The iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test is a 99% accurate test for the detection of syphilis antibodies. The test is easy to use and can be performed alone without the assistance of a doctor. All you need to do is collect one drop of blood and wait 15 minutes. The test uses colored bands to determine whether you have antibodies to Treponema pallidum.
Self-testing for Syphilis
The iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test is a home test for syphilis that tests antibodies against the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The test is safe and can provide results in 15 minutes. A positive test indicates you may have been infected with the disease. A negative test means you are not infected with syphilis.
These at-home tests are not covered by health insurance and require payment from the patient. Moreover, these tests cannot accurately diagnose the disease during the first few weeks after exposure. A positive test indicates that you may have been infected, but the results can’t distinguish between a past or current infection. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have syphilis.
Cost of Syphilis Test Kits
The iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test is an affordable way to test for syphilis. It requires a finger prick blood sample and has a 95% sensitivity and 91% specificity. The test costs $29 to $78 and results are typically available within two to seven business days. Some healthcare plans cover the costs of these tests, and they accept HSAs and FSAs.
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called the spirochete. The symptoms can vary from a simple rash to skin ulcers, and if left untreated, can have serious health impacts. Untreated syphilis can lead to permanent damage to the heart, nerves, and brain. Early-stage symptoms are often difficult to detect, so it’s important to find out if you’re at risk of contracting the disease before it’s too late. A rapid test can identify syphilis in seconds and can provide a reliable diagnosis.
Syphilis Home Test Kits Accuracy
The iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test is a fast and accurate way to determine whether you have the disease. It uses a spirochete bacterium to detect infection. Syphilis is a serious disease that can cause skin ulcers and a wide rash. It can even damage organs if left untreated. This is why a test should be ordered as soon as you suspect that you might be infected. The results are typically available in two to seven days, so you’ll be able to know whether or not you’re infected and how to get treated for it.
Traditional tests require a healthcare professional to collect a sample, which is not always possible to perform at home. In addition, self-collection can lead to inaccurate results if you’re not familiar with the process. One study found that the accuracy of the iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test was 95 percent or higher. Syphilis Home Test Kits was developed in part with the U.S. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
False-negative Results
False-negative results of the iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test are common, but not all are caused by a lack of sensitivity. The test has been used in community-based organizations, jails, and physician’s offices to diagnose syphilis. In these settings, the results are often confusing for clients.
False-negative results can be caused by wrongly performed tests. Patients should always seek medical care if they receive a false-negative result, as an incorrect test can result in a positive result. Action For AIDS, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to fighting HIV and AIDS, recommends that people never self-test. However, if a test is negative and the patient had recent sexual contact with a high-risk person, they should repeat the test.
Insurance Coverage
Whether your insurance provider covers the iCARE Syphilis Rapid Test depends on the individual insurance plan. You may be able to get direct coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Centene/Ambetter, Guidewell (Florida Blue), Humana, or United Health Group. The test costs $78 and requires a finger-prick blood sample. Depending on your health insurance plan, you may be reimbursed up to $12 for each test.
Traditional tests require a healthcare professional to collect the sample. This can cause a false positive result if you’re not familiar with collecting the sample. In one systematic study, self-collected samples were more accurate than those collected by clinicians, but both were subject to errors. Moreover, people using at-home tests can take them on their own schedule and pay for the test upfront.