How to use self-test kits safely

Self-test kits can sometimes be helpful but get advice from your pharmacist or other health professional first.

Buying self-test kits safely

Get advice from a health professional first

When you get your results

Examples of self-test kits



These kits are available on the high street, online or from a doctor.

Before buying a self-test kit, it's best to talk to a health professional, such as your pharmacist. They can help you decide which kit is best for you and tell you how to use it.

Remember, you can also get high-quality tests through your doctor, hospital or sexual health clinic.

## Buying self-test kits safely

If you are buying a self-test kit online, it's important to be wary of the claims they make, as they may be misleading. Before using one, make sure the kit is sealed, without any damage to the packaging, and is within its expiry date.

If you have concerns about the quality of a self-test kit, for example if it is damaged, you should report it using the Yellow Card Scheme.

A self-test kit should never replace a health professional's advice or a result from a national screening programme, such as bowel, cervical or breast cancer screening.


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## Get advice from a health professional first

It's important to remember that, if you are taking any medicines, they may affect your test results. It's worth getting advice from a health professional first, as using a self-test kit may not be appropriate for you.

It's rare for a self-test kit to give a 100% guarantee that you have or don't have a particular condition. It may not be as helpful as having a consultation with a doctor or other health professional.

Before using a self-test kit, make sure it has a CE quality assurance mark. This means that, provided you use it correctly, the kit will work properly and is safe.

If you have any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, practice nurse or doctor.


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## When you get your results

No self-test kit is 100% reliable, and a CE mark is still no guarantee that a particular home test is suitable for you.

If you have any concerns about your results after using a self-help kit, make sure you get advice from a health professional.

If you do a self-test for HIV and the result is positive, it's important that you contact a health professional as soon as possible and get the emotional and medical support you need.


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## Examples of self-test kits

Your pharmacist can advise you on the range of self-test kits available, and your doctor can tell you what's available. Here are some examples:

### Self-test kits for infertility

You can buy over-the-counter kits to test for male fertility and female ovulation. If you are worried about your fertility after using one, talk to a health professional.

### Self-test kits for STIs

Everyone can get tests for any STI, including HIV, from their doctor or local sexual health clinic.

Self-test kits for STIs are also available online and on the high street. They include home testing kits for infections such as [chlamydia](/health-library/conditions/chlamydia) and [gonorrhoea](/health-library/conditions/gonorrhoea) that you can send away to a laboratory.

If you think you may have an STI the most important thing is to get tested and get medical advice quickly so that you can start treatment.

Some pharmacies provide an STI testing service (including those for chlamydia) and some can provide the treatment.

**Free HIV tests if you're at higher risk**

Self-sampling [HIV](/health-library/conditions/hiv) test kits are available online in many areas to people who are at higher risk.

HIV self-test kits are also available from some pharmacies, but you will usually have to pay. It is important to check that any test you buy has a CE quality assurance mark and is licensed for sale in the UK, as poor-quality HIV self-test kits are still available from overseas.

You may need emotional support and counselling if you are testing for HIV, particularly if the result is positive.

### Self-test kits for cancer

You can buy cancer-related self-test kits from your local pharmacy, including tests for [prostate cancer](/health-library/conditions/cancer-of-the-prostate) and [bowel cancer](/health-library/conditions/cancer-of-the-colon-rectum-or-bowel).

However, if you are worried or think you have the [symptoms of cancer](/self-care/cancer/#symptoms), it's best to get advice from your doctor straight away. They will be able to refer you on to a hospital specialist if necessary.

The earlier you see a doctor, the earlier you can be referred and your cancer diagnosed so that you can start treatment.


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References

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Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

You can get self-test kits for a range of health concerns, including infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and some forms of cancer.