The UK-based gynaecological health start-up Daye has expanded its tampon range with a new at-home screening kit for STI testing.
The home kit consists of a tampon (in place of a swab or speculum) which uses a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to detect sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma. “The specificity of PCRs ensures that false-positive results are reduced, providing a more reliable diagnosis,” the company says, as well as identifying multiple pathogens in a single sample. Daye is also planning to add the detection of other pathogens such as herpes, HPV and others.
The process is very simple: customers can order a test and get a kit delivered to their door, before following instructions to collect and send off a sample to Daye’s partner lab. After a few days results are delivered online to their personal Daye app dashboard.
For an additional £29, users can opt for a comprehensive consultation with a nurse to discuss their test results in greater detail. Those who choose not to purchase this optional extra but still receive a positive STI test result will receive a complimentary five-minute phone call with a nurse to review their findings and receive guidance on next steps.
The screening kit is designed to help people get diagnosed and treated quickly, especially those who are worried or embarrassed about getting tested.
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