Self-sampling - meaning and definition
Alsohome STI testhome testing kitself-test kitpostal STI testself-swabat-home STI testhome STD test
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Self-sampling is when a person takes their own swab, urine or finger-prick blood sample at home or in a clinic and sends it to a laboratory for STI testing.
At a glance
- Self-sampling means taking your own swab, urine or finger-prick blood sample.
- Many health services offer free or low-cost kits online.
- Self-taken swabs are as accurate as clinician-taken ones for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
- Results are usually sent by text or online.
- People with symptoms or who need PEP or emergency contraception should contact a clinic directly.
In detail
Many health services now offer free or low-cost kits online. Studies show self-taken swabs are as accurate as clinician-taken ones for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Results are usually sent by text or online.
Self-sampling is convenient and private, but anyone with symptoms, or who needs PEP or emergency contraception, should contact a clinic directly rather than wait for a postal result.
In a sentence
- I ordered a self-sampling kit online and posted it back the next day.
- The clinic offered self-sampling so I did not have to see anyone in person.
Not to be confused with
- Rapid HIV test
An HIV self-test gives a result at home within minutes, rather than being posted to a lab.
Common questions
Are home STI tests accurate?
Studies show self-taken swabs are as accurate as clinician-taken ones for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Following the kit's instructions carefully matters.
When should I go to a clinic instead of using a kit?
Anyone with symptoms, or who may need PEP or emergency contraception, should contact a clinic directly rather than wait for a postal result.