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Back in 2021 (remember those days?), a quiet revolution happened in self-testing and health. Billions of people of all ages took COVID-19 tests independently in their homes.

For the first time, everyone around the world saw that they could self-test at home and get clear, accurate results within minutes. Almost overnight, making informed decisions and taking control of your health and wellbeing became far easier.

Is self-testing the empowering choice?

Thankfully, the pandemic has subsided, but the empowerment of the self-testing era remains.

According to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, the use of at-home testing has risen significantly in recent years and is now extending to other areas of healthcare. Most notably, areas of growth include reproductive health tests, drug tests, tests for detecting infectious diseases, monitoring chronic conditions, and general health testing.

Routine at-home testing has added to the general public’s comfort with self-testing. This has in turn increased the acceptance of, and demand for, home-use kits and health-related devices.

This trend is especially strong among millennials and GenZ who are increasingly taking control of their health by making empowered choices.

When and why you should self-test at home

So, you’ve decided that self-testing is worth exploring. But where do you start? When should you take a test and why?

Self-testing at home offers a fast, convenient, and reliable way to stay on top of your health. Whether you’re checking for infections, monitoring a chronic condition, or ensuring overall wellbeing, at-home self-testing offers numerous advantages.

Here’s why you should consider incorporating self-testing into your healthcare routine.

1. Convenience and accessibility

In the UK, the demand for private healthcare has surged due to prolonged NHS waiting lists. Currently, a total of 7.5 million people are on a waiting list for treatment, with 200,000 having waited over a year for treatment.

This has led to 16.4 million people to sign up for private health coverage, up from 13.5 million pre-pandemic.

At-home medical tests, such as pregnancy tests, cholesterol rapid blood tests, and liver health tests, offer a convenient alternative to visiting a GP for small complaints. They allow you to perform these tests at your convenience without the need for appointments or travel.

2. Privacy and confidentiality

Some health concerns are sensitive, and many people prefer to keep their medical status private. Studies show that an increasing number of people feel more comfortable using at-home testing options to avoid potential embarrassment or stigma.

Self-testing allows you to obtain important health information without the need for in-person interactions. This is particularly helpful for tests related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, where over 400,000 new STIs were diagnosed in 2023.

Additionally, self-testing can help with fertility monitoring, a topic that 40% of women are hesitant to discuss openly. Overall, self-testing empowers individuals to take control of their health discreetly and confidently.

3. Fast and reliable results

Waiting for test results can be stressful, but self-testing often provides quick answers. Rezure's at-home test kits deliver results within minutes—some in as little as 5 to 15 minutes—allowing you to make timely health decisions.

In fact, according to a 2021 survey, 64% of individuals prefer the speed and convenience of home health tests over visiting a clinic. For conditions that require ongoing monitoring, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, self-testing ensures you have real-time data without frequent clinic visits.

It goes without saying that, when it comes to self-testing, your safety is our top priority. We have both a legal obligation and an ethical commitment to make sure that our testing kits exceed the strict requirements laid out by health authorities.

Click to learn more about our high safety standards.

4. Early detection and preventative care

Early detection can be life-saving. Many conditions, including high cholesterol, kidney disease, and certain cancers, can be identified through self-tests before symptoms appear.

Studies show that early detection of high cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. For kidney disease, detecting it early through regular monitoring can delay the progression to kidney failure by 30%.

By catching health issues early, you not only increase the chances of successful treatment, but also gain the opportunity to seek medical advice sooner, take preventive actions, and make lifestyle adjustments that can reduce the risk of more serious complications down the line.

5. Cost-effective healthcare

Self-testing allows you to check your health at home, which can reduce the number of unnecessary visits to doctors or hospitals. This not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces the strain on NHS resources.

According to the UK government, the NHS spends billions annually on hospital and primary care services. By promoting self-testing, more routine checks can be done at home, freeing up NHS staff and reducing overcrowding in clinics and emergency departments.

Regular testing also means that if you do spot the signs of early-onset health conditions. You will have saved vital time in attending GP appointments, referrals, waiting times, and results. All this means that treatment options will be more affordable and effective than if you leave conditions to develop before identifying them.

6. Reduced risk of exposure to illness

Home testing not only protects you from viruses but also reduces the chance of spreading infections to others, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems.

Visiting a hospital or clinic, especially during peak flu seasons or health crises, potentially exposes you to a range of contagious illnesses, including respiratory infections, the flu, and other viruses.

In fact, research has shown that approximately 1 in 5 people who visit healthcare settings during cold and flu season can contract a viral illness during their visit, due to the proximity to sick patients.

It makes sense to reduce the risk of infection if you have the option to. With home testing, as we saw throughout the pandemic, you can knowingly protect yourself and others.

7. Empowerment and proactive health management

Knowledge is power, and self-testing allows you to take an active role in your health. Regular self-monitoring promotes awareness of your body’s condition and encourages healthy lifestyle choices.

When you are in tune with your health, you can make informed decisions and seek professional care when necessary. Taking charge of your wellbeing also fosters a sense of confidence and control, reducing anxiety and catastrophising about the unknown. By staying proactive, you can detect potential issues early, leading to better health in the long run and a higher quality of life.

When should I see my GP?

While self-testing is a valuable tool, it should not replace professional medical advice. If you receive an abnormal result, experience persistent symptoms, or are unsure about your test outcome, consult your General Practitioner (GP). They can offer further testing, diagnosis, and treatment options tailored to your needs.

If you have noticed changes in your body, developed symptoms that you are worried about, or feel that something isn’t quite right, it is time to speak to your doctor. Your GP should be your first port of call for concerns about any symptoms that are new, unexplained or unusual for you, especially if they aren't going away.

Your health is your greatest asset

Self-testing at home is a game-changer in modern healthcare, offering convenience, privacy, and early detection. By adding self-tests to your routine, you take control of your health with Rezure.

Our selection of self-testing kits lets you take charge of your health and well-being, all from the comfort of your home. Our range covers a spectrum of health concerns, ensuring that you have the tools you need to seek clarity and peace of mind.

Remember, your health is your greatest asset—stay informed, stay proactive, and embrace the power of self-testing.