Testing is one of the most crucial and effective weapons in the fight against STDs. It is in fact an important first step in preventing the further spread of STDs. However, preventive measures can only be successful if people are serious and co-operative enough. The test must be reliable, fast, accurate, convenient, discreet, and affordable. If results are positive, they can then proceed for professional counselling and further confirmatory tests. With early intervention, there is every possible chance to lead a healthier and prolonged life.
The key to overcoming STDs is being diagnosed early. The first practical level of awareness is to get tested either independently through reliable home test kits or through clinics or hospitals. If you are identified positive, find a medical care specialist. Getting into the care of a medical care specialist is the next level and this approach represents an essential part of staying healthy and alive.
If you suspect a possible infection, it is ideal to take a STD rapid test as soon as possible.
For some STD tests such as HIV, there is a “window period” in testing, during which the person may carry the infection but the infection is undetectable by the test. The length of this window period may vary depending on the individual. It is advised to have two tests 3-6 months apart. During this period of testing, it is advised to completely abstain from activities that might result in possible STD infection.
No test is 100% accurate. Although the sensitivity and specificity of our STD rapid testing kits are usually greater than or close to 99%, false positives do occur. It is recommended to test more than once for additional results verification.
Today, there are many medications available, Please consult your doctor for further suggestions. There are also confirmatory tests, such as the Western Blot and the PCR tests to confirm your status. These tests are more specific than the antibodies test. Your doctor will also be able to refer you to proper counselling services and medical treatment. Early knowledge and treatment will prolong your life as well as improve the quality of life, which explains the great importance of performing a STD screening.
Same as previously mentioned, false negatives do occur. Hence, it is also recommended to test more than once for additional results verification
Our iCare HIV tests have greater than 99% sensitivity and 99% specificity (both blood and oral versions). Apart from HIV, all other iCare STD tests usually have sensitivities and specificities above or close to 99%. These percentages are derived from lab trials. “Sensitivity” refers to the probability that, if an infected person takes the test, he will get a positive result; while “specificity” refers to the probability that, if a non-infected person takes the test, he will get a negative result. The higher the sensitivity/specificity, the better. A high sensitivity means the likelihood of missing an infection is low. A high specificity means the likelihood of a “false alarm” is low.
No. The iCare rapid test kit is firstly double sealed in air tight packaging and the lancet is sterilized. Secondly, they are manufactured under good manufacturing practices (GMP) and conform to ISO 13485. The antigens/substances used in the kits are absolutely safe and non-infectious. For more safety data, please see our safety page. However, after a test kit is used, it may become infectious, so remember to discard used kits safely.
No. The lancet is for single usage only. For safety purposes, once the lancet is used for pricking, it would be retracted so as to prevent needle injuries to others. The test kit is for single use only.
The iCare range of products have been successfully introduced and used worldwide for years in various countries like USA, Germany, Netherlands, Malaysia, etc. Each year hundreds of thousands of iCare test kits are sold globally. Organizations such as WHO (World Health Organization) and USAID (United States Agency for International Development) have already evaluated and approved our products.
Yes. All information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Your order would be sent in a package with no mention of any disease name, no mention of our company name or website name, and no mention of anything specific about the content in it. Read our privacy statement for more information.
Your credit card bill/statement will not show our domain name or mention the name of any diseases.
Yes. All our deliveries are by registered post, so when the package arrives, the postman will need someone (not necessarily you) to sign to acknowledge receipt. If no one is at home after 1-2 visits, the postman will leave a door tag/slip with details for you to self-collect at your post office.
We would also send you the tracking number by email when the products are dispatched.
Currently we accept Visa/Master via our payment gateway. However if you strongly prefer other methods (such as PayPal etc…)