5 Best At-Home STD Tests of 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.How we vet brands and products

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

At-home STD tests offer a convenient, private way to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best tests use CLIA-certified labs and can identify many STIs.Bonus: the best in-lab STD tests

Below, we look at five of the best STI tests people can order and complete at home.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

All quotes are provided by Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, who received a free herpes test from LetsGetChecked to review.Collection method: finger prick, urine sampleResults in: 2–5 daysTests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, UreaplasmaAccepts insurance: HSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursementCost: $99–$249

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

LetsGetChecked offers a range of multiple STI tests in collaboration with CLIA-certified laboratories. This test can identify the five most common STIs, making it a good option for those who want to regularly check up on their sexual health. LetsGetChecked states it is its most popular STI test.

The service provides a self-collection testing method, meaning individuals collect their sample at home and return it on the same day.

Those who require regular STI testing may purchase a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription plan, which offers discounts of $104.30, $119.20, and $126.65, respectively.

People generally receive their results within 2–5 days. They may also contact a company nurse at any time if they wish to discuss their results and treatment.

LetsGetChecked offers prescriptions for medication, but the cost of this service is not included in the test price.

LetsGetChecked sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.

Learn more about LetsGetChecked.

Use code HEALTHLINE30 for 30% off.Pros & consThe test is simple to complete, and results are ready quicklyMedication is available at no extra costConsultations with healthcare professionals are availableThe test is expensiveFinger-prick tests can be a little painful and cause bruisingThe test is simple to complete, and results are ready quicklyMedication is available at no extra costConsultations with healthcare professionals are availableThe test is expensiveFinger-prick tests can be a little painful and cause bruising

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: $39 consultation with healthcare professionals to discuss positive resultsMedication provided: yes, at an additional costReturns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)Price: $99Follow-up guidance: $39 consultation with healthcare professionals to discuss positive resultsMedication provided: yes, at an additional costReturns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)Price: $99

Best subscription serviceCollection method: finger prickResults in: a few daysTests for: antibodies to syphilis bacteriaInsurance coverage: accepts HSA/FSAPrice: $69

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

Everlywell offers a finger-prick sample collection, providing individuals with all the tools they need to take the test at home.

After mailing the sample to one of the company’s CLIA-certified testing facilities, people receive their results on the company’s website.

If a person requires regular testing, they could subscribe to a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual subscription, which provides savings of 25, 20, or 15% respectively.

Everlywell tests reportedly feature 99% accuracy, and if an individual receives a positive result, a physician may contact them to discuss the next steps.

Everlywell sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.

Read our Everlywell review.Pros & consSubscriptions offer discounts on testsA subscription is convenient for someone needing regular testingA person can complete the test at homeThere is follow-up care available in some casesSome people may not like taking a finger prick sampleFinger-prick tests can cause bruisingA person must go to a healthcare professional to get treatmentSubscriptions offer discounts on testsA subscription is convenient for someone needing regular testingA person can complete the test at homeThere is follow-up care available in some casesSome people may not like taking a finger prick sampleFinger-prick tests can cause bruisingA person must go to a healthcare professional to get treatment

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: access to independent physician network to discuss questions and treatment options if there is a positive resultReturns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shippingFollow-up guidance: access to independent physician network to discuss questions and treatment options if there is a positive resultReturns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shipping

Best for insurance coverageCollection method: finger prick, throat swab, vaginal swab, rectal swab, urine sampleResults in: 7 business daysTests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis CAccepts insurance: yesPrice: $150

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

Nurx offers a range of screenings, including these three at-home tests for STIs:Basics Covered Kit: This tests urine and finger-prick blood samples for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. This test costs $150 without insurance, and $44.50 with insurance, plus a $29.50 service fee.Healthy V Kit: This test involves taking a vaginal swab, a throat swab, and a finger-prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. This costs $190 without insurance and $44.50 with insurance, plus a $29.50 service fee.Full Control Kit: This tests a urine sample, a throat swab, a rectal swab, and a finger-prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C. This costs $220 without insurance, and $44.50 with insurance, plus a $29.50 service fee.

The company says its labs have accreditations and approvals from CAP and CLIA, and that it protects personal and health information according to the statutes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

One advantage of choosing Nurx is that the company allows payments from insurance plans. While this lowers the cost of the test kit, there is also an additional $29.50 service fee for every kit. The service fee is $14.50 for those without insurance.

To buy a test, a person must fill out a health history questionnaire on the Nurx app or website. Next, the person selects their kit, with or without advice from the Nurx medical team.

Once the kit arrives, the person takes their samples, packages them in the prepaid envelope, and drops them in the mail. The company says it provides results within 7 business days.

Nurx does not offer free medical consultations. The company charges $15 for unlimited messaging with the medical team about test results.

Read our Nurx review.Pros & consPeople with positive test results can get prescription medicationThere is a range of tests availableNurx offers unlimited messaging with the medical teamThe company accepts insuranceThere is a significant discount for people with health insuranceAn approximate $14–$30 service fee is added on top of each test kit priceThe results turnaround is longer compared with other companiesPeople using insurance may get another bill for copays and additional costsMedical consultation costs $15People with positive test results can get prescription medicationThere is a range of tests availableNurx offers unlimited messaging with the medical teamThe company accepts insuranceThere is a significant discount for people with health insuranceAn approximate $14–$30 service fee is added on top of each test kit priceThe results turnaround is longer compared with other companiesPeople using insurance may get another bill for copays and additional costsMedical consultation costs $15

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: access to medical team regardless of resultMedication provided: yesCost: $29.50–$234.50Returns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shippingFollow-up guidance: access to medical team regardless of resultMedication provided: yesCost: $29.50–$234.50Returns: no returns or refundsShipping: free shipping

For comprehensive STI testingResults in: 2–5 daysCollection method: finger prick, swab, urine collectionTests for: chlamydia (genital, throat, rectal), gonorrhea (genital, throat, rectal), hepatitis C, HIV I, HIV II, herpes simplex 2, syphilis, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma genitalium, HPV (optional add-on)Accepts insurance: noPrice: $369

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

The total box is the most comprehensive STI testing kit from myLAB BOX. It involves testing blood, saliva, and urine samples for 14 STIs.

The company states the labs involved have Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and CLIA qualifications.

Using FDA-approved technology, the test screens for:chlamydia (genital, throat, and rectal)gonorrhea (genital, throat, and rectal)hepatitis CHIV types I and IIsyphilistrichomoniasismycoplasma genitalium

People over 30 can also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV). This test costs $20 extra.

The company says that providing the samples takes 5 minutes and that results are available on a secure online platform within 2–5 days. It also offers free consultations with certified physicians to anyone with a positive result.

myLAB BOX sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.

Learn more about myLAB Box herePros & consIt tests for a very wide range of STIsTesting is quickPeople with positive results can get a free health consultationPeople can get prescription medication during their free health consultationThe test uses FDA-approved technologyThe HPV test costs extraIt is an expensive test compared to othersThere is one subscription option availablePeople have to do three types of sample collectionIt tests for a very wide range of STIsTesting is quickPeople with positive results can get a free health consultationPeople can get prescription medication during their free health consultationThe test uses FDA-approved technologyThe HPV test costs extraIt is an expensive test compared to othersThere is one subscription option availablePeople have to do three types of sample collection

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: complementary phone call with a myLAB physician affiliateShipping: free shippingFollow-up guidance: complementary phone call with a myLAB physician affiliateShipping: free shippingResults in: 20 minutesCollection method: oral swabTests for: HIVAccepts insurance: noPrice: $38.99

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

OraQuick offers an at-home HIV test kit that only detects antibodies after 3 months of exposure to the virus.

This is the only at-home oral HIV test with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

The test kit includes a test stick that people use to swab their upper and lower gums. They then insert this into the test tube and read the result within 20–40 minutes.

People can order multiple packs at once for a discount.

OraQuick does not sell tests for other STIs.Pros & consThe test is FDA-approvedResults can be ready within 20 minutesAn oral swab is less invasive than a blood or urine testBulk orders are eligible for discountsIt is an affordable testThe test cannot detect HIV until 3 months after exposureStandard shipping can take up to 10 daysExpedited shipping costs between $20–$25The test is FDA-approvedResults can be ready within 20 minutesAn oral swab is less invasive than a blood or urine testBulk orders are eligible for discountsIt is an affordable testThe test cannot detect HIV until 3 months after exposureStandard shipping can take up to 10 daysExpedited shipping costs between $20–$25

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: bookletShipping: free shippingFollow-up guidance: bookletShipping: free shipping

Telehealth options make it possible for a person to work directly with some labs to get an in-lab STD test. With an in-lab test STD test, a person knows their sample will be collected by a health professional and they have ready access to professional medical advice. However, in-lab STD tests also mean a person has to schedule a test, travel to the lab, and have less privacy.

The following are some of the best in-lab STD tests:Collection method: blood sample, urine sampleResults in: 1–2 daysTests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, herpes type 1 and 2, and syphilisAccepts insurance: noPrice: $0

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

People can get a full panel STD test kit that tests for 10 STIs:HIV type 1 and type 2herpes 1 and 2hepatitis A, B, and Cchlamydiagonorrheasyphilis

The company states that it offers FDA-approved tests and works with CLIA-certified labs. Its medical team is available 24/7, so individuals who wish to ask questions can get in touch anytime.

Results are available within 2 days. Those who get a positive result can talk with an STDcheck doctor who may offer a prescription for $95.

The 10 test panel is available for $139, but the price increases to $259 for persons who want to add the HIV RNA Early Detection. This tests for HIV 9-11 days after exposure.Pros & consThe test is FDA-approvedThe labs are CLIA-certifiedMedical consultations are available for persons with a positive resultPrescriptions cost $95 per person, which can be expensive for somePeople cannot get insurance coverageThe test is FDA-approvedThe labs are CLIA-certifiedMedical consultations are available for persons with a positive resultPrescriptions cost $95 per person, which can be expensive for somePeople cannot get insurance coverage

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: $95 physician consultation for positive resultsMedication provided: yes, for $95Cost: $24–$259Returns: refunds if canceled before lab visitShipping: none (lab-based test)Follow-up guidance: $95 physician consultation for positive resultsMedication provided: yes, for $95Cost: $24–$259Returns: refunds if canceled before lab visitShipping: none (lab-based test)

Best for individual test optionsCollection method: urine sample, blood sampleResults in: 1–3 daysTests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasisAccepts insurance: noPrice: $0

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.MNT’s review

PrioritySTD offers a 3-step process for STD tests. First, a person enters their zip code to find the nearest testing center and selects the tests they want. They reserve their lab order at the company’s secure checkout. A person can make a same day appointment through the online portal or by calling one of the company’s care counselors.

The tests offered are:Twin Testing Panel for chlamydia and gonorrhea10-Panel STD test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B & C, herpes I & II, HIV 1 ab, HIV 1 ag, HIV 2 ab, and syphilisSingle tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes I & II, HIV 1 & 2, HIV RNA early detection, syphilis, trichomoniasis

PrioritySTD works with more than 4,000 CLIA-certified laboratories around the country. A person goes to one of these collection sites, where a trained professional collects urine and blood samples to conduct STD tests. The website claims that people are usually in and out of their testing sites in 30 minutes or less.

The company states that STD tests results are usually available 1-3 days after sample collection. A person can check their results online or by calling a care counselor 24 hours a day.

If a person tests positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, they can pay $65 for a phone consultation with a physician. The physician will call in a prescription to the pharmacy of the person’s choice, if appropriate.

PrioritySTD states that its process is completely confidential and HIPAA compliant. Other patients at the collection site will not know why the individual is there. The website states that a person’s test results are kept completely private and will not appear on a person’s medical record.Pros & consthe site offers simple schedulingcompany offers many test optionssame-day testing is availablethe company works with CLIA-certified laboratoriespractices are reportedly HIPAA compliantsome tests may cost more than they would from other sourcestests may take a little longer than other teststhe company does not take insurancethe company only offers prescriptions for persons testing positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasisthe site offers simple schedulingcompany offers many test optionssame-day testing is availablethe company works with CLIA-certified laboratoriespractices are reportedly HIPAA compliantsome tests may cost more than they would from other sourcestests may take a little longer than other teststhe company does not take insurancethe company only offers prescriptions for persons testing positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

Product detailsFollow-up guidance: yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasisMedication provided: yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasisCost: $59–$198Returns: refunds if canceled before lab visitShipping: none (lab-based tests)Follow-up guidance: yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasisMedication provided: yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasisCost: $59–$198Returns: refunds if canceled before lab visitShipping: none (lab-based tests)

The table below compares the STI test kit brands listed above. The prices listed in this table are for one-time purchases without insurance.

Some advantages and disadvantages of at-home STI tests, compared with lab tests, include:

After receiving their test kit from an online provider, people can take the STI test with all the company’s tools. This may include needles or lancets, swabs, collection tubes, alcohol wipes, bandaids, and a prepaid envelope.

An individual might need to take a blood or urine sample or a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab, depending on the STI test. They can then return their sample to a testing center through the mail.

Typically, companies will ask people to take and return their samples on the same day.

The company will then test the sample — usually at a CLIA-certified lab — and send a person’s results through a secure online portal. People can then discuss their results with the company’s medical team or a healthcare professional.

People should not make health decisions based on the results of an at-home test without first consulting a doctor.

The FDA writes that at-home tests are cost-effective, fast, and confidential ways to test for health conditions at home. However, it warns that these tests should not replace regular care from a doctor. People can find FDA-approved at-home tests on the FDA website.

The accuracy of these tests may depend on the sample collection method, how quickly a person ships their sample back, and the lab that tests the sample.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) has established quality standards for laboratory testing and an accreditation program for clinical laboratories.

However, not all online testing companies have received CLIA certification. Therefore, a person should look for this certification when buying tests to verify their accuracy and quality.

Healthcare insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover some or all of the cost of STI testing. However, there are several places where a person may receive free or low cost STI screening.

Learn more about where to receive STI testing.Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is no longer eligible for federal funding through the Title X program. The organization can only offer free or low cost STI testing if it receives funding from the location state. Due to this, a person must call or otherwise contact their local center to check whether it offers affordable testing.Community clinics and city health centers

A person’s local community clinic or city health center may offer free or low cost STI testing. These clinics may provide a mix of walk-ins or appointments.

Find a local community health clinic on the government HealthCare website.

Additionally, the CDC offers a database where people can find centers that offer free or low cost STI testing and vaccinations. People can search via their ZIP code or state.

Access the CDC database.Student health centers

Student health centers may offer low cost STI screening for students enrolled in local colleges.

A person can find their student health center through their college website or by contacting their college unions.LGBTQ+ community centers

People who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community may prefer to visit an LGBTQIA+ community center.

These centers may be able to provide people with information on where to find low cost healthcare with an LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professional.

Find a local LGBTQ+ community center on the LGBT Centers website.

The CDC mentions that STI tests may benefit people with an increased chance of contracting a sexual infection. They include:

The CDC also states that taking an STI test during pregnancy may help prevent complications.

It is important to note that STIs do not always cause symptoms. However, people may wish to take a test if they experience:

Individuals may wish to take a test if they believe they have had exposure to an STI.

Some people may prefer to get tests done in person. This may be a more suitable option for people who do not feel comfortable collecting a sample themselves. Others may not want to have an STI test sent to their home.

Below, we list some of the best in-person STI testing options.QuestDirect: This company may be best suited to pregnant people, as it offers a pregnancy STI test that can identify seven STIs. Results are available within 2–5 days, and follow-up care and medication are available.STDCheck: This company also sells panel tests. People can choose from a 9- or 10-panel test. It also provides an early HIV detection test, which can detect HIV 11 days after exposure. People can get their results within 2 days, and follow-up consultations are available.

Some people may feel nervous talking about their STI results and may not know which questions to ask. Below are some examples that may help people discuss with a healthcare professional about their results.Will the STI have any short- or long-term effects on my body?Are there ways of managing any side effects of the STI?Is there any treatment for the STI?Do I need to take any medication, and how long must I take it if I do?Does the medication cause any side effects?How long will I have to wait before I can have sex without transmitting the infection?How do I reduce my risk of contracting an infection in the future?Are any local centers or organizations providing free or low-cost condoms?

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about at-home STI tests.Where can I get free STI testing?

Free or heavily discounted STI testing may be available in the U.S. People can search the CDC database to find free tests nearby.

Certain foundations and nonprofit organizations also provide free testing. For example, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers this in over 28 locations nationwide.What happens if the result comes back positive?

If a person gets a positive result from an STI test, the next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and prevent the infection from passing to others.

A healthcare professional can also guide any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of getting or passing on STIs.How do at-home STD tests protect privacy?

This depends on the testing company’s security and privacy measures, including HIPAA compliance. Some use internet encryption and discreet packaging and destroy samples and data after the test is complete and the person has seen their results.

An STI test can easily link back to a person through their DNA, so using a reputable service that protects personal information and healthcare data is crucial.What do home STD tests test for?

STD tests are available as single tests or multi-tests. This means they test for a single STI, such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea, or multiple tests.

People can check the type of sample required and how long it takes to receive results. Some may also consider opting for a subscription if they must get tested frequently.Is STD testing free in Alabama?

The Alabama Department of Health offers free STD testing through both home tests and county health departments. Alabama residents can request one free STD/HIV home specimen and laboratory testing kit every three months.

An Alabama resident could also visit a state-run, confidential STD clinic operated through the state’s county health departments. These clinics offer free testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

An at-home STI test may suit people needing convenient, discreet STI testing. Various companies offer test bundles, consultations, and retests, and the results are generally available within a few days.

Follow the company’s instructions carefully to increase the likelihood of an accurate result.

02

Alzheimer’s breakthrough as simple finger prick test could spot illness in 7 minutes

A finger-prick test is being developed by scientists that could be able to spot Alzheimer’s in just seven minutes by detecting the activity of proteins known to act differently when people have the diseaseA finger-prick test could soon detect Alzheimer’s (

Image: Getty Images)

A finger-prick blood test is being developed to detect Alzheimer’s disease in just seven minutes.

Scientists from the University of Exeter have used the simple way to spot proteins associated with a wide range of diseases from long Covid to Alzheimer’s and in less than 10 minutes. Professor Andrew Shaw, CEO of inventors Attomarker told the British Science Festival that there are “nine proteins that predict dementia” and that “the idea is that we can measure those and look at how they evolve over time”.

The company has been analysing the protein tau with its activity behaving differently for people who have Alzheimer’s disease. The device is also being tested for its ability to spot other conditions including long Covid and food allergies.

It is believed that Alzheimer’s could be detected by taking a finger-prick blood test with a scan costing just £10. Using a mobile phone, a light is shone onto the blood sample after chemicals are added to react with proteins and abnormalities can be discovered.

Prof Shaw is hopeful that the test which is currently carried out in laboratories could now be done simply and in just a question of minutes, he described it as being “like a laboratory in your hand”. He also said that Attomarker, which is a spinout from the University of Exeter is “revolutionising diagnostic technology and potential of big data”, reported the Financial Times.

Meanwhile, having conditions such as high blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol, may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life, new research also suggests.

People living with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions which also includes high levels of fat in the blood (triglycerides) and high blood sugar (glucose), are at 12% higher risk of developing dementia compared with those without the conditions, according to scientists at Oxford Population Health.

The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association also found that having all five components of metabolic syndrome increased the risk of dementia by 50%. The scientist said that treating metabolic syndrome by using medicines or making lifestyle changes could help reduce this risk.

Danial Qureshi, lead author and PhD candidate at Oxford Population Health, said: “Our study findings suggest that early identification and management of metabolic syndrome could potentially reduce risk of developing dementia later in life.” He added: “Learning more about this link is crucial, especially given the rapid increase in dementia cases worldwide and the limited number of effective treatments currently available.”

Those with poor metabolic health are already known to be at greater risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It affects an estimated one in three adults aged 50 or over in the UK. For the study, the researchers looked at data from more than 176,000 people in the UK Biobank, an online database of medical and lifestyle records of half a million Britons, over a period of 15 years.

All those involved in the study were aged 60 or older and free of dementia at the start. Around 42% (73,510 people) had metabolic syndrome at the start of the study and the most common condition was high blood pressure (96%), followed by high triglycerides (74%), low “good” (LDL) cholesterol (72%), high waist circumference (70%), and high blood glucose (50%).

Over the course of the study, 5,255 went on to develop dementia. Findings showed having four or five conditions associated with metabolic syndrome increased the risk of dementia by 19% and 50% respectively. Dr Thomas Littlejohns, senior author and Senior Epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, said: “There is growing evidence that better prevention, management and treatment of certain health conditions could reduce future risk of dementia.

“These findings suggest that it is also important to consider the role of multiple conditions, especially as we observed the greatest risk in those with all five components of metabolic syndrome.”

03

Finger-prick hormone tests used by women going through IVF and menopause may be unreliable, experts warn

By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: 18:30 EDT, 30 August 2023 | Updated: 19:28 EDT, 30 August 2023

An online finger-prick hormone test used by menopausal women could provide unreliable results, experts have warned.

Finger-prick tests for a hormone called oestradiol are sold by online retailers for between £50 and £180, depending on what is included in the test.

They are often used by women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or going through IVF to track menopause or fertility levels and can impact decisions around the need for drugs or further tests.

But Eurofins, a large laboratory based in the UK, is still carrying out finger prick tests for oestradiol despite concerns the results might not always be accurate, an investigation has found.

Eurofins’ own internal study, launched in 2021, found finger-prick blood samples were more likely to record lower oestradiol levels than blood samples taken from a vein.

Finger-prick tests for a hormone called oestradiol are sold by online retailers for between £50 and £180 but experts have warned they could be unreliable 

But it carried on processing the tests on behalf of online retailers after telling them about the discrepancy, according to the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Insiders from the company, who have since left, told The BMJ that in their view the results from the company’s internal studies showed the test was unreliable and that they should have stopped processing it.

One former employee said the fact Eurofins carried on processing these tests once potential problems had been identified showed ‘a lack of duty of care and regard for patients.’

Another added: ‘Some customers who use this are bodybuilders, people who are on hormone replacement therapies, or people who may be going through IVF. It’s not an urgent medical test but you would want the result to be as accurate as possible.

‘Every test has implications.’

Jessica Watson, a GP in Bristol who researches the use of tests, said: ‘There is a risk that results might be misinterpreted or be misleading—and that could have implications for women if they believe that they are more or less fertile, for example, even if that just steers their decision making a little bit.

‘And if that is causing confusion or increased anxiety, they will probably contact their GP for advice and that has a knock-on effect on NHS services which are massively overstretched.’

David Wells, chief executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science, is trying to raise awareness around the lack of regulation of online tests and laboratories.

‘The home testing and the home sampling arena lacks the levels of scrutiny and clinical oversight that a main laboratory serving a hospital accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and regulated by the Care Quality Commission would have,’ he said.

‘In essence these are sitting slightly outside of most regulations.’

The investigation reveals that Eurofins did get in touch with online retailer clients to tell them that results of the finger prick tests were lower compared with samples taken from a vein, but did not stop processing the tests.

Eurofins has been contacted for comment Share or comment on this article: Finger-prick hormone tests used by women going through IVF and menopause may be unreliable, experts warn