AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the alarming rise of STD rates across the United States, today Everly Health reports new consumer and scientific data surrounding at-home testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that rates of infection hit an all-time high and continued nearly unabated during the pandemic, constituting a new public health crisis.
In one of the largest analyses* evaluating at-home self-collection performance, data was examined from almost 45,000 test takers, including a large subanalysis of 1,476 individuals with confirmatory tests available. Data indicates a similar level of performance for at-home self-collection compared to in-clinic testing for identifying people who do not have an STI. The study found high negative predictive values for mail-in hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis tests which ranged from 98.6% to 100%, as confirmed by third-party mail-in and in-person standard of care. The data speaks to the overall accuracy and robust performance of at-home sample collection and testing.
Additionally, the prevalence of HIV (0.3%) and hepatitis C (0.8%) in the sampled population were similar to national estimates over the same period. However, syphilis showed a significantly higher prevalence compared to national reports (1.3% vs. 0.1%). Further analysis of additional tests demonstrates that the differences in year over year changes between data from the CDC and Everly Health’s consumer data in the number of positive test results may indicate individuals at greater risk are utilizing at-home mail-in tests for STI testing to avoid barriers to testing such as stigma, travel costs and concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This groundbreaking data indicates that at-home self-collection is a reliable and accurate solution for test-takers, which, in turn, may increase STD screening rates across the board,” said Julia Cheek, Founder & CEO of Everly Health. “Being able to confidently test for STDs in the privacy of the home can reduce potential testing roadblocks and help destigmatize sexually communicable diseases. At-home testing combined with access to virtual care is a model that can have significant impact on sexual health. Our at-home tests and access to treatment provide the affordability and accessibility that patients truly deserve.”
“Everlywell’s forthcoming ‘State of Sex’ consumer survey reveals that those who reported getting tested less often for STDs skipped testing over the last two years due to lack of time, feeling uncomfortable visiting an in-person testing site and financial barriers. Widespread testing and treatment in the home are key to meeting patients where they are,” Cheek continued.
The same survey of over 1,000 single Americans aged 18-35 also reveals that of respondents who reported getting tested more frequently over the last two years, almost one in four (24%) reported the increase in testing behaviors due to at-home tests or telehealth making it more convenient to get tested.
“The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop the spread of 2.4 million new STD cases, and, unfortunately, screening and testing also decreased by 63% for men and 59% for women,” said Dr. Liz Kwo, MD, MBA, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Everly Health. “Given the delay in screenings and preventative care, at-home testing and treatment is a compelling solution that provides the access, privacy and convenience needed to reduce future STD rate increases.”
Everly Health offers private and efficient complete virtual care for STDs from home. Eight at-home collection sexual health tests are available to people through Everlywell.com, Amazon, select retailers, as well as to health plans and employers.
The testing process for patients is straightforward with transparent pricing: once an STD at-home collection kit is registered and samples have been collected and sent in, easy-to-understand digital results are available to the test taker. Individuals with an abnormal or positive result have the option to connect with a board-certified physician to receive a consultation and follow-up treatment, if appropriate, at no additional charge. Everly Health handles the full testing experience, including all state reporting, physician follow-up and next steps to ensure a high quality testing and treatment experience.
For more information on Everly Health, visit www.everlyhealth.com.
*Kreitzberg, D. et al. Advancing HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Testing Conference; April 1, 2022, Virtual. https://2022cdcp.omnibooksonline.com/#p=46
About Everly Health
Everly Health's mission is to transform lives with modern, diagnostics-driven care. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Everly Health is the parent company to Everlywell, Everly Health Solutions, Natalist, and Everly Diagnostics.
