But before making health decisions based on these tests, he says, people should keep in mind that there may be factors of which they aren't aware. Patients should not use these tests in place of a doctor, he says, but integrate this information with what they get from their doctor. A home diagnostic test also can cut down on waiting time for results. Unlike some tests done in a doctor's office, home tests often provide immediate answers. But Meza cautions that the tests can be misinterpreted.
Many people think test results always report either a definite yes or no.
There's something called false positives and false negatives. If you're at high risk for something, the screening test has more value. If you're at very low risk for something, you're probably going to have a false positive. Kenneth Bollin, MD, chief of family practice at St. John Hospital in Detroit, tells WebMD that false positives and false negatives can often cause undue alarm. In a worst-case scenario, he says, they can lead to unnecessary or even potentially dangerous medical procedures.