to save you time. Those with busy schedules may find it difficult to make an appointment during working hours. STD test kits can be taken in the comfort of home within minutes, thereby eliminating the time spent traveling to a physical office.

Finally, an STD test kit can foster peace of mind. If worrisome symptoms appear, or you simply want to be proactive with your sexual health, you can initiate the process immediately rather than wait to make an appointment. This autonomy allows sexually active individuals to get screened whenever they want with relatively little effort, making it easier to regularly check in on your sexual health.

How Accurate are STD Test Kits?

Most companies work with CLIA-certified labs, which means that ideally, tests would be as accurate as in-person screenings. Of course, the nature of at-home test kits leaves more room for human error. Inaccuracies could arise from improperly collecting a sample, shipping or storage problems, or being tested before the incubation period of an STD. Many companies claim their tests are anywhere from 95%-98% accurate. As always, at-home kits should never replace regular medical checkups, and it’s a good idea to follow-up with your regular healthcare provider and seek medical attention if your results contradict the symptoms you’re experiencing.

How Do I Find a Good STD Test Kit?

It’s important to use a reputable STD test kit company. Here are some features to look for in a provider that can help you narrow down your options.

Certified labs:
The most reputable companies will go through a certified laboratory. Make sure the company’s lab meets the standards of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments).

Healthcare professionals on staff:
A good STD test-kit company will have a medical support team on staff to answer questions and provide next steps. Qualifications and availability will differ from one company to the next: some have physicians on staff, others nurses or physicians’ aides. A good company will offer a professional staff with medical credentials.

Resources on web page:
An in-depth FAQ is one good sign of a legitimate company. Another good sign is supplementary resources. A company with a strong library of articles and links to sexual health resources on its site is likely to be more invested and reliable.

Customer service:
Though STD test kits are relatively simple to use, there are plenty of questions that can come up during the process, and a good company will be available to answer them directly. Check the customer service policy to see how and when you’ll be able to contact someone. Live chats and 24/7 services are the best signs that support will be available.

Privacy policy:
It’s important to go through a company that promises not to share your results unless you give them consent or they’re required by law. Most companies will outline their privacy policy in the FAQ or elsewhere on their website.

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