title: At home testing: optimizing management for the infertility physician.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review and describe various over-the-counter testing products available to the infertility patient, a billion-dollar a year industry that continues to grow.
  
  
  METHODS
  Methodology involved a detailed Medline search of literature, use of online search engines, and focused communications with various manufacturers to determine the usefulness and validity of existing products.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although some home tests have been subjected to scientific scrutiny, others have not. At-home testing represents an opportunity for physicians to involve patients actively in their care. When properly used, these tests also may result in cost savings. However, physicians and consumers must understand the limitations of these tests. Many of the technologies used are innovative and, with proper evaluation and implementation, could serve as valuable adjuncts to medical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. pbrezin1@jhmi.edu
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Brezina
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Haberl
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wallach
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010819:Physician's Role; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012648:Self Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods