When Do You Need a Blood Test for STDs?

When Do You Need a Blood Test for STDs? Some STDs require blood work, while others can be tested with other fluids like saliva or urine.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the topic of STDs and the tests used to diagnose them. Not knowing what tests to take, or if they’re invasive, can lead to reluctance to get tested.

That reluctance can take you out of the game, lead to awkward, mood-ruining conversations, or even worse: make you an irresponsible sexual partner that contributes to the spreading of STDs. So, let’s clear up any misconceptions about which STDs require a blood test and which don’t–and see just how much blood is actually involved.

Just a tiny sample

Things aren’t what they used to be. Medical science has advanced to a point where you only need a tiny sample of blood to get accurate test results. To test for HIV, genital herpes and syphilis, you only need to use a finger prick to gather a blood sample the size of a dime.

You can test for other STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea with just a urine sample. Test for Trichomoniasis with a simple swab of the infected area.  

When you need to give a blood sample, there’s no need to panic or worry about big, scary needles. myLAB Box home testing products aren’t invasive at all. The kits include a retractable safety lancet used to prick the tip of your finger. Place a couple of drops of blood onto a blood specimen card (included in the kit). That’s all there is to it.

Sometimes a blood test for STDs is better

According to the CDC*, blood testing is much better at detecting HIV infections early. As many as 1 in 12 infected people may get a false negative when testing for HIV with saliva. When it comes to testing for STDs, it’s obvious that accuracy is absolutely crucial.

Don’t sweat it

The bottom line: if you aren’t sure if you’ve acquired an STD, testing is easier than ever. If you don’t know which test or sample you need, don’t worry. We’ve got a team of experts at myLAB Box, and you have the option to test for the 10 most common STDs. The kits include easy to follow instructions to help you collect the sample you need that will produce the most accurate results.

Find the peace of mind you’re looking for, and get yourself back in the game! Test for STDs today with one of our home testing kits.

Reviewed by Luis Ferdinand M. Papa, MD, MHA

For your reference:

*https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/hometests.html