On the subject of your sexual well being, making knowledgeable selections round safety, testing, and therapy is essential. On this information, our medical specialists clarify the distinction between fast STI exams just like the Vivalytic system and conventional laboratory testing – so you possibly can perceive which possibility gives essentially the most dependable outcomes.
So, let’s reply an important query first. Which is most correct for STIs – Vivalytic or laboratory testing?
Lab testing is essentially the most correct and complete technique to check for STIs. Speedy testing could also be sooner, however it will possibly’t match lab testing for depth, vary, or reliability, that means you’re extra prone to get a false optimistic or false unfavourable consequence.
Learn on to study extra about every, their accuracy ranges, and one of the simplest ways to get examined to make sure correct STD check outcomes.

What’s the Vivalytic STI Check?
First, let’s discover each strategies of testing for STDs, and the way they work. The Vivalytic test by Bosch is a fast STI testing system utilized in clinics and medical settings. It makes use of real-time PCR expertise to detect widespread infections like:
You’ll normally get your ends in simply over 2 hours, which is right in the event you want solutions quick. However, it’s sadly not as correct as you may assume!
How Correct is Vivalytic STI Testing?
The Vivalytic system is fairly correct, however it’s not excellent – this will increase the chance that you’ll transmit an STD, even in the event you assume you’re within the clear. Under, we take a look at the completely different accuracy ranges of Vivalytic STI testing towards a number of the most typical STDs.
An infection | Sensitivity | Specificity | Vivalytic Implication | What That Means |
Chlamydia | 94–96% | 97–99% | 4–6 false negatives; 1–3 false positives | Vivalytic could miss 4–6 and wrongly diagnose 1–3 folks. |
Gonorrhoea | 94–96% | 97–99% | 4–6 false negatives; 1–3 false positives | Vivalytic could miss 4–6 and wrongly diagnose 1–3 folks. |
Trichomonas | 93–95% | 97–98% | 5–7 false negatives; 2–3 false positives | Vivalytic could miss 5–7 and wrongly diagnose 2–3 folks. |
What’s Laboratory STI Testing?
Laboratory STI testing entails gathering a pattern – both in a clinic or by way of an at-home check equipment – and sending it to an authorized lab for detailed evaluation. At Your Sexual Well being, we work with main laboratories that use superior gear and comply with strict high quality management procedures to make sure:
- Exact detection of STD pathogens
- Correct screening for unusual STIs, or testing for a spread of STIs with the identical pattern
- Macrolide resistance testing – making certain you might be given the precise therapy (essential for infections like Mycoplasma Genitalium)
- Skilled oversight from certified lab technicians
How Correct is Laboratory STI Testing?
Laboratory STI testing, particularly when carried out by respected suppliers like Your Sexual Well being, makes use of superior methods to make sure the best doable check accuracy. Under is a comparability of sensitivity and specificity for widespread STIs:
An infection | Sensitivity | Specificity | Lab PCR Implications | What That Means |
Chlamydia | 97-99% | 98–100% | 0–2 false negatives; 0–1 false positives | Lab could miss up to 2 and wrongly diagnose up to 1. |
Gonorrhoea | 97–99% | 98–100% | 0–2 false negatives; 0–1 false positives | Lab could miss up to 2 and wrongly diagnose up to 1. |
Trichomonas | 97–98% | 97–100% | 1–3 false negatives; 0–1 false positives | Lab could miss up to three and wrongly diagnose up to 1. |
In case you’d prefer to study extra about the accuracy of instant STD tests, or if home STD testing kits are reliable, try our weblog web page.

How Do The Two Evaluate?
While laboratory testing could be our first selection in the case of your well being and wellbeing, it’s essential to think about the elements that matter to you. We discover the important thing variations between Vivalytic and lab testing beneath:
Vivalytic | Laboratory / YSH | |
Accuracy | Excessive (94–96% sensitivity, 97–99% specificity) | Highest doable accuracy with full medical oversight |
Location | In-clinic use solely (particular areas solely) | 150+ clinics nationwide |
Turnaround Time | 2.5 hours | 30 minutes – 3 days, relying on the check |
Value | Will be increased resulting from on-the-spot processing | Aggressive pricing with extra complete panels |
Pattern Dealing with | Quick evaluation within the clinic | By knowledgeable lab technicians – strict high quality management |
STI’s Examined | Sometimes 3–10 infections per check, with a separate check wanted to search for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma | Wider protection, together with co-infections and fewer widespread STIs |
Ultimate Ideas – Which Ought to You Select?
In case you’re searching for essentially the most correct, complete technique to check for STIs, laboratory testing is the gold normal. Speedy techniques like Vivalytic may be useful when time is important, however they typically can’t match lab testing for depth, vary, or reliability. With lab testing, it would take barely longer to get your outcomes (starting from half-hour to three days relying on the check), however the accuracy and depth of perception far outweigh the wait time – providing you with outcomes which you could belief!
Select Your Sexual Well being For STI Outcomes You Can Belief
At Your Sexual Health, we solely use trusted laboratory testing for our at-home and in-clinic STI exams. Right here’s why:
- Wider testing panels – detect extra infections in a single go
- Lab-trained professionals – guarantee high quality and accuracy
- Fewer false outcomes – which suggests higher therapy choices (learn more about false results in our helpful blog)
- Safe, discreet outcomes – with help from sexual well being specialists
Whether or not you’re testing for signs or simply being proactive about your sexual well being standing, lab testing provides you the clearest image. Find a clinic near you, or browse our sexual health tests right now to get began.