STD testing: what to know before you go
Getting tested for STDs is quick, routine, and often free or low-cost. This guide covers what to test for, when, what it costs, and your options — from walk-in clinics to private at-home testing.
Where can you get tested?
There are more testing options than most people realize. Use the directory to find any of these near you:
- Health departments — public clinics offering free or low-cost, confidential testing.
- Planned Parenthood — confidential testing and treatment with sliding-scale fees.
- Community health centers — sliding-scale care, including for uninsured patients.
- Diagnostic labs (Quest, LabCorp) — where your sample is drawn, including for online test orders.
- At-home / online testing — order privately, visit a lab briefly, get results online.
Clinic vs. private online testing
| Walk-in clinic | Private online order | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free–$150 (varies) | ~$50–$200 flat |
| Appointment | Sometimes required | None — walk into the lab |
| Privacy | Clinic records | Private account, discreet |
| Results | Few days to a week | 1–2 days online |
| If positive | On-site treatment | Free doctor consult + referral |
Frequently asked questions
How much does STD testing cost?
At public health departments, STD testing is often free or low-cost. Community clinics and Planned Parenthood use sliding-scale fees based on income. Without insurance, a private lab panel typically runs $50–$200 depending on how many infections you test for.
What STDs should I test for?
A standard panel covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and sometimes herpes and trichomoniasis. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common and often have no symptoms.
How long after exposure should I get tested?
Window periods vary: chlamydia and gonorrhea can be detected within about 1–2 weeks, HIV within 2–4 weeks with modern tests, and syphilis within 3–6 weeks. If you test early, retest after the window to be sure.
Is at-home STD testing legit?
Yes. With an online order service, you pay online, visit a partner lab for a quick blood/urine sample, and get results in 1–2 days. It uses the same CLIA-certified labs (Quest, LabCorp) that doctors use.
Can I get tested anonymously?
Many health departments offer confidential or anonymous HIV testing. Private online testing is also discreet — you order under your own account and results aren't shared with your employer or added to a clinic's public records.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider about which tests are right for you.