18 July 2025 Press releases

Shame-free STI testing made easy with the self-testing platform Test2Know

A discreet, reliable and simple alternative to testing at the doctor's

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) has launched Test2Know, an online platform that makes home testing for HIV and other STIs easy, anonymous and reliable.

Although the number of diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Belgium is on the rise, many people still postpone testing, often due to embarrassment, time constraints or limited access to healthcare. With Test2Know, ITM offers a solution. Via the platform www.test2know.eu, users can easily order a test kit tailored to their individual health risks.

Discreet, tailored, and reliable

After completing an online questionnaire, the user receives a personalised test kit that only screens for infections relevant to their profile. This approach prevents unnecessary testing and over-treatment. The test kit costs €30, which covers the test materials and postage, and is comparable to the price of an HIV or STI test at a general practitioner.

Users collect their samples at home and return them to the ITM laboratory. Results are available online within a week. If a result is positive, a doctor will contact the user for follow-up. The platform also provides additional support, including a list of GPs for a personal consultation and an anonymous text message notification service for informing sexual partners.

‘The United Kingdom and Ireland already use similar online services as part of their national HIV and STI strategies. This system not only benefits the user, but also helps relieve pressure on the healthcare system,’ says Dr Irith De Baetselier, researcher and coordinator of the National Reference Centre for Sexually Transmitted Infections at ITM.

Taking control of your health

Test2Know targets individuals at risk of STIs who do not currently have symptoms. Anyone who needs more comprehensive care or a physical consultation can still visit ITM's HIV and STI clinic.

Initial user feedback has been highly positive: ‘Discretion is very important to me. I had been hesitating to make an appointment for a while, partly due to lack of time. This testing option came at just the right moment, and I am very satisfied with it.’

Test2Know was developed with support from Antwerp Diner and ViiV Healthcare. The scientific evaluation was published in the International Journal of STD & AIDS. The platform is currently being piloted among 500 people with funding from Gilead and MSD.

Where you at risk?

More information can be found on the Test2Know website.

Order your test kit

Read publication

De Baetselier I, Herrijgers C, Vanroye F, et al. Acceptability, usability, and user experiences of an online postal self-sampling approach for HIV and STI testing in Belgium: Test2Know. International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2025;36(8):642-648. doi:10.1177/09564624251342616

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