STI self test kits. A question.

[pbrown355]

Irecently posted off my first of these. I didn't complete the "additional information" section as I didn't like the idea of them having my address.
I realised after posting that I had put the samples in the wrong clear plastic bag.
My question is whether anyone wo knows the system can tell me whether this will stop them testing my samples?
I can always do another one but they won't let you have another one for a month.
Advice much appreciated. TIA

[Strawberry]

Irecently posted off my first of these. I didn't complete the "additional information" section as I didn't like the idea of them having my address.
I realised after posting that I had put the samples in the wrong clear plastic bag.
My question is whether anyone wo knows the system can tell me whether this will stop them testing my samples?
I can always do another one but they won't let you have another one for a month.
Advice much appreciated. TIA

Who provided the kits, can you ask them?

[dwaynepaine]

From experience with SH24 if they have any problems they will get in touch. They have with me twice - once when the blood sample wasn't usable so just sent another sample and once because it was inconclusive so trip to local clinic for another blood sample to be drawn.

[myothernameis]

Irecently posted off my first of these. I didn't complete the "additional information" section as I didn't like the idea of them having my address.
I realised after posting that I had put the samples in the wrong clear plastic bag.
My question is whether anyone wo knows the system can tell me whether this will stop them testing my samples?
I can always do another one but they won't let you have another one for a month.
Advice much appreciated. TIA

I would assume the vials, will be colour coded, to decide on what tests get done

[pbrown355]

Strawberry,
Kit was ordered online and collected from a pharmacy. The pharmacy gave no clue of having any knowledge of what they were doing other than ticking off a list and handing over a box. Online it says incorrect or incomplete labelling will lead to samples not being tested. Their instruction doesn't really cover what happens if someone is imaginatively stupid.
I'll just wait for some form of reply, and if I've completely cocked up I'll have to do another when they'll let me. There's no actual urgency, it was just that pre covid I used to get tested from time to time, and it had been a while so I thought it was time to get tested in the new system.
It took me forever to get enough blood out! I think that's part of the reason I'd lost the plot by the time I was bagging up the results.
Thanks for the advice.

[Lou2019]

Can you not try an alternative such as SH24? a walk-in clinic?

[toon972]

The clinic I go to has a bin full of test kits you can just take and use.

[Strawberry]

Strawberry,
Kit was ordered online and collected from a pharmacy. The pharmacy gave no clue of having any knowledge of what they were doing other than ticking off a list and handing over a box. Online it says incorrect or incomplete labelling will lead to samples not being tested. Their instruction doesn't really cover what happens if someone is imaginatively stupid.
I'll just wait for some form of reply, and if I've completely cocked up I'll have to do another when they'll let me. There's no actual urgency, it was just that pre covid I used to get tested from time to time, and it had been a while so I thought it was time to get tested in the new system.
It took me forever to get enough blood out! I think that's part of the reason I'd lost the plot by the time I was bagging up the results.
Thanks for the advice.

No problem I have used kits from different providers, some NHS, some from other organisations, some bought privately. Even the NHS have different providers/contractors. I have found the kits vary from writing your own labels, to idiot proof (meant in the right way) everything from the return envelope prelabelled and identifiable. I have had so many blood sample rejections after a lot of effort to get the sample, I will no longer use postal testing for that part unless it's using blood spot sampling.

Regards your labels I would guess it depends on what you mean, for example mixing up swab locations would not necessarily mean they are not tested you would just have to remember which orrifice you took each from. If it's the patient identification label then that may prevent testing BUT I would hope the provider will contact you (if there is a way to identify and contact you(there's often barcode or QR code on the actual packaging)) to provide another kit if that is the case. If not then I would contact the provider, explain you've sent an untraceable kit, ask for another.

[Jacobkim]

I have received a kit from sh24. This is the first time I am using home test kit. Does anyone know how long do they take to give u results once you have posted back to them?

[Strawberry]

I have received a kit from sh24. This is the first time I am using home test kit. Does anyone know how long do they take to give u results once you have posted back to them?

I haven't been able to use SH24 because they do not cover the area I am based in, however I have used the associated paid service Fettle. I find Fettle absolutely superb, contact all the way from despatch, arrival, support, acknowledgement of receipt of samples then results within 48 hours. This doesn't mean SH24 will be the same, but I suspect they may.

I just took a look at the SH24 website and the answer is in their FAQs;

External Link/Members Only

On that page click on this FAQ;

I have not had a text to say that my samples have arrived at the lab, what should I do?

You’ll get a text when your kit arrives at the lab and is scanned in. Once the kit has arrived, you’ll get your results by text within 72 hours

[pbrown355]

Thanks again Strawberry. They have a valid phone number to contact me on so for now I'll sit back and wait a few days. I'll also look at Fettle for possible future use.

[EclipseBlue]

I haven't been able to use SH24 because they do not cover the area I am based in,

Same for me, but I use External Link/Members Only instead, its free and discreet.

I like to get tested regularly and never had an issue with them.

[Strawberry]

Same for me, but I use External Link/Members Only instead, its free and discreet.

I like to get tested regularly and never had an issue with them.

They don't cover my area either, the link also asks for age (as do SH24) I believe some sexual health funding and services target younger age brackets e.g. teens, 20s. I remember free chlamydia testing kits being labelled as for under 25s. I'm late 40s.

Just tried entering age 20, same result nothing for my area.

[Jacobkim]

Same for me, but I use External Link/Members Only instead, its free and discreet.

I like to get tested regularly and never had an issue with them.

Thanks strawberry! That was quiet useful

[pbrown355]

In case anybody was losing sleep over my test results, they came back clear. It is my intention to routinely test every 3 months in the future. I used to test more frequently pre covid but it fell away like many other things. This test was because of a broken condom but I shouldn't have waited for the push.
Thanks for the advice earlier in the thread

[daviemac]

In case anybody was losing sleep over my test results, they came back clear. It is my intention to routinely test every 3 months in the future. I used to test more frequently pre covid but it fell away like many other things. This test was because of a broken condom but I shouldn't have waited for the push.
Thanks for the advice earlier in the thread

Pleased to hear it's all clear.   

[pbrown355]

Thanks Davie

[Neo]

Is there a neutral place to get such a kit posted out to you that isn't a home address? Like is there a service to pick it up from X place.

[stampjones]

Is there a neutral place to get such a kit posted out to you that isn't a home address? Like is there a service to pick it up from X place.

At least a few services allow pick up. SHL in london does. Its a bit unclear on the website as it feels like you’re applying for it to be sent to your home but it all works out as intended

[Thephoenix]

Is there a neutral place to get such a kit posted out to you that isn't a home address? Like is there a service to pick it up from X place.

My local NHS STI clinic allow you to pick up test kits at the clinic.
Just book it online.

[pbrown355]

Umbrella health who I used get you to pick it up from a pharmacy. You post your samples to them. Results by text.

[Neo]

Umbrella health who I used get you to pick it up from a pharmacy. You post your samples to them. Results by text.

Any one know any places like this in Manchester where you can get it from a pharmacy/drop it off ? Thanks 😊

[Thephoenix]

Any one know any places like this in Manchester where you can get it from a pharmacy/drop it off ? Thanks 😊

In many areas your local NHS STI clinic will allow you to collect from the clinic.

[yoyoyogi]

External Link/Members Only


just the facts

[jimbobted]

Webmedpharmacy send using DPD and you can choose to have it delivered to a pick up shop or Post Office. It's completely plain packaging too.