The at-home STD testing kit is a convenient and discreet way to screen for STDs. These kits allow you to collect a urine or blood sample and send it away for testing.

Most at-home test kits come with instructions, a specimen bag and pre-paid return envelopes. They also often include an online portal to get results in a few days.

1. Easy to Use

Getting tested for STDs can be difficult, but at-home testing kits are easy to use and convenient. They offer accurate results and can also help you start treatment discreetly.

The best at-home kits for sexually transmitted diseases include all of the tools you need to collect a sample, ship it to a lab for testing, and receive your results. Some even offer consultations after you get your results to help you better understand what’s going on with your body.

Most at-home test companies have kits for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Some even test for other infections such as hepatitis C and trichomoniasis.

2. Discreet

CVS’ STD Testing Kit is discreet and easy to use. You simply purchase the test kit, collect a urine sample and ship it to the lab for testing.

The results of the test are sent to you anonymously online or via a phone call or text message. Afterwards, you can consult a health professional about your STI and possible treatment options.

Many STIs don’t show any symptoms in the early stages, but they can cause serious medical conditions. Taking a test is the best way to know your status and get treated before symptoms develop.

A number of comprehensive test bundles are available that can screen for the most common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and HIV. Some kits also screen for other infections that are common alongside STIs.

3. Accurate

If you’re worried about contracting an STD, getting tested is the first step to protecting your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual testing of people who are sexually active, especially if you have more than one partner or have a history of a high-risk STI.

The best home test kits are also convenient, offering rapid lab-certified results without having to leave your home. And if you have a positive result, they usually offer a consultation with a doctor to explain the results and answer any questions.

Generally, most at-home STD tests are very accurate. This is a function of both the type of test and the sample collection method. MyLAB Box’s trich test, for example, has 95% sensitivity and 99% specificity, meaning it can detect chlamydia and gonorrhea even when you have no symptoms.

4. Convenient

The STD Testing Kit CVS offers a wide range of options for screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea and other common infections. All kits provide the tools to collect a sample and mail it to a lab for testing.

The test results are delivered through a secure website or over the phone. Some of these kits also include a free consultation with a physician or nurse if you test positive.

While at-home STD testing is convenient, many public health labs are reluctant to work with them, so you should not rely on them in place of visiting a doctor.

CVS offers Minute Clinics in over 1,100 stores nationwide, with STI testing performed by certified family nurse practitioners or physician assistants. You can also visit one of these locations to get a free HIV/AIDS test. However, the services offered at these clinics vary from location to location, so it is important to contact your local CVS for specific information about their STI testing.