Doctors – mailbox.
With the recent approval from the Food and Drug Administration, individuals can now conduct self-testing at home for a variety of health metrics, including thyroid function and HIV. Introducing the first home cervical cancer test.
These tests can enhance accessibility to healthcare, particularly for those who may feel anxious about sensitive or invasive procedures. However, specialists caution that most home tests do not replace the need for in-person medical evaluations.
Here’s what health professionals say you can assess at home:
What types of home testing are available?
There are two main categories of “home tests.”
In one category, individuals collect a sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This is similar to how new cervical cancer tests function.
The other category provides immediate results, such as Covid-19 or pregnancy tests.
This article is part of AP’s coverage dedicated to wellness, fitness, diet, and mental health. Read more.
What are the advantages of home testing?
Dr. Joseph Cheraby, an infectious disease expert from St. Louis, noted that home HIV test kits can significantly improve the detection rate of sexually transmitted diseases in rural areas, making it easier for individuals hesitant to seek sensitive medical tests.
“You want people to prioritize their health promptly, but there’s often anxiety about the potential results,” Cheraby explained. “This can lead to negative reactions.”
Instead of placing the responsibility on individuals who have been tested, laboratories need to report positive HIV test results, often in coordination with HIV support services.
“For those in sexual and gender minority communities, visiting a doctor’s office can evoke historical trauma. Many may prefer to test at home to avoid judgment or invasive inquiries about their sexual history,” Cheraby added.
New cervical cancer tests that detect human papillomavirus (HPV) can be administered using swabs, similar to tampons, according to Susan Modesitt, a gynecological oncologist at Emory University in Atlanta.
Modesitt cautioned that this method is not a substitute for a PAP smear, which involves a physician conducting a pelvic examination to sample cervical cells. It’s also a chance for discussions about abnormal bleeding (potential signs of endometrial cancer) and other concerns like menopause and STIs.
“There are numerous reasons to visit your doctor beyond cervical cancer screening,” she stated.
I live in a rural area – can I take a home test?
Several home tests can effectively replace visits to clinics, especially in rural regions where obtaining a colonoscopy can be challenging.
“A colonoscopy requires preparation and often involves traveling around 70 miles,” stated Dr. Stephen Far, chairman of the American Academy of Family Physicians from rural Alabama. “It involves anesthesia and resembles a surgical procedure in many respects.”
“For many, this process becomes quite cumbersome. Hence, home testing can be beneficial.”
However, Far emphasized that if a test indicates a problem, individuals should consult a physician. He also advised that patients should always discuss their results with their doctors rather than trying to interpret them on their own.
Who should avoid home testing?
If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
Dr. Zakaria Foda, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins, stressed that home colon cancer tests are unsuitable for those presenting high-risk symptoms, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. He added that it’s not advisable for anyone with gastrointestinal symptoms either.
Tests vary in price from $15 to $400 depending on what is being assessed, but Furr emphasized the importance of trusting the results, which is why ensuring they are FDA approved is vital.
“Whenever I can assist people in understanding their healthcare and what’s happening with their bodies, it’s beneficial, and I have the chance to discuss it,” he remarked. “Any form of screening is more advantageous than none.”
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Source: apnews.com