Published October 8, 2020 by Ichor Blood Services

Have you been avoiding getting an STI test done due to the negative connotations and stigma surrounding them? With in-home STI testing, you can receive the important sexual health testing you need without any of the fear or embarrassment that accompanies a trip into the testing clinic. 


Due to the growing demand for our corporate or large bookings and travel testing for COVID-19 antibody or active PCR test collection, our STI / STC Testing Services are on hold. 

 

A month ago it became known that there had been six syphilitic stillbirths in Alberta through the first six months of 2020. Of the 1,100 cases of syphilis that have been reported in Alberta up until the end of June this year, almost 600 of them were recorded in the Edmonton Zone. Other STIs in the province are on the rise too, with HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia all seeing their rates increase from the past year. 

While certain populations such as meth users, sex workers, and men who have sex with other men have higher rates of syphilis, University of Alberta infectious disease expert Dr. Ameeta Singh says anyone who is having sex outside of a mutually monogamous relationship is at risk of contracting the sexually transmitted infection. 

As Alberta remains in the midst of a syphilis outbreak, STI testing — especially for those in the Edmonton Zone — is critically important for anyone who is sexually active outside of a committed, monogamous relationship.
 

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The Main Benefits of In-home STI Testing

Too often sexual health is overlooked when we evaluate or consider our overall health. For those who are sexually active, regular STI testing is strongly recommended. But the stigma surrounding STI testing can be tough for some people to get past. That's why having access to in-home STI testing can be such a game-changer when it comes to receiving the important sexual health testing that is necessary for this segment of the population. 

With that being said, here are the main benefits in-home STI testing brings with it.
 

Convenience

With in-home STI or STD testing, lab services are brought to you. There's no need to take any time off of work or rearrange your schedule after a sexual encounter with a new partner to get tested so you can ensure you have not contracted an STI from them. 

Privacy

Getting your test sample collected in the comfort and safety of your own home removes any possibility of you being recognized by someone you know at a sexual health clinic or other lab collection location. This added layer of privacy can provide you with the peace of mind you need to pursue the important STI testing that is critical to your sexual and overall health, and our lab service technicians in Calgary are discrete professionals who are certified in sample collection.
 

Safety

Given the times, travelling to a sexual health clinic and having to wait for your test sample to be collected in a waiting room potentially filled with other people is a somewhat risky proposition. With no end to the COVID-19 pandemic in sight — and daily case numbers rising across the country — in-home STI testing in Calgary and Edmonton is a safe choice for your sexual health needs. At Ichor Blood Services, we have instituted strict COVID-19 safety protocols and our experienced technicians stringently adhere to them. 

While so much attention has rightfully been dedicated to the current COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, the ongoing syphilis outbreak and rising rates of other STIs in the province warrant our attention and vigilance too.
 

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If you're looking for COVID-19 testing, Ichor Blood Services has you covered. We are offering corporate or large group bookings and travel testing for COVID-19 antibody or active PCR test collection. For more information about our COVIS-19 testing services, please give us a call at 1-844-424-6728 or fill out our contact form

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