How to Test for Computer Knowledge

Laurie Swenson is a longtime Minnesota journalist. She was a reporter/copy editor for the "Bemidji Pioneer" from 2004-2013 and the sports editor of the "Crookston (Minn.) Daily Time"s from 1992-2003. She has won several Minnesota Newspaper Association awards, including first place for an arts and entertainment article in 2012.

FINRA Pilot Test Obscures Bond Price Transparency

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority headquarters in New York City.( photo credit: Getty)

Who can possibly think nondisclosure of corporate bond trades for two business days is fair or that it’s a good idea? If the regulators insist on a pilot study to test this hair-brained idea, who exactly are the beneficiaries? I’ll tell you who—the big players; the brokerage firms, banks, hedge funds and to a lesser degree mutual funds. Clearly the biggest and most profitable players that go from the present reporting trades within 15 minutes to two days will be happy…cha-ching.

For those of us who manage bonds but don’t trade in gigantic size, hiding large block trades leaves us with no market “context.” Oh, sure we’ll see the 10's, 20's, and sub-500 retail trades. But the large blocks are often the GPS system that enables us to compare and contrast pricing to ensure we’re getting the best execution for our clients. That’s our fiduciary responsibility. Plus, the Securities and Exchange Commission requires money managers to prove—with a documented audit trail—that we fiduciaries got the best prices for our clients. Trading $1 million bonds today may look like incompetence in two days when the $10 million block trades post.

This is a bad idea at every turn. So, the most profitable and largest dealers and bond managers that already make the most money may be able to increase their revenues even more. We might as well turn back the clock 60 years to a time when they posted trades on a blackboard using chalk. The wiggle room for dishonesty and “painting the tape” could be massive under this scheme. Isn’t that exactly why Main Street loathes Wall Street?

If this pilot program is initiated and becomes protocol, then FINRA needs to delete the word, transparency, appearing numerous times on its website when referring to bond prices and trading.

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Best At-Home STD Tests for 2024

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We compared the best at-home STD tests available online and found that Everlywell offers users the best overall experience.

Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for overall health and any necessary treatments. At-home tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your status.

STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide.

One reason for this is that contraceptive methods, such as condoms, aren’t always failproof. Overall, if you’re sexually active, you could contract an STI.

Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits that may make getting tested easier.

Here’s some information on quality at-home testing options, how to figure out what type is best for you, and when to contact a doctor.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Everlywell sells STD kits geared to males and females. With a finger prick and a vaginal swab, the Everlywell at-home STD kit for females lets you test for six of the most common STDs. Each purchase comes with instructions, the materials for sample collection, prepaid shipping both ways, and both digital and printable results.

Aside from the kits, Everlywell also offers individual tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV.

Every Everlywell test is reviewed and approved by an independent board certified doctor in your state. If your results are positive, Everlywell will connect you with their independent physician network (at no additional cost) to discuss questions and treatment options.

Our market editor Christy Snyder tried out a couple of different products from Everlywell. The review of each product she used was different, but overall, she had a decent experience with the test kits. She found it was easy to register her kits as the directions were straightforward.

Snyder also warns that some test kits may require a big blood sample that people may not be able to fulfill. She recommends doing your own research before purchasing a kit. She also advises knowing what information you will get from these kits as some, like the food sensitivity test, show that the “the science behind it isn’t necessarily full proof.”

Our market editor Christy Snyder tried out a couple of different products from Everlywell. The review of each product she used was different, but overall, she had a decent experience with the test kits. She found it was easy to register her kits as the directions were straightforward.

Snyder also warns that some test kits may require a big blood sample that people may not be able to fulfill. She recommends doing your own research before purchasing a kit. She also advises knowing what information you will get from these kits as some, like the food sensitivity test, show that the “the science behind it isn’t necessarily full proof.”

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Although self-collected samples aren’t typically as good as those taken in a lab, Nurx ensures accuracy by collecting fluids from various areas, such as a vaginal swab, throat swab, and rectal swab. This makes it possible to test for oral and anal STDs that might otherwise be missed.

Nurx offers three at-home test kits to choose from:

These tests are usually covered by insurance, and Nurx will bill your plan directly (or you can pay out of pocket). With insurance, you’ll pay $75 for the test kit, shipping both ways, and a $15 medical consultation fee.

Once Nurx collects your samples, they’ll bill your insurance directly for the cost of the lab testing. Without insurance, see the rates for each kit above. These prices include the test kit, lab work, and shipping.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

myLAB Box offers several at-home STD kits:

Aside from these, the service sells individual tests for each STD or STI. These allow you to get the answers you need without driving to a lab or spending money on copays to visit a doctor’s office.

Every kit comes with a single-use collection kit, instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Available at CVS locations across the country and covered by both flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs), LetsGetChecked is a convenient and accessible option for at-home tests and diagnostics.

They offer three types of tests:

LetsGetChecked tests require you to collect a urine and blood sample, depending on which test you select.

The service also includes a medical support team to answer any questions. If your results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options.

iDNA has a number of individual STI tests, including a test for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis. They use a self-collection method, which means that you don’t need to go into a lab to get your results.

Additionally, they offer two combination tests and a customizable test bundle. The customizable bundle — which starts at $78 — is useful if you want to be tested for numerous STIs, as it can be more convenient than ordering individual tests.

Their pre-selected bundles include:

iDNA also offers memberships. Their $24.99-per-month membership offers you discounted tests, affordable doctor consultations, and one free monthly test of your choice. Their $49.99-per-month membership offers the same benefits, but with the option of a free doctor’s consultation or a free test every month.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Quick, secure, and completely confidential, STDCheck․com is a lab-based at-home test. This means you order the test over the phone or online and then go to a facility for sample collection.

Lab-based tests are generally more thorough than self-collected examinations. STDCheck․com has 4,500 locations nationwide.

While you can order individual tests from $24 to $99, the company’s 10 Test Panel is their most comprehensive offer.

If you’re concerned about a recent exposure, you can add the HIV RNA Early Detection Test, which can detect an HIV transmission as early as 9 to 11 days after exposure.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Though this is not an at-home testing service exclusively, PrioritySTD is one of the most reputable STD testing options. Most reviews say the tests are fast, private, and accurate. You can get same-day testing, same-day medications, and results in 24 to 72 hours.

You can purchase your PrioritySTD test privately, online, or over the phone. PrioritySTD has more than 4,000 labs across the country. After your testing, you can access your results online or by calling a care counselor. Treatment options are available as well.

Aside from individual STD tests, PrioritySTD offers the following panel tests:

The service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and will not mail anything to your home or report anything to your healthcare professional.

You can use this chart for a quick comparison of the tests in our roundup:

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an at-home STD test, which is why we turned to the experts.

Every product we recommend and brand we work with is thoroughly vetted by our team. If there are any lawsuits, recalls, or regulatory action letters documented about these products or companies, our vetting team makes sure they’re reported and listed.

In addition to legalities, our team always checks for medical credibility, good business practices, privacy practices and security, social impact, and the validity of any health claims a brand makes about a product. At-home testing services are required to abide by telehealth standards in the following circumstances:

With dozens of at-home testing kits available, it can be hard to choose the right one. After all, what does a good at-home STD testing kit look like? What should it entail? What do you need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your needs will vary, depending on your situation and circumstances. Also, they may change over time.

This chart can help you determine which type of test is right for you.

If you think you’ll need help determining results from your at-home test, taking an in-office test may be preferable. It’s an immediate source of information, and an action plan can be created on-site in the case of a positive result.

Also, be sure the test you choose is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To determine whether the FDA approves a product, you can check the FDA’s website.

At-home STD tests arrive with all the tools needed to collect a sample, such as:

You might need to provide a blood or urine sample or perform a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab. It’s best to return the samples the same day you take them. The company then sends results through your online account, usually within 1 to 7 days.

While every home STD testing service is different, most brands recommended here offer professional advice or support for reading test results at home.

If you do a fully at-home STD test, there’s a risk you’ll misinterpret your results. Lab-based tests can also be difficult to interpret without a medical background.

As such, it’s best to opt for a testing service where you have access to a healthcare professional who can discuss your results with you. They can help you interpret your results and advise on treatments and next steps.

Talk with a healthcare professional if one of your partners has recently tested positive for an STD or STI or if you’re experiencing possible symptoms of an STI.

The CDC recommends STD screenings from a healthcare professional in the following cases:

If you have an STI but are experiencing more or worsening symptoms, like genital discharge or urinary symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to further evaluate your symptoms.

The CDC makes the following additional recommendations for screening:

Our roundup of at-home STD tests is a good starting point if you want to get tested without contacting a doctor.

Depending on the test, you may need to visit a lab for collection. Every other part of the process, including the lab order, payment, and results, is done online.

If you receive a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with one of their doctors. During that consultation, you can discuss any next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

At this point, it’s also a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.

Our roundup of at-home STD tests is a good starting point if you want to get tested without contacting a doctor.

Depending on the test, you may need to visit a lab for collection. Every other part of the process, including the lab order, payment, and results, is done online.

If you receive a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with one of their doctors. During that consultation, you can discuss any next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

At this point, it’s also a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.

With both at-home and lab-direct tests, you’ll provide a sample. The samples may include blood, urine, anal, vaginal, or oral swabs.

The samples are submitted to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.

If you receive a positive STD result, contact your primary care clinician to discuss the best treatment option for you. Also, be prepared to notify any partners of the positive result.

With both at-home and lab-direct tests, you’ll provide a sample. The samples may include blood, urine, anal, vaginal, or oral swabs.

The samples are submitted to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.

If you receive a positive STD result, contact your primary care clinician to discuss the best treatment option for you. Also, be prepared to notify any partners of the positive result.

An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but it’s important to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:

An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but it’s important to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:

The CDC recommends that people ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkup.

The CDC also recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV early in their pregnancy.

Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually.

If you experience symptoms at any time, don’t wait to get tested. The quicker you’re tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.

The CDC recommends that people ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkup.

The CDC also recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV early in their pregnancy.

Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually.

If you experience symptoms at any time, don’t wait to get tested. The quicker you’re tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.

Most modern STD tests are very accurate. Still, test accuracy can vary, depending on the type of sample and the test detection method.

Traditional in-office tests are more accurate than fully online tests, and home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected tests. But all are highly efficient.

Most modern STD tests are very accurate. Still, test accuracy can vary, depending on the type of sample and the test detection method.

Traditional in-office tests are more accurate than fully online tests, and home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected tests. But all are highly efficient.

While in-office STD tests may be considered the most reliable, the at-home test kits on our list also have a reputation for being accurate.

It’s important that you don’t rely on home testing in place of contacting your doctor if you have any possible symptoms of an STD or STI or have other important questions about your overall health.

While in-office STD tests may be considered the most reliable, the at-home test kits on our list also have a reputation for being accurate.

It’s important that you don’t rely on home testing in place of contacting your doctor if you have any possible symptoms of an STD or STI or have other important questions about your overall health.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests, as these tests are considered preventive and covered under the Affordable Care Act. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test depends on several factors, including your:

Also, the coverage of at-home tests varies.

To learn more about your specific options, talk with a nurse, a doctor, or your insurance company.

You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests, as these tests are considered preventive and covered under the Affordable Care Act. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test depends on several factors, including your:

Also, the coverage of at-home tests varies.

To learn more about your specific options, talk with a nurse, a doctor, or your insurance company.

You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.

Testing for STDs and STIs regularly is important.

Testing can help prevent the transmission of STIs. It can also help you get the appropriate treatment if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, as many STDs and STIs can be treated or cured.

Contacting a doctor or other healthcare professional is generally the most reliable way to know whether you’ve contracted an STI or have an STD. But an at-home test is an excellent alternative. For many, an at-home test is a confidential and convenient option.

Kimberly Zapata is a mother, writer, and mental health advocate. Her work has appeared on several sites, including The Washington Post, HuffPost, Oprah, Vice, Parents, Health, and Scary Mommy — to name a few. When her nose isn’t buried in work (or a good book), Kimberly spends her free time running Greater Than: Illness, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower children and young adults working through mental health conditions. Follow Kimberly on Facebook or Twitter.

Kristeen Cherney is a freelance writer and PhD candidate who specializes in covering topics related to mental disabilities, women’s health, skin health, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, and allergies. She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. She also practices yoga and kick-boxing.