Instructions

STI Collection Kit

instructional video

Prepare your testing session

1 - In Preparation

Introduction

00:00

What you will need

01:02

2 - Connect with us on the Patient Portal

Your kit information

01:25

Log in to patient portal

01:36

Using your kit

01:41

3 - Send your kit back to us

Preparing for return

02:19

Ready for pickup

02:42

Closing

03:02

TRANSCRIPT

In Preparation

Introduction

00:00

Hello and welcome.

This video will guide you through the Switch Health Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Collection Kit experience. Our test collection kits are only one of the many ways Switch Health is delivering accessible healthcare solutions around the world

This quick, easy-to-use kit is designed to be used wherever you are.

With the Switch Health STI collection kit service, your results are returned within a few days. Your official result will be uploaded into our patient portal for viewing and download.

Please note this important information and speak with a healthcare provider if you have any further questions or concerns.

This product is not suitable for those who are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Do not use the Test Collection Kit if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: lower abdominal pain, unusual vaginal bleeding; sores, bumps or lesions on their genitalia; and or testicular pain. If experiencing any of these symptoms, we strongly recommend that you seek in-person care.

What you will need

01:02

To begin, connect with us from a private safe location.

Each Switch Health STI Collection Kit contains a Switch Health Instruction Manual, Switch Health Quick Start Guide, Switch Health Specimen Label, Aptima Urine Collection Kit, Urine Collection Container, Aptima Instruction Manual, Alcohol Prep Pad, Circular Sticker, Biohazard Bag, Purolator Return Shipping Bag.

Connect with us on the Patient Portal

Your kit information

01:25

When you're ready to begin, remove the contents from the kit and lay them out in front of you.

Read the instruction manuals carefully.

Create or log into your Switch Health account.

Log in to patient portal

01:36

Click or tap activate test

Enter your serial number to activate the kit for self-collection.

Using your kit

01:41

Begin by washing your hands before usage.Using the Urine Collection Cup, collect 20-30mL of initial urine stream. Be sure to collect only the initial stream (not mid-stream). Do not overfill as too much urine may affect your results. To avoid contamination, ensure your labia or penis do not touch the cup.

Use the pipette to transfer 2mL from the collection cup into the tube filling between the black lines. Re-cap the tube tightly.

Wash your hands after specimen collection.

Dispose of remaining urine in toilet. Discard the collection cup and pipette as regular garbage.

Send your kit back to us

Preparing for return

02:19

Next, follow the steps to prepare your sample for return.

Write your full name and date of birth as it appears in your Switch Health account on the included specimen label.

Print legibly using a black or blue pen.

Apply label to the tube lengthwise.

Place the tube inside the biohazard bag and seal it.

Place the biohazard bag back into the original Switch Health box and close.

Ready for pickup

02:42

Seal the box with the included Switch Health sticker

Place the sealed box into the provided Purolator bag for return.

You will be prompted to enter your address, so we can determine your fastest pickup or drop off options.

All of our return methods are free and contactless.

We will send you an email and SMS text notification once your results are ready.

Closing

03:02

At Switch Health, we pride ourselves on being user first.

Our support team is available Monday-Sunday, 10AM-6PM EST.

You can reach us by phone at 1-888-966-6531 or email us at contact@switchhealth.ca.

Thank you for choosing Switch Health.

how it works

It’s quite simple, really.

Our team of healthcare experts have built a quick and easy-to-use test kit so that you can have peace of mind - wherever you are.

step one

Connect with us to get started

Log in or create your Switch Health account.

Tap “Activate test” to start your test session. You will be guided through the following steps.

STEP TWO

Collect 20-30ml of initial urine stream

Be sure to collect only the initial stream of urine (not mid-stream). Do not overfill as too much urine may affect your results.

STEP THREE

Transfer 2 ml to the tube

Using the pipette, transfer 2 ml from the collection cup into the tube filling between the black lines. Re-cap the tube tightly.

STEP FOUR

Discard the remaining urine

Using the pipette, transfer 2 ml from the collection cup into the tube filling between the black lines. Re-cap the tube tightly.

step five

Fill out and apply your tube label

Specimens returned without a completed tube label will not be processed.

step six

Prepare your kit for return

Follow the provided steps on how to securely pack your specimen for transport back to us.

step seven

Return your kit for processing

Select from the available return methods – all options are free! Please return your kit to us as soon as possible.

step eight

Review your results

We’ll notify you when your results are available. Log into your Switch Health account where follow-up care options will be tailored to you.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Need a copy of the manual?

This instruction manual is provided in English and French inside the kit. If you have misplaced the manual, download a copy here.

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Is this test authorized for use in Canada?

All testing devices used by Switch Health are authorized by Health Canada and are validated at accredited and licensed Canadian laboratories.

What will my results tell me?

The results for the STI Test Collection Kit will indicate whether you are positive or negative for common STIs. The Switch Health Test Collection Kit tests for three sexually transmitted infections: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis.

Can I share my results with my own family doctor?

All results are digitally available to be downloaded in PDF format and/or printed via the Switch Health patient portal. It is the patient’s decision whether test results are shared with anyone else.

What is being tested?

The Switch Health Test Collection Kit tests for three sexually transmitted infections: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis.

I live in a remote region; how can I get a kit?

You can get a delivered anywhere Purolator and Canada Post provides service.

Why does this kit cost money?

While most provincial health insurance plans cover the cost of laboratory processing fees for covered medical conditions and illnesses (which is the case for the Switch Health STI Test Collection Kit), some fees like shipping, third-party and program administration are not. Please inquire with your healthcare insurer to learn what coverage is available to you under your personal health insurance plan or healthcare spending accounts.

Is this test available to all genders?

Switch Health’s STI Test Collection Kit is a urine-based laboratory test and available to all genders.

What if I get a positive result but do not have a family doctor?

At Switch Health, we want to support our customers with their health. Depending on your location, if you get a positive result but do not have a family doctor, Switch Health may support you by providing direction on finding online resources to access and may physician care or may facilitate access to care through our network of healthcare partners.

Who should take this test?

Only individuals who have previously been sexually active or are currently sexually active are candidates for a sexually transmitted infection test.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be eligible for the STI Collection Test Kit.

· Painful or burning urination

· Discharge from the penis

· Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge

· Pain during sex

· Fever

· Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

At this time, STI Collection Test Kits are not available to those who are pregnant or may be pregnant. Please seek in-person care to avoid any potential adverse outcomes to your pregnancy or potential pregnancy.

If you are unsure about any of the above, we recommend you speak to your primary healthcare provider prior to taking the test.