LetsGetChecked Review 2023: At-Home Testing Made Easy

At-Home STD Screening That Prioritizes Privacy

Going to your doctor for STD testing can feel painfully awkward; that’s why LetsGetChecked will mail you a testing kit to your front doorstep instead.

If you simply want to know whether you test positive or negative for common STDs and want to avoid the potential risk of embarrassment or judgment that can happen from an in-person doctor’s visit, LetsGetChecked offers an empowering path of least resistance.

But if you’re not expecting to pay a whole lot for confidential STD screening, will LetsGetChecked fit your needs when there are other cheaper and even free ways to get tested through government programs?

I researched LetsGetChecked and its sexual health tests to see how the company’s commitment to your privacy translates into benefits for you and, more importantly, whether it’s worth your hard earned money. I’ll also dive into each of the company’s sexual health tests and what you can expect the sample collection process and results to look like.

Is LetsGetChecked the best STD screening option for you? Can you trust the company to keep something as sensitive and important as your sexual health private? It’s time we take a closer look and find out.

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A Detailed Look at the Sexual Health Tests

LetsGetChecked has six different at-home STD testing packages, most of which cover a combination of common infections. I got to work researching each test to compile the following details:

• What STDs they cover
• What sample (or samples) you’ll need to provide
• When LetsGetChecked recommends you to take the test (since STDs aren’t always detectable right after exposure).

Simple 2

This test is the cheapest option and can detect two of the most common infections: chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Requires a urine sample only
• Take at least 2 weeks after potential exposure

Basic 3

The test is exactly the same as the Simple 2 except it can also detect trichomoniasis and costs a little extra.

Standard 5

On top of detecting the same infections that Basic 3 covers, the test also checks for HIV (I, II, P24 antigen) and syphilis. In addition, you’ll need to do a nearly painless finger prick for a blood sample and pay even more. According to LetsGetChecked, it’s the most popular test.

• Requires both blood and urine samples
• Take at least 4 weeks after potential exposure (or ideally 12 weeks after)

Complete 10

Here’s the most comprehensive and – you guessed it – priciest one of all. It covers all the infections Standard 5 does and even more: Gardnerella, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and herpes simplex virus I and II. The test requires you to provide the same samples as Standard 5 and should be taken around the same timeline.

Herpes Test

A test exclusively for detecting herpes simplex virus I and II, which serves as a cheaper alternative to Complete 10.

• Requires a blood sample only
• Take at least 12 weeks after potential exposure

Hepatitis B & C Test

The name of the test says it all, as it detects hepatitis B and C, which are two infections that take longer to become detectable.

• Requires a blood sample only
• Take at least 30 days after potential exposure

Choose Your Test From LetsGetChecked Today!

Easy-To-Use Test…With a Catch

Your testing kit comes with clear instructions on how to collect a sample along with all of the items you’ll need to do it. The testing process is straightforward and relatively easy, but there’s a huge catch, summarized here in three points:

• You need to fast before the test
• You need to collect your sample(s) before 9 AM
• You need to ship the test back to LetsGetChecked the same day

Why do you have to send your sample back the same day? While tube samples contain a preservative liquid that keeps your sample fresh while in transit, LetsGetChecked wants to ensure that your sample reaches a lab in a timely manner. Here’s the good news: LetsGetChecked provides you with a return package, so you don’t have to pay more to send it back or spend time going to your post office.

Regardless of which test you choose, here’s a general overview of what the testing process looks like:

1. Order your testing kit from LetsGetChecked
2. Receive your testing kit wrapped in a plain envelope
3. Register your kit using the unique patient ID card
4. Collect your sample and ship back to LetsGetChecked the same day
5. Receive your results online usually within 2 to 5 days

Now, let’s take a closer look at what the sample collection process looks like for each of the two methods:

Blood Sample

1. Use an alcohol wipe to sanitize your third or fourth finger on your non-dominant hand
2. Once dry, press a lancet down on the end of your finger
3. Squeeze blood drops from your finger into the collection tube
4. Snap a lid onto the tube and turn it upside down 5 to 10 times to mix the contents
5. Insert the tube into a biohazard bag

Urine Sample

1. Collect your sample using the urine collection box, which fills up a plastic lining on the inside
2. Transfer urine collected from the box into the sample tube
3. Snap a lid onto the tube
4. Insert the tube into a biohazard bag

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5 Standout Features of LetsGetChecked

1. Anonymous Testing

To protect your privacy, LetsGetChecked assigns you a unique numerical code that’s included in your testing kit. The code serves as an ID that’s necessary for activating your test. Here’s why it’s so cool: The ID replaces your name, so you don’t have to worry about it being personally tied to your test as it goes through the process.

2. Nondescript Packaging and Billing

LetsGetChecked sends your testing kit in a plain envelope to attract as little attention as possible while in transit from its shipping facilities to your front door. There is no reference to LetsGetChecked on the outer packaging. Plus, LetsGetChecked adds confidentiality to your financial transactions too, with bank statements simply listed as “LGC Health Check.”

3. Registered Nurses Available 24/7

If you need to discuss your testing options or results with a healthcare professional, LetsGetChecked lets you speak with a registered nurse over the phone. With offices in Dublin and New York, nurses are available to address your questions and concerns around the clock. They can also offer treatment options depending on what test you choose and the outcome of your results.

4. Antibiotic Prescriptions For Positive Tests

If you receive a positive test, LetsGetChecked can provide you with treatment options depending on the STD. For six of the STDs screened, a nurse can prescribe antibiotics at no extra charge (the cost of the antibiotics will depend on your insurance). I wanted to know which STDs LetsGetChecked is able to write antibiotic prescriptions for, so I asked someone with the company’s support team (who told me the following over the phone):

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Ureaplasma
• Mycoplasma
• Gardnerella

5. Flexible Pricing With Tiered Testing Packages and Subscription Plans

Aside from its most comprehensive test, which screens for ten different STDs, LetsGetChecked offers three cheaper packages for less. If you’re looking for discounts of up to 30% in savings, you can choose a subscription plan for recurring tests every 3, 6, or 12 months. Plus, you can use FSA & HSA to pay for an order.

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Rapid Results That Are Clear and Straightforward

When it comes to your test results, LetsGetChecked does two things very well: Speed and presentation. First, let’s cover speed. Results are fast and take 2 to 5 days to show up in your account.

Now, on to the presentation. LetsGetChecked wants to give you the straight facts, which is refreshing for an STD test. Since I don’t want to scroll through background information about the infections – which, frankly, I can get from searching Google – LetsGetChecked tells you only what you need (and want) to know, which is whether you’ve tested positive or negative for any infections.

You can view your results in your account’s dashboard, which lists out the infections in a simple and easy-to-read format. Each infection has its own status that states one of two possibilities: ‘Detected’ or ‘Not Detected.’ That’s it, nothing fancy.

If you really want more information than that, you can always click a drop-down arrow on each infection. What you’ll find here is a history of any previous tests you took along with the date and results.

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A Reasonable Price to Pay for Privacy

Except for its Complete 10, LetsGetChecked offers very affordable STD testing packages. The starting price for its basic test is reasonable, and the cost increases for each test are minimal.

Although the Complete 10 has the most dramatic increase in price – at more than double the cost of Standard 5 – it’s also the most comprehensive option. The price tag is not completely unreasonable considering the level of privacy that comes with such a thorough STD screening.

No matter which test you pick, the shipping of testing kits to you is free (unless you pay for express). You also get a prepaid return envelope so you don’t have to worry about paying for shipping at any point in the process.

But how does LetsGetChecked compare to other companies such as Everlywell? First off, many of Everlywell’s individual tests check for only one STD. Secondly, while there are bundled STD testing packages – specific to male or female – they are more expensive. And if we simply compare the number of STDs the two companies test for overall, LetsGetChecked comes out on top.

Unfortunately, LetsGetChecked only accepts two payment methods at this time: credit/debit card and PayPal. It’s too bad considering there are other at-home testing companies that accept more payment options such as Apple Pay and Bitcoin.

Highly-Informative Support Team That Takes A Little Work to Get Ahold Of

In my other review of LetsGetChecked, I had success communicating with its support team on three contact methods: Email, live chat, and phone. But this time around, I only had success with one method while working on this review.

With questions for LetsGetChecked about how it prescribes antibiotics, I tried filling out a contact form on its website first. That same day I got an email with a ticket number for my case and an alert that LetsGetChecked was “experiencing a large volume of emails.” I believe it, because I never heard back from anyone!

I wanted to try the live chat option next (since it’s so fast and convenient), but I couldn’t find the option available for it anywhere. Later, when I asked a representative over the phone about it, they told me the live chat was currently down.

Using the only contact method left at my disposal, I got in touch with someone over the phone who was able to answer all of my questions about LetsGetChecked prescribing antibiotics and more (the representative was very patient and thorough in her responses).

You can also find answers to basic questions about its products and the ordering process on the website’s FAQs page.

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Improves Confidentially in STD Testing, but Not in All Areas

Getting tested for STDs is not always a relaxed or easy process, but LetsGetChecked makes a compelling case for the contrary. The company cares about your privacy and it really shows in the way it handles the testing process. Assuming you have the budget to pay for one of its testing kits, you won’t have to worry about the shipping materials or bank transactions tipping others off to your STD screening.

For some, however, the privacy may not be enough. After all, you still have to register and create an account on its website (where it asks for your name and address). Plus, in order to activate your test when it comes in the mail, LetsGetChecked requires you to provide a mobile number for verification. Of course, you also give up some of your confidentiality to an extent if you talk to a nurse on the phone (should you choose to exercise this feature).

Still, LetsGetChecked is a great way to find out if you test positive or negative for common STDs in what is, for the most part, a confidential process. Apart from the investment, it definitely beats going to a doctor’s office in person.

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FAQs

Are LetsGetChecked tests accurate?

LetsGetChecked processes samples at labs that are CLIA certified and CAP accredited to make sure it complies with industry standards. On its website, LetsGetChecked claims to produce its testing kits at an ISO 13485 certified facility, which is an international regulation for making medical devices.

Is LetsGetChecked covered by insurance?

In addition to its available payment methods, LetsGetChecked also accepts payment from either a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for orders. If in doubt, you can always check with your healthcare provider directly to see if they offer any coverage for at-home STD testing. It’s worth checking in case a healthcare provider may be able to reimburse you for part of your purchase with LetsGetChecked.

Is LetsGetChecked legit?

You can rest easy knowing that LetsGetChecked is reliable and professional when it comes to its at-home testing options. Plus, the company continues to adapt according to customers’ needs, and has a coronavirus test available for purchase on its website.

How long do LetsGetChecked results take?

Results are quick and usually take 2 to 5 business days before they’re available in your account. It’s important to note that LetsGetChecked recommends that you avoid collecting and sending samples on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday so that it can reach a lab for processing in time.

Does LetsGetChecked send tests in discreet packages?

LetsGetChecked sends your testing kit in a plain envelope so that no one knows what’s inside. Intended to protect your privacy, this feature ensures there are no clues on the packaging related to testing.

Is LetsGetChecked confidential?

For the most part, yes. You still need to create an account online and provide your mobile phone number to activate a testing kit. Otherwise, LetsGetChecked uses a patient ID code instead of your name to track its tests.