Though the most reliable and effective way of determining if you have a sexually transmitted infection is through seeing a healthcare provider, most people, especially youths, don't go for STD testing in the clinics. These have seen an increase in the number of STD cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recording an estimation of 20 million new STD infections each year. 

 

 Because of this, experts came up with a brilliant idea and developed an STD home test kit, including the oral STD test kit, to curb stigmatization and increase the number of people having STD testing. However, not all STDs can be tested with these online and home-to-lab STD screening tests. The most common oral STD test kit is for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

 

What is an oral STD test kit?

 

An oral STD test kit is done to check for the presence of oral STDs in the throat, as some sexually transmitted infections are passed during oral sex. The most common oral STD tests are gonorrhea and chlamydia tests. The test involves taking a swab from your throat and then taking it for further screening and analysis in the lab. STD swab tests are painless, and you can conveniently and easily complete them at home. 

 

How at-home oral STD test kit works 

 

STD home test kits work the same way as the tests done in walk-in private clinics because they are tested in the same laboratory after taking the samples. The only difference is the way the samples are collected. STD home test kits allow you to collect samples in the comfort of your home. You can also deliver the packages anonymously to ensure privacy and avoid interacting with the person collecting the sample. 

 

The STD home testing kit contains all the tools you'll need to deposit your sample. The content of the kit includes:

 

  • A swab and its packing
  • A urine sample pot with a lid
  • A sterile lancet for cutting the age of your finger
  • Plasters for covering the wound
  • A tube containing a serum for preserving the blood until it reaches the laboratory

 

The oral STD test kit only contains a swab and its packing. Once you get the kit, your doctor may give you instructions through a phone call, text messaging, or online chat. Once you follow the instructions and get the sample, you'll package it in an envelope and send it off the post. It will then be sent to the lab for testing, and once the result is ready, your provider will send it through an online portal. 

 

How long do home STD results take?

 

Generally, after sending the samples, it takes around three working days to get your results. However, there are some factors that determine the period it can take to get your results, and they include:

 

  • How you send your sample: How you transport the sample will determine how faster or later it reaches. So it is important to scrutinize and know which mode of transportation is faster.

 

  • The time it takes to deposit your sample: After taking the sample, some people leave them lying in the house. The sooner you send your sample to the laboratory, the faster you'll get your results. 

 

  • The time it takes to process your results: Result processing differs with each type of test. Though there is an estimation of three hours, some can take longer while others take a shorter time. 

 

What is the reliability of STI home testing kits?

 

No STI home testing kit is 100 percent reliable, but even private STI tests are not. But you can ensure you increase the reliability of your Oral STD test kit by following these simple steps:

 

  • Do the test after the incubation period: The incubation period is the time frame between when you get the infection and when the body fights off the infection against the pathogen. Taking a test before the incubation period will likely give you a false negative test result.

 

  • Consult with your doctor or an STD expert before the test: If you don't know how long your incubation period is or are unsure about the symptoms you are experiencing, you should contact an expert. By just describing to them your symptoms and sex experience, they will advise on the type of test you should take. They are also knowledgeable on the incubation period of each STD, and they will advise you appropriately depending on your symptoms. 

 

 

  • Follow the instructions carefully: following instructions is very important whether it is at home oral STD test kit or private STI tests as this will ensure the accuracy of the results. The accuracy and reliability of at-home test kits will depend on how closely you follow the steps, which will prevent you from the hassle of repeating the test. Doing the test correctly increases your chances of treating the STD early enough if the test returns positive. 

 

What are the pros and cons of at-home oral STD test kits?

 

The number of STD infections and the need for screening increases daily. It means we need to have more screening options; this is where the home test kits come in handy. Though visiting clinics is the better option, a home testing kit has proven the best option for privacy concerns, inconveniences, or limited access to providers. 

 

Pros

 

Home testing kits have some advantages over walk-in clinics for most people. These pros include:

 

  • They are convenient: With the home oral STD test kits, you can take STD tests in your own home, so you don't need to worry about your limited transportation money. It is also convenient for those having medical conditions that can make pelvic exams difficult because at-home STD screenings don't require pelvic examination.

 

  • It reduces stigma: Some people, especially youths, struggle with stigmatization due to STDs. The home STD test kits offer privacy to these individuals who may be reluctant to go to a screening clinic or even visit their doctors.

 

  • The tests are reliable:  Home STD test kits are reliable if you follow your doctor's instructions. 

 

  • Reduces your chances of contracting other infections: Having an STD test at your home means you won't go to a clinic where people are congested, which can increase your chances of contracting other infections like flu, common cold, tuberculosis, etc. 

 

Cons

 

Besides the pros, at-home STD test kits also have some disadvantages, and they may include the following:

 

  • They may be inaccurate: When it comes to medical tests, accuracy is essential. The accuracy of oral STD home tests depends on the collection process. When collecting swab samples from the throat, there is a likelihood that most people don't do it correctly, which can lead to a false result. There is also a concern about the regulations of the lab facilities and whether those making tests provide information about the kind of analysis they use in their lab.

 

Without a better collection process and information about the lab doing the analysis, you may get false positive results, which shows you have an infection where there is none. The worst false result is a false negative result where there is an infection. Still, it is not detected, which can lead to more severe complications like ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or even infection of the babies by their mothers during pregnancy or delivery. 

 

  • Poor post-diagnosis care: Another disadvantage of home STD testing is the patient's response to the results. Receiving a positive result is alarming and confusing, and most patients do not accurately interpret their test results. They need someone to speak to them, help them understand the infection better, and guide them about treatment and how to get re-tested; they need an informed healthcare provider, which is something home STD testing doesn't provide

 

Conclusion

 

Due to the asymptomatic nature of most STDs, the number of STI infections has increased, and so has the need for screening. Most people have opted for home STD testing, especially those who still fear the stigmatization that comes with STDs. 

 

Though the STI home testing kits are not 100% reliable, if you follow the correct collection process, you will likely get the correct results. 

Contributor: admin