Daye expands capabilities of diagnostic tampon to include STI screening

A year ago Daye introduced its revolutionary tampon vaginal microbiome screening kit and now it has expanded the offering to include STI screening.

The new STI diagnostic tampon will allow people to collect a sample from the comfort of their own home, and then send it off for testing, with results coming back within five working days.

It will help ensure that patients who are anxious or embarrassed about getting tested for STIs have a more discrete option. In addition, by speeding up diagnosis it will open access to prompt treatment. The service includes personalised aftercare, including treatments and consultations with relevant healthcare professionals.

The solution is used in the same way as a normal tampon. Unlike a standard swab it collects more vaginal fluid and covers a larger surface area, making it both more accurate and more comfortable

The STI diagnostic tampon uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which can detect even trace amounts of genetic material from pathogens. It can detect chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, mycoplasma and ureaplasma and has a low level of false positives.

The Daye diagnostic kit is registered with the MHRA and samples are analysed in a UKAS-accredited lab.

Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, said: “Despite living in a world where over a million people get an STI every day, STI testing has chronically low rates post-covid 19, and as a result, many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals could have an infection unknowingly because they have no symptoms.

“Our STI Diagnostic Tampon makes STI testing extremely easy, comfortable and discrete.”