How to use self-test kits safely

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 GP 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 GP.

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.

Examples of self-test kits

Your pharmacist can advise you on the range of self-test kits available, and your GP can tell you what's available on the NHS. 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 free tests for any STI, including HIV, from their GP 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 and 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.

In some areas, people under the age of 25 can get free NHS testing kits for chlamydia, which are sent out to you and returned by post.

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

Free self-sampling HIV test kits are available online in many areas of the UK to people who are at higher risk. To check whether you are eligible, or to find your local HIV service, go to test.hiv.

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 and bowel cancer.

However, if you are worried or think you have the symptoms of cancer, 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.

See more about free NHS bowel cancer screening tests.