How Home Sample Collection Is Changing STI Testing for Good
STI Testing Needs a Revolution - And It's Happening Now
April is STI Awareness Month. It is a time to examine where we are falling short and what must change.
Sexually transmitted infections are rising in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 32 percent increase in syphilis cases from 2021 to 2022, along with steady growth in gonorrhea and chlamydia rates [1]. Despite this, testing access remains uneven and many individuals delay or avoid screening entirely.
There is a shift underway. More people are turning to self-collected sample testing because it is private, convenient, and demonstrates high clinical sensitivity and specificity. Home collection is not just a consumer trend. It is a public health strategy supported by research and by the lived experiences of patients [2][3].
This blog explores how home sample collection is helping address under-testing, and how Nexus Medical Labs is enabling healthcare brands to scale this movement responsibly and effectively.
The Problem: Traditional STI Testing Leaves People Behind
The current system excludes too many.
Traditional clinic-based testing often requires time off work, access to transportation, and the willingness to discuss sensitive topics face-to-face. These barriers are most pronounced for marginalized populations: LGBTQ+ individuals, teens, rural residents, and the uninsured.
The CDC reports that many infections go undiagnosed due to delays in screening or complete avoidance of care [1]. In a 2021 review published in BMJ Sexually Transmitted Infections, researchers found that individuals consistently preferred self-sampling over in-clinic collection due to convenience, privacy, and reduced stigma [2].
Even healthcare brands that want to innovate are limited when their lab infrastructure is not designed for home collection. Delays in turnaround time, manual processes, and compatibility issues with digital platforms can all undermine patient trust.
The Shift: How Home Collection Is Expanding Access and Changing Behavior
Home testing is not just easier. It leads to better outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE found that home-based specimen collection increased participation in STI screening programs, especially among women [5]. People are more likely to test if they can do it in the privacy of their own homes, without needing to coordinate a clinic visit or speak directly to a provider.
A 2019 paper in Sexually Transmitted Diseases showed strong accuracy for self-collected rectal swabs, supporting their use in men who have sex with men [3]. A 2020 study in Health Education and Behavior described how digital tools and home kits work together to close gaps in care and reduce infection rates [4].
Home collection supports:
Early detection and treatment
Reduced transmission
Higher testing volumes in at-risk groups
This is especially critical in rural or medically underserved regions where draw sites and clinics are limited or non-existent.
The Solution: Labs Need Infrastructure That Supports Self-Collected Samples
Most labs were not built for this shift. Nexus was.
Our lab was purpose-built for self-collected samples. We combine automation, validated workflows, and regulatory rigor to support high-volume home collection programs. But what makes us different is not just the speed or capacity - it is how we support you.
Partnering with Nexus is not just about sending samples and waiting for results. It is about knowing that your testing operations are in good hands. We do not just deliver data. We deliver peace of mind.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
Scalable capacity: We are processing tests today at our Watertown, Massachusetts facility with room for growth
Fast, consistent turnaround: Results are delivered within 24 to 72 hours of lab receipt
Certified and compliant: CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, and HIPAA-compliant
Tech-ready: Results delivered through API or flat-file, customized to your systems
Human-centered service: Our team is always available, ready to solve problems and support your growth
We are transparent, proactive, and committed to making your experience easier.
If you are scaling and want a lab that understands what partnership really means, we would love to talk.
Who Should Care About This Shift – And Why Now Is the Time to Act
If you are a brand offering home-collected STI tests, you already understand the power of meeting patients where they are. But scaling that promise requires infrastructure that does not get in the way.
If you are a wellness or diagnostics company offering at-home tests for other conditions, now is the time to explore STI as a natural next step. The demand is high, the need is urgent, and the public health benefit is clear.
If you are a brand still relying on traditional draw-site models, switching to home collection could open up new markets, reduce overhead, and simplify the patient experience.
And if you are new to the scene, looking to define your test menu and find a reliable lab partner, you are in the right place. At Nexus, we believe the future of STI screening is decentralized, equitable, and data-driven – and we are here to help you build that future.
Ready to Join the Movement?
The shift to home collection is not just a trend. It is a movement toward greater access, privacy, and impact. During STI Awareness Month, there is no better time to reflect on what your organization can do to expand testing and reach the people who need it most.
If you are ready to offer a better testing experience – one that empowers patients and grows your business – let’s talk. Nexus is here to help you move faster, stay compliant, and lead the future of diagnostic care.