In the US, 9 in 10 adults have put off lifesaving health checkups and screenings. When questioned as to why, the most common reasons are fear, embarrassment, and difficulties in accessing these services.

Home collection kits solve all these issues as the patient does the sample collection in the comfort of their home, on their own time schedule. Anyone can order a kit, follow the instructions, and mail the sample for results.

Home testing kits benefit both patients and clinics: they reduce costs, ease pressure on waiting rooms, and remove the need to take time off work. But which ones should you get and why? In today’s piece, we’ll discuss the top five at-home preventive health checks anyone should do at least once a year.

1. Cervical Cancer Screening

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 13,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. However, incidence rates have fallen by over 50% since the mid-1970s, largely due to increased screening.

Self-collected HPV tests, typically offered to women aged 30–65, and from 25 by some providers, have the potential to improve screening uptake even further, helping to reduce the number of new cases.

How It Works

Using an FDA-authorised device, patients collect a vaginal swab in private and send it to a laboratory. The sample is tested for high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and results are delivered directly to the patient.

2. Metabolic Health and Diabetes Risk

A drop of blood contains a wealth of information about your current state of health. You can measure your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, hormone balance, or key nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin D.

With advanced solutions like Choose Health at-home blood testing kits, you can order a comprehensive set of tests that cover everything related to your metabolic health, including inflammatory markers and underlying conditions. All the testing is performed by accredited laboratories, so you can trust the results.

How It Works

Order your test kit online (no doctor’s note or clinic visit required). Once it arrives, use the simple finger-prick dried blood spot card to collect your sample, then return it using the prepaid envelope. Your results are delivered online.

3. Heart Health

In the United States, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds, according to the CDC. The good news is that many of these deaths are preventable through regular screening and ongoing monitoring.

In an effort to reduce unnecessary suffering, healthcare providers have created at-home lipid panel kits that work similarly to the metabolic health kit discussed above. The patient receives a finger-pricking device, a blood spot collection card, and a prepaid, pre-addressed return envelope.

These kits typically measure Total Cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and Triglycerides to paint a picture of your basic cardiovascular health. Still, just because these markers are within the recommended parameters doesn’t mean you shouldn’t proactively work to keep your heart strong and healthy.

4. STI Screening

Many people feel embarrassed to go to an OBGYN for an STI test, even when it’s clear that something is wrong. The stigma associated with these infections and the face-to-face interaction does nothing but prolong suffering and spread diseases.

Luckily, modern medicine makes it easier to get tested by offering reliable home-based kits for common sexually transmitted infections that previously required a clinical exam. With a single vaginal swab, labs can test for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis.

Some at-home test kits include a loop-closing telehealth consultation to discuss results and, if you test positive, provide prescriptions. It’s a lot more comfortable than going to a clinic and less embarrassing since the only person you’ll have to talk to is the doctor.

Stay Healthy

Regular checkups and screenings are an essential part of a healthy life. Yet a lack of time, limited healthcare education, logistical barriers, and the stigma associated with some of these tests keep people from taking the right steps.

At-home test kits are safe, reliable, and a lot more affordable than going to a clinic. They are easy to use, and the results give you an idea of your current state of health. Still, this doesn’t mean you should skip your yearly doctor’s appointment.

To get an accurate view of your current state, your doctor needs to know about any health concerns and the tests you've had (and why). Every individual needs a combined approach to stay healthy and safe!