At-Home Health Tests: What Works and What Doctors Warn Against

New kits let people bypass the doctor and order a range of diagnostic tests, but experts say not all are worthwhile.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The home health testing industry is booming, with new FDA-approved tests for conditions like HPV and COVID-19 now available directly to consumers. While these tests offer convenience and privacy, doctors warn that not all at-home tests are accurate or provide useful information. Experts discuss which tests may be worth trying and which ones should be skipped, emphasizing the importance of keeping your doctor informed about any at-home test results.

Why it matters

The rise of home health testing is changing how people access medical care, allowing them to bypass doctors' offices. However, experts caution that these tests are not regulated the same way as medications and can yield false results or provide limited information. Misinterpreting test results or failing to follow up with a doctor can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment.

The details

Home health tests are available in two main forms: drugstore tests that are self-administered and analyzed at home, and lab tests where the user collects a sample and mails it to a lab for analysis. While some tests like those for pregnancy, flu, and COVID-19 can be useful, doctors warn against relying too heavily on home tests for conditions like food allergies, Lyme disease, and gastrointestinal issues. These tests can produce false positives or negatives, and the results may be difficult to interpret without medical expertise. Doctors emphasize the importance of keeping them informed about any at-home test results, even if negative, so they can provide proper context and recommendations for next steps.

  • Last May, the FDA approved the first at-home test for human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
  • Sometime next year, the HPV home test will be fully covered by insurance.

The players

Michael Hochman, M.D.

An internist in Los Angeles.

Sheldon Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

A professor of laboratory medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.

Nanette Santoro, M.D.

Chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“There is value and benefit to people using these, but there are also a number of serious concerns.”

— Michael Hochman, M.D., Internist (Prevention)

“If the specimen isn't good, the results won't be good.”

— Sheldon Campbell, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of laboratory medicine (Prevention)

“A test result is one piece of information. We need to consider all the information together.”

— Michael Hochman, M.D., Internist (Prevention)

What’s next

Doctors recommend discussing any at-home test results with your primary care physician, who can help interpret the findings and determine the appropriate next steps for your health.

The takeaway

While at-home health tests offer convenience and privacy, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. Consumers should be discerning about which tests they use and always follow up with their doctor to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.