Today, you can test for common STDs in the comfort of your home, thanks to at-home test kits. The best part is that you can buy the kits from a pharmacy or online store without worrying about your privacy. However, just because at-home STD kits are designed for easy use does not mean that everyone uses them correctly. This article highlights tips for using at-home STD testing kits correctly.

Check the Specific Test Details 

There are different STD test kit manufacturers out there, and each has claims on what their kits can do. For instance, some kits can only be used to test three of the most common STDs, while others can test more than this number. Therefore, when buying a test kit that claims it can test up to six STDs, you must be sure that the claim is valid. Likewise, there is no need to spend your money on a kit that claims to test gonorrhoea if it does not do so. Similarly, if an STD kit claims that it only takes one or two days to send you the results, confirm whether the claim is accurate before buying the device. Again, you can find the information on a brand's website or product reviews.

Seek Advice if You Are on Medication 

If you have an underlying medical condition that requires you to take some form of medication, you should seek a GP's (general practitioner) advice before using a self-test kit. The reason is that some medicines can affect your test results, which can be misleading. A false negative, non-reactive or low-reactive result caused by medication can be dangerous because it can delay speedy intervention. For instance, if you suspect that you have an STD, the chances are high that you will not see a doctor if the results show a false negative. Therefore, see a GP before using an at-home test kit if you are on some medication.

Prevent Kit Contamination 

Some STD testing kits require you to send your blood sample to a laboratory of choice for analysis. Lab technicians use the blood sample to test for different STDs. Therefore, you must avoid anything that could lead to contamination of the blood sample; otherwise, the result will be unreliable. Fortunately, some at-home testing kits come with special envelopes for users to send their blood samples in. Remember to seal the package to ensure air-tight protection in case of a mishap. Most importantly, it guarantees accurate test results once blood analysis is complete.

If you think you have an STD, check out your options for an STD testing kit either online or in stores.