Screening has limits.
A test result is one piece of information. It does not replace a healthcare professional.
When care comes first
Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. If possible HIV exposure was in the last 72 hours, seek urgent advice from a sexual health clinic or A&E about PEP. Do not wait for a test.
Blood in urine, black stools, significant bleeding, fever with back pain, or severe or worsening symptoms need prompt clinical advice. Use NHS 111 if unsure.
Choose with the full picture.
A negative result cannot rule out disease. A positive or reactive result may require confirmatory testing. Never change prescribed treatment based on a home screen alone.
PSA prostate screening
PSA is not a cancer diagnosis. A raised result can have other causes, and a normal result does not rule out cancer. Discuss the benefits and limitations with your GP.
FOB bowel screening
Hidden blood has many possible causes. This test cannot diagnose or exclude bowel cancer. See your GP for bowel changes or visible bleeding; do not wait for a test.
H. pylori
Sample type and suitability depend on the selected device. Medicines can affect some tests. Speak with a clinician about symptoms and testing before changing medication.
Chlamydia & gonorrhoea
Symptoms or a recent exposure need sexual health advice. Window periods, sample sites and test suitability must be checked against the final device. A negative result may not exclude infection.
HIV
If possible HIV exposure was within 72 hours, seek urgent advice from a sexual health clinic or A&E about PEP. Do not wait for a home test. Reactive results require confirmatory testing.
UTI
A urine strip cannot confirm or rule out a UTI. Seek advice for symptoms, especially during pregnancy, in men or children, or with fever, back pain or blood in urine.
SP-10 sperm concentration
Concentration is only one aspect of fertility. This is not a full semen analysis and does not assess all factors such as motility or morphology. It cannot establish fertility or infertility.
Vitamin D
The final device determines thresholds and result format. Do not use a screening result to start high-dose supplements without professional advice.
Ferritin
Ferritin can be affected by inflammation and other conditions. This does not diagnose anaemia. Persistent fatigue or symptoms should be assessed by a clinician.
Clinical information sources
General safety signposting informed by NHS guidance; device-specific copy and suitability still need review before launch.
General guidance checked 20 October 2026. This website is not an emergency or clinical service.