Standard 6 Home Collection Kit

You might wonder — why test for these six infections? These are some of the most common, easily transmitted, and often symptomless STIs, making routine screening essential. Here’s why they matter:

They’re often silent

Many of these infections show no symptoms at all.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, and Trichomoniasis can linger in the body undetected, causing complications down the line. Even Hepatitis C can remain asymptomatic for years, leading to liver damage before it's caught.

They can affect your long-term health

If untreated, they can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, increasing the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. In men, they can cause epididymitis, affecting sperm production.

Early detection of HIV allows for life-saving treatment, helping prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.

This virus can lead to liver disease and cancer if undiagnosed. While curable with treatment, many don’t know they have it until serious damage has occurred.

An emerging STI that can cause urethritis, pelvic infections, and antibiotic resistance if left untreated.

They’re easily transmissible

These infections spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex — yes, even oral sex can lead to pharyngeal (throat) infections that often go unnoticed. Regular testing ensures you’re not unknowingly spreading infections to your partners.

HIV & Hepatitis C detection is critical

Unlike bacterial STIs, HIV and Hepatitis C require lifelong management or treatment. Many people don’t realize they’re infected until years later, when complications arise. Testing early means better health outcomes and effective prevention.

Test Components:

• Swabs for sample collection​
• Blood collection tools (choose between lancet finger prick or Comfort Collect device)

Prepaid Return Envelope: For easy sample return.

Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guide to ensure correct sample collection.

Many people experience no symptoms at all, which is why testing is crucial. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea – Burning during urination, unusual discharge (clear, white, yellow, or green), pelvic pain, pain during sex, spotting between periods, testicular pain, or no symptoms at all.
• HIV 1 & 2 – Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, fatigue, rash, or no symptoms for years while the virus weakens the immune system.
• Hepatitis C – Fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, joint pain, abdominal pain, or no symptoms for years until liver damage occurs.
• Mycoplasma (MGen) – Burning during urination, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, testicular discomfort, or no symptoms at all.
• Trichomoniasis – Itching or irritation in the genitals, burning after urination or ejaculation, thin or frothy vaginal discharge (yellow, green, or white), an unusual smell, or no symptoms at all.

HIV 1 & 2: Everyone aged 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. Those with higher risk factors, such as multiple partners or unprotected sex, should test annually or more frequently.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: Sexually active women under 25 should be tested annually. Women 25 and older with new or multiple partners should also test yearly. Men who have sex with men (MSM) should test at least annually, with testing every 3 to 6 months if they have multiple or anonymous partners.

Hepatitis C: Everyone aged 18 and older should be tested at least once in their lifetime, with more frequent testing recommended for those with risk factors such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or a history of STDs. Pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis C early in pregnancy.

Mycoplasma (MGen): Routine screening is not yet standard, but sexually active individuals experiencing symptoms like painful urination, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain should get tested. Those with multiple partners should consider annual screening.

Trichomoniasis: Sexually active women, especially those with new or multiple partners, should be tested annually. Men who have sex with men (MSM) should consider routine screening if they experience symptoms.

Regular testing is crucial because many STDs can be asymptomatic. If you’re sexually active, knowing your status helps protect both your health and your partners.

Yes, STDs tested in the Standard 6 Kit can be transmitted through oral sex. While many people assume STDs only spread through vaginal or anal sex, oral sex can also lead to infections in the throat (pharyngeal infections) or be a route of transmission to the genitals. Here’s how each STD in the Standard 6 Kit can be spread through oral sex:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea – Can infect the throat, leading to a sore throat, redness, or no symptoms at all. They can also be transmitted from the throat to a partner’s genitals or rectum.
  
• HIV 1 & 2 – Although less common, HIV can be transmitted through oral sex if there are open sores, bleeding gums, or cuts in the mouth, especially if exposed to infected semen, vaginal fluids, or blood.
  
• Hepatitis C – Rarely transmitted through oral sex, but the risk increases if there are cuts or sores in the mouth or if blood is present.
  
• Mycoplasma (MGen) – While MGen primarily infects the genital and urinary tract, some research suggests it may be present in the throat, though more studies are needed on oral transmission.
  
• Trichomoniasis – Primarily infects the genitals, but cases of oral transmission are extremely rare.
  

Since many oral STDs have no symptoms, regular testing is essential for detecting infections early. If you engage in oral sex, using protection (such as condoms or dental dams) can reduce the risk of transmission.