DoorDash Expands Services with At-Home STI Test for Women
DoorDash is stepping up its game beyond just delivering food. Starting this week, women can order an innovative at-home swab test for three common sexually transmitted infections—right from their doorsteps.
This test, developed by Visby Medical, boasts a quick turnaround of just 30 minutes and claims to deliver lab-quality results without the need for a doctor’s visit, long waits, or uncomfortable conversations.
Adam de la Zerda, the CEO and founder of Visby, mentioned that this is an authentic PCR test, utilizing the same technology used in clinics and hospitals. “It’s about rapid, private access to testing, which can help individuals take charge of their health early on and prevent long-term issues. That benefits everyone,” he explained.
Here’s how it works: customers can purchase the test for $149.99 that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis via Visby’s website. Shipping options are straightforward.
In addition to DoorDash, Visby has partnered with GoPuff for same-day delivery in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. “It’s about simplifying the process. We want it to be private, not forced,” Delazerda emphasized.
Using the test is quite straightforward; women take a vaginal swab, insert the sample into the device, and get their results through the Visby app in just half an hour.
This offering is available across the country, with same-day delivery in select cities. Delazerda highlighted that this is a notable advancement compared to typical home kits where samples need to be mailed and results take days.
If the test shows a positive result, the app connects users to a licensed telemedicine provider who can prescribe antibiotics right away. Statistically, about 9 million women are diagnosed with STIs each year, but many experts think the actual figures might be much higher.
“STIs are very common, and you can certainly be exposed even if you’re being careful,” de la Zerda noted. In fact, many infections go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. For instance, around 80% of people with chlamydia might not have any signs, which can facilitate further spread.
Untreated infections can lead to serious health problems in women, like infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Delazerda pointed out that traditional testing can cost upwards of $250, depending on the provider and tests needed—sometimes even without insurance.
Prompt testing and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications and further infections. “People often put testing off due to inconvenience or privacy worries,” Delazerda remarked.
Visby aims to eliminate those barriers; the test is eligible for payment through FSA and HSA accounts. “It’s about allowing people to take control of their health on their own terms,” he added. “Just like with COVID-19 or the flu, testing for STIs should be accessible.”
Visby suggests that women who notice changes in vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, or pain during intercourse should consider STI testing. It’s also advisable for those with new or multiple sexual partners or anyone who suspects exposure to STIs.
