Thuistests

Thuistests are diagnostic tests that can be carried out at home without professional supervision. They include self-tests and home-use kits sold for private use and can cover medical, biochemical, or genetic analyses. Common examples are pregnancy tests that detect hCG in urine, ovulation tests, home tests for infectious diseases such as COVID-19 or HIV rapid tests, and other self-tests for infections. Non-infectious monitoring devices used at home, such as glucose meters, lipid test kits, kidney function strips, and blood pressure or weight monitors, also fall under this category. Some at-home testing programs involve collecting a sample at home and sending it to a lab for analysis, such as certain genetic or drug-testing kits.

Thuistests offer advantages in convenience, privacy, and speed, allowing individuals to obtain information without a clinic visit and to monitor conditions between professional appointments. They also present risks: results can be affected by user technique, sample collection quality, and test sensitivity, and a positive or unexpected result often requires confirmatory testing and medical advice. Privacy and data-security concerns may arise with digital result storage and app integration.

Regulation varies by country, but many at-home tests are regulated as medical devices or in vitro diagnostic tests and must meet safety, labeling, and performance standards. Health authorities typically provide usage guidance and warn about limitations, emphasizing the need for professional consultation if results are unclear or the test is inconclusive.