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At-home chlamydia tests are a convenient way to test in the comfort of a person’s home. Read on to compare our top picks, including tests for chlamydia in the throat.
Chlamydia is a
Anyone who has sex without a condom or other barrier contraceptives should consider chlamydia testing.
Here, we compare the at-home tests, including which parts of the body they test, the collection method, and more.
Medical News Today chooses at-home chlamydia tests that meet the following criteria:
- Sites tested: People can contract chlamydia in the throat, genitals, or rectum. We have ensured that each site has at least one test option.
- Collection method: Many tests use swabs or urine tests to check for chlamydia, and these can be more comfortable than providing a finger prick test. However, we have included tests that require a blood sample if they test for other STIs.
- Affordability: STI tests can be expensive. We carefully selected tests that fit a range of budgets, from less expensive options that test for fewer STIs to more expensive ones that provide a comprehensive panel.
- Insurance coverage: Many at-home test companies do not accept insurance, but we included those that do in our roundup.
- Test result speed: Waiting several days for an STI test result can be difficult, so we selected tests that provide results in five days or under.
- Further support: All of the companies in this article will provide follow-up guidance, and some will prescribe treatment at an extra cost.
Taking a home chlamydia test typically involves collecting a urine or genital swab sample while at home and then sending it to a lab for analysis. Lab technicians then determine whether the bacterium responsible for chlamydia is present in the sample.
Some home testing companies allow a person to discreetly order testing kits while at home but then require the person to take the kit to a specified laboratory where a technician will collect a sample. The lab that analyzed the sample then sends the results directly to the person who ordered the test.
Some home-testing companies have doctors on staff who can write a prescription and send it to a pharmacy if required.
Before the chlamydia test, a person should:
- avoid douching or using vaginal creams for 24 hours before the test
- avoid taking antibiotics for 24 hours before the test
- refrain from urinating for 1–2 hours before taking the sample
If a test indicates that a person has chlamydia and the company does not offer a follow-up consultation service, they should contact a doctor or healthcare professional. Without treatment, chlamydia can cause serious complications, such as infertility in females.
Learn more about the dangers of leaving chlamydia untreated here.
According to the
The CDC also recommends a yearly test for sexually active females aged 25 years or older who have:
- new or multiple sexual partners
- a sexual partner with an STI
- a sexual partner who also has other partners
Additionally, anyone who thinks they might have chlamydia should take a test.
STI tests are often a standard part of a
One symptom of chlamydia is a burning sensation when urinating. A person experiencing this issue should contact a doctor, even if a home chlamydia test has returned a negative result.
Individuals should consult their doctor for confirmation if a home test returns a positive result.
Yes, there are several chlamydia tests that offer discreet and accurate testing at home. It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions to ensure people collect their sample correctly.
According to a 2022 study, self-collecting vaginal swabs is at least as accurate as doctor-collected samples.
It is likely that tests requiring a urine sample or a throat or rectum swab will be accurate too, so long as people collect the samples correctly.
Yes, some pharmacies may carry chlamydia test kits, either in-store or online.
Yes, chlamydia self-tests are reliable, so long as people collect their samples correctly.
Older research suggests that vaginal swabs are the most likely to return a correct positive or negative result in comparison to other sample types.
However, it is important to note that no test is 100% reliable or accurate. Tests can return a false positive or a false negative. If a person is displaying symptoms after a negative test, they should contact a healthcare professional for further testing and advice.
According to Planned Parenthood, insurance covers STI testing most of the time. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV testing should be a part of a person’s insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
However, whether a person’s insurance company covers certain STI testing depends on several factors, including gender, age, and pregnancy. People should always contact their insurance provider for more information.
A home chlamydia test might involve collecting a urine sample or genital swab at home and sending it to a lab. Alternatively, it might require a lab visit, where a healthcare professional collects the sample.
A person should consider this option if they believe they have chlamydia, as a regular health exam does not always screen for this infection.