Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) is important for your health and the health of your partner. You can choose between a number of different test options, from home kits to lab tests.

When you visit a doctor or other healthcare professional for an STD screening, the provider will collect samples to test for infections. These samples might include blood or urine. They might also take a throat, genital, or anal swab.

Cost

Most health insurance companies offer preventive screenings free with no co-pay. However, you need to check the specifics of your plan to find out if this includes STD testing.

Some private insurers will pay a small amount to cover screenings for HIV, hepatitis C, herpes type 2, and syphilis. If you are on Medicare or Medicaid, they may also cover these tests.

These tests involve giving a blood or urine sample, or using a swab. They can be done at home and usually only take a few minutes to complete, with little or no discomfort.

At-home testing kits are becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to collect a sample without visiting a lab, and you can get results in a few days.

Convenience

Urgent care can be a convenient option for getting routine or precautionary STD testing. It is discrete and often less expensive than a private practice or your primary care physician.

At Priority STD Testing, you can set up your testing appointment online, have your sample collected and receive results in a matter of days. All our test prices are comparable to or cheaper than urgent care, and you can get the testing done in less than 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can choose to order an at-home test kit from Nurx. This will provide you with a sample of your urine or blood, which will be tested in our laboratory.

This can be a more accurate way to test for certain STIs, such as Chlamydia and syphilis. However, it is not always as accurate as a lab-based test, and it can produce false positives. This is especially true with some rapid tests that are not as sensitive as others.

Accuracy

The accuracy of your STD testing results can be critical for protecting your sexual health and preventing serious long-term consequences. Getting regular testing is the key to reducing your risk of contracting an infection, and starting treatment early can lead to quicker recovery and improved quality of life.

Rapid tests are a convenient way to check for a number of common infections, including HIV, syphilis, and Chlamydia. However, they are not always as accurate as laboratory testing, and the chances of a false negative are higher.

This is why it is essential to test multiple times for your results to verify that you don’t have an infection. Having accurate testing results is also important for helping you avoid unnecessary medications and side effects.

Availability

A rapid STD test is a quick and easy way to detect sexually transmitted diseases. Many of these tests are available in a doctor’s office or clinic, while others can be done in your own home.

When you are tested for an STD, your healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam and may use a swab to take samples from your vagina, cervix, or urethra. Results are usually available within a few days or weeks.

Getting tested regularly for STDs is important because it can help prevent the spread of infections to you and your partner. Testing also helps you learn about the risks of developing a particular infection and gives you an opportunity to discuss prevention strategies with your doctor.