References and Sources Policy
How Chekd Health selects, verifies, and updates the medical and public health sources used across our content.
Last updated: February 18, 2026
On this page
Our Sourcing Framework
This policy explains how we select, interpret, and maintain the medical and public health sources referenced across the Chekd Health platform.
Chekd Health provides educational information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We rely on publicly available medical literature, clinical guidelines, and public health publications to develop educational summaries.
Chekd Health does not conduct original medical research, independently verify raw research data, replicate clinical findings, audit laboratory performance, or validate diagnostic claims beyond publicly available disclosures. Our content reflects interpretation and summary of published sources.
Chekd Health is operated by Blacksmith Medical LLC (dba Chekd Health).
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
We prioritize primary sources, including peer-reviewed clinical research and official public health guidance, over secondary summaries.
Primary sources include:
Peer-reviewed journal articles
Government agency recommendations
Consensus clinical guidelines
Secondary sources may include:
Educational summaries
Institutional overviews
Expert commentary
Where possible, we rely on primary or guideline-level publications rather than tertiary summaries.
Evidence Hierarchy
Chekd Health generally prioritizes sources in the following order:
-
Peer-reviewed medical literature
-
U.S. public health authorities (including CDC, USPSTF, NIH)
-
Specialty clinical guidelines issued by recognized professional societies
-
Recognized international public health authorities
-
Reputable secondary summaries that accurately reflect primary sources
When differences exist between international and U.S. guidance, Chekd Health prioritizes U.S.-based public health standards, as our intended audience is located in the United States.
Interpretation, Selection, and Limitations
Medical literature is technical, evolving, and often context-dependent. Chekd Health may summarize, paraphrase, or interpret clinical research and public health guidance to improve clarity and accessibility. These summaries are not complete reproductions of the original source material.
We do not guarantee inclusion of all available studies or viewpoints. Sources may be selectively cited based on relevance, authority, consistency with established guidance, and public health significance. Omission of a particular study does not imply rejection of its findings.
When evidence conflicts or is preliminary, we prioritize:
Consensus clinical guidelines
Established public health recommendations
Peer-reviewed research with broader acceptance
We may not incorporate emerging or non-consensus findings unless they materially affect public health understanding.
While we seek to rely on reputable and authoritative publications, we do not guarantee that cited sources are error-free. Public health agencies and scientific publications may revise, update, or retract information over time. Chekd Health does not control external publications and cannot ensure ongoing accuracy of third-party materials.
External reference links may change, move, or become unavailable over time, and Chekd Health is not responsible for third-party content or link changes.
Users should consult licensed healthcare professionals and primary source materials when making medical decisions.
Third-Party Testing Providers
Chekd Health may reference publicly available information about third-party testing providers and laboratories.
Chekd Health does not independently validate laboratory accuracy, confirm diagnostic sensitivity or specificity claims beyond publicly available disclosures, conduct regulatory review of providers, or monitor compliance with clinical standards.
We rely on provider-published information and publicly available materials at the time of publication. Users should verify provider claims, pricing, availability, and regulatory status directly with the testing provider.
Updating and Transparency
Medical knowledge evolves. Content may be updated when:
Public health guidance changes
New evidence materially alters understanding
Testing technologies evolve
Substantive user-reported concerns arise
When a page is materially revised, the “Last updated” date is modified accordingly.
Chekd Health may revise, clarify, or remove content when it is determined to be outdated, incomplete, or potentially misleading.
How to Contact Us
If you believe a source has been misinterpreted, materially updated, or omitted, please contact us through our Contact page. Substantive correction requests are reviewed by the Chekd Health management team.