FAQ: Can you take an STI test at home?

By Teen Health Source

I don’t live anywhere near a sexual health clinic, can I do an STI test from home?

Short answer, yes! Though it depends on where you live. Regular testing for STIs is important so that you can treat and manage any potential STIs as early as possible. If you’re looking for an option that is convenient and discrete, you may want to consider at-home STI testing. 

What is at-home STI testing?

At-home STI testing, also known as STI self-testing or take-home STI testing, is a method to test yourself for STIs without needing to go to a sexual health clinic or a doctor. You can order a kit online, use it at your own convenience, and send it back to receive your results. The kit that you receive can contain tests that you take at home including blood tests, urine tests, or swab tests.

Another way people can do at-home STI testing is through online testing. Instead of getting a kit and sending your samples back, you go to a laboratory to get testing or pharmacy to get a prescription. You can then see any results through the service’s website or portal.

How does at-home STI testing work?

The process for at-home STI testing may look different for different tests and with different providers. Usually, you’re sent a test with instructions of how to properly collect a sample (swabs, finger pricks, etc.) and then send the test back. Results may be emailed to you, posted on an online patient portal, or discussed with you via phone or a videochat appointment with a healthcare professional. 

What are the pros and cons of STI testing?

What are my options for at-home STI testing?

Your options for at-home STI testing will depend on what region you’re in. Here, we’ll cover what some of your options are in Canada. More specific information about how to get and take each specific test is available through the links.

• Teletest
  • Regions available: Ontario and British Columbia
  • Tests available: anogenital warts, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, HPV,  Mycoplasma Genitalium, syphilis, trichomoniasis, UTI, BV
  • Costs: $25-199 depending on the test chosen
  • https://teletest.ca/
• GetaKit
  • Regions: Ontario
  • Tests available: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV (in certain regions)
  • Costs: free
  • https://getakit.ca/ 
• I’m Ready to Know
  • Regions: across Canada
  • Tests available: HIV
  • Costs: free
  • https://www.readytoknow.ca/ 
• INSTI self-test (from manufacturer’s website)
  • Regions: across Canada
  • Tests available: HIV
  • Costs: $34.95
  • https://www.insti.com/# 
• GetCheckedOnline
  • Regions: British Columbia
  • Tests available: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV
  • Costs: free
  • https://getcheckedonline.com
• The Village Pharmacy
  • Regions available: 3 locations in Toronto
  • Tests available: HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, HPV
  • Costs: $60-99 depending on test
  • https://www.thevillagepharmacy.ca/self-testing-kits-at-the-village-pharmacy 
• Switch Health
  • Regions available: anywhere Purolator and Canada Post provide service
  • Tests available: HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis
  • Costs: $109-129 depending on test
  • https://switchhealth.ca/collections/sexual-health
• Direct Health Canada
  • Regions available: Alberta
  • Tests available: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV, HPV, herpes simplex virus
  • Costs: $125-200
  • https://directhealthcanada.ca/sexual-health-sti-screening/ 

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

Last Edited: June 2026