Lab Testing and Diagnosis

Learn how lab tests work, what different results mean, and when it makes sense to get tested for specific conditions. Get straightforward, judgment-free guidance on understanding your lab reports and using that information to make confident decisions about your health.

Latest

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Testing

Most people never think about the difference between qualitative and quantitative tests.

CLIA Explained: How U.S. Labs Are Regulated and What It Means for STI Testing

Any lab or clinic that runs tests on patient samples for medical purposes must be CLIA-certified.

Window Periods: How Soon After Sex Can You Trust a Test

Here is the most accurate and practical way to think about window periods for the infections we test for at Shameless Care.

More Learning

False Postive and Negatives

Most false negatives in sexual health happen not because the lab made a mistake and not because the test itself malfunctioned.

Laboratory Testing 101

PCR, Culture, and Serology — What they are, how they work, and which STIs use which test.

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