What is a Rapid Test Kit?

About rapid test kits. Rapid tests are a point-of-care test that can assist with immediate results and window period testing. Rapid tests help determine an early diagnosis, i.e. Pregnancy Tests are a Rapid or point-of-care test. You will always end up performing a lab test, especially if your test is positive, as your doctor will need to confirm the diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.

With early detection comes quicker treatment. By using a rapid test kit, you are able to test for an STI at home or in a doctor’s practice, giving you results immediately and helping you determine the next course of action.

Sensitivity

It is how well the test can detect true positives or how accurate the test is. (Who does have an infection?).

Specificity

It is how reliable the positive result is, the percentage of how accurate the positive results are. (Who does not have an infection).

Rapid vs Lab test?

Depending on the type or brand of rapid test you use, the sensitivity and specificity can vary. However, SAPHRA requires all rapid tests to meet strict accuracy standards. For this reason, every rapid test kit we sell offers high quality and reliable performance, giving you confidence in your results.

Moreover, one of the biggest advantages of using a rapid test kit is the ability to test in the comfort of your own home. This convenience allows you and your partner to stay open and honest about your sexual health status. Since rapid tests deliver instant results, you gain a clear starting point for managing your health. And importantly, while you should seek medical advice immediately if you test positive, a rapid test still provides an essential first step in protecting your sexual health.

In addition, you can choose from several testing methods. Depending on the kit, you can use blood, a swab, or urine, and each option provides accurate and dependable results.

Of course, false negatives or invalid results can still occur. In situations like these, you may not feel fully confident, so getting a lab test is recommended. These errors can happen for various reasons—for example, the swab or blood sample may not contain enough material. Alternatively, too much liquid may flood the test card, making the results unreadable, or there may not be enough liquid to complete the test. Therefore, it is essential to stay calm and follow each step correctly to ensure the most accurate result.

Rapid test kits are also highly affordable. Considering the current economic climate, not everyone can afford clinic or laboratory testing. As a result, rapid tests offer a practical and reliable option for many people who otherwise would not have access to sexual health screening. Furthermore, sexually active students who want to stay safe often struggle to get tested at a lab without their parents finding out. Since many teenagers are sexually active, and some cannot afford testing when they contract an STI, they may go untreated. Ultimately, this lack of treatment can cause serious long-term health issues before their adult lives even begin.

Incubation Period

The time needed for the body to respond and fight the infection, it prepares for an antibody attack, and this is when you get your symptoms. It is the Time between when you are exposed until your first symptom.

Window Period

It refers to the time between exposure to an infection and the point when a test can accurately detect the organisms or antibodies. If you don’t take time to consider this window period, you could end up with a false negative. Therefore, it’s very important to note when—and with whom—you last had sex.

How accurate are the tests?

Between 95% – 98.9%, but we always recommend visiting your doctor for advice and treatment.

How do the tests work?

You have blood test kits and swab test kits. You have everything you need to perform the test yourself at home, with results visible within 15 minutes.

Blood tests

• HIV
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B

Swab tests

• Trich
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• HPV