In-Home Testing Options for 4 Common Ailments

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Home tests for common medical conditions are a lot more than just convenient. Their increased popularity can be traced directly to a growing consumer preference to maintain their sense of privacy. No longer do patients have to drive to the doctor’s office and interact with lab technicians. Today, they can stay at home and process test results on their own.

Some might be of the opinion that do-it-yourself, at-home testing is less accurate or effective than the doctor’s office. It’s not. Nowadays, at-home tests are every bit as accurate as those your doctor or a local clinic would perform. For those interested in monitoring their health for themselves, it might help to know the four most popular categories of in-home testing.

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections

Some are surprised to learn that sexually transmitted infections are actually quite common. One reason for their continued spread is that many of them don’t initially have any symptoms. This makes it likelier that an infection will be passed from one person to the next. This is one reason why it’s important for sexually active individuals with multiple partners to not only practice safe sex but get tested regularly for STIs.

Today, patients don’t have to make a doctor’s appointment or go to a clinic to get tested. Instead, you can have an STI testing kit delivered directly to your front door. With Nurx, at-home STI testing has gone mainstream. From gonorrhea to syphilis, patients can now forgo the embarrassing visit to the doctor’s office to determine whether they’ve contracted an STI.

Once the in-home test is delivered, patients simply take samples, send it back, and wait for the results. Shipping is free. Patients can use insurance or pay for the affordable kits out of pocket. The best part is that Nurx also offers additional care after testing. If you test positive for an STI, the medical team will prescribe medication and/or advise you on how to receive care in person.

About 1 million Americans are diagnosed with an STI every single day. If you think you’ve been infected, or you’re not sure, don’t wait to find out. Take advantage of the ability to test yourself privately and discreetly.

2. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted by being bitten by an infected tick. While anyone can get Lyme disease, it’s most common among individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors or frequently go camping or hiking.

When treated early, Lyme disease can be controlled. However, the later it’s treated, the more likely the infection will spread through the joints, heart, and other parts of the body. Unfortunately, diagnosing Lyme disease early isn’t easy due in large part to its run-of-the-mill symptoms. In the beginning, Lyme disease typically presents itself with a headache, fatigue, and possibly a rash — all of which are common symptoms of other infections.

According to Vox, up to 30% of people with Lyme disease never get a rash. Patients simply can’t rely on that particular symptom to decide whether or not to get tested. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, get tested so you can receive treatment as soon as possible. EverlyWell offers an at-home Lyme Disease Test that measures the bacteria that causes the disease. Prick your finger, send your blood test back, and wait for the results.

3. Pre-Diabetic Conditions

Diabetes is categorized into two types. Type 1 diabetes most often affects individuals who are born with the condition. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over the age of 45. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 34 million Americans have diabetes and almost 95% of those individuals have type 2 diabetes.

While diabetes is common, it’s also quite dangerous. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, skin conditions, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. While this condition can be managed, it’s anything but easy. To prevent its onset, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and checking to see whether you’re at risk, a.k.a. pre-diabetic.

Let’s Get Checked offers at-home diabetes testing. This test determines how likely you are to become diabetic. Once you receive the test kit, you simply take a small blood sample and send it back for results. The test works by checking the percentage of your Hemoglobin A1c. An A1c between 5.7-6.4% would be a sign that you might be prediabetic. After two to five days, you’ll receive your results via your online account. You’ll also receive access to healthcare professionals who can provide follow-up help.

If the test indicates that you’re pre-diabetic, don’t worry. There are several ways you can lower your risk. For one, losing a small amount of weight can reduce your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

The test will even determine if you already have diabetes. For example, if your A1c is over 6.5%, that’s a sign you have type 2 diabetes. By looking at your average Hemoglobin A1c over a period of months, this test can also tell whether you’re managing your diabetes effectively.

4. COVID-19

For the last couple of years, the entire world has been plagued by COVID-19. With millions already dead globally, slowing down the spread of the virus is incredibly important. This is more true than ever now that mutations, such as the Delta Variant, have come into play.

The good news is that scientists worked tirelessly in an attempt to stop the virus in its tracks. As a result, we now have COVID-19 vaccines that help protect patients from deadly coronavirus symptoms. Not only that, but at-home COVID tests are now available, too. At-risk individuals no longer need to leave their homes to find out whether they’ve been infected.

Currently, there are two types of at-home tests that have been approved by the FDA, namely the PCR test and the antigen test. With a PCR test, patients take a sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. Using an antigen test, patients take a sample and get the results back in minutes.

EmpowerDX delivers PCR COVID-19 health kits to your front door. All you have to do is take a nasal sample, send it back, and wait for your results. According to their website, results are typically made available within a few days.

There’s no denying that at-home tests offer patients many benefits. Of course, it’s imperative you consult with a doctor if any results come back positive. Even if your results come back negative, you should see your doctor if symptoms continue.