Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

        In Vitro Diagnostics

Home Use Tests

                        
                Cholesterol
          Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
          Menopause
          Ovulation (Saliva Test)
          Ovulation (Urine Test)
          Pregnancy
          Prothrombin
          Vaginal pH Home
          Medical Devices
          Products and Medical Procedures
          In Vitro Diagnostics
          Home Use TestsIn Vitro Diagnostics Home Use Tests
  	
        Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    PrintHome use tests allow you to test for some diseases or conditions at home. These tests are cost-effective, quick, and confidential. Home use tests can help:

detect possible health conditions when you have no symptoms, so that you can get early treatment and lower your chance of developing later complications (i.e. cholesterol testing, hepatitis testing).
	detect specific conditions when there are no signs so that you can take immediate action (i.e. pregnancy testing).
	monitor conditions to allow frequent changes in treatment (i.e. glucose testing to monitor blood sugar levels in diabetes).Despite the benefits of home testing, you should take precautions when using home-use tests.

**See your health care provider regularly.**Home use tests are intended to help you with your health care, but they should not replace periodic visits to your doctor.

	Most tests are best evaluated together with your medical history, a physical exam, and other testing.
		Always see your doctor if you are feeling sick, are worried about a possible medical condition, or if the test instructions recommend you do so.
	**Always use new test strips that areauthorized for sale in the United States.** TheFDA has issued a safety communication warning about the risks of using previously owned test strips or test strips that are not authorized for sale in the U.S.**Approvals:**

Find All FDA-Approved Home and Lab Tests**Related Links**

The FDA Warns Against Use of Previously Owned Test Strips or Test Strips Not Authorized for Sale in the United States: FDA Safety Communication
	How You Can Get the Best Results With Home Use Tests
	How You Can Know If FDA Regulates an Over-The-Counter Test
	Home Use Tests: Glossary

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      06/21/2022
                  
                   
Regulated Product(s)
		 Medical DevicesHome Use Tests                
                          

                        Cholesterol
          Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
          Menopause
          Ovulation (Saliva Test)
          Ovulation (Urine Test)
          Pregnancy
          Prothrombin
          Vaginal pH
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop