STD Testing Near Me: At-Home vs. Clinic

Anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STDs on a regular basis. But unfortunately, many people aren’t sure where to go to take a STD test. Searching for “STD testing near me” may result in a list of local clinics, but visiting a doctor isn’t the only way to get tested. You can also get tested for STDs from the comfort of your own home.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, here’s what you need to know about testing at home vs. in a clinic:

How Much Does An STD Test Cost?

The cost of an STD test can vary depending on a number of factors, including which STDs you are testing for and whether the test is taken at home or in a clinic.

An at-home STD kit that tests for a single type of STD can cost as little as $79, however kits that test for a wide range of STDs can cost around $200. 

Your health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of STD testing performed in a clinic. Every insurance provider is different, but in general, most policies will cover preventative testing. However, if you are exhibiting symptoms, the test is no longer considered preventative, so your health insurance may not cover it. Because of this, the cost of testing in a clinic setting can vary on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Do STD Tests Take?

Taking a STD test involves collecting a sample of blood or urine or rubbing the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab. It’s simple, so the test itself will only take a few minutes to complete. If you choose an at-home STD kit, you can complete the test whenever you have a few moments to spare.

However, it may take much longer to get tested for STDs in a doctor’s office or clinic. Many clinics will take walk-in appointments, but doctors typically require appointments, which means you may need to wait days or weeks to get tested. You will also have to take time out of your day to drive to the clinic or doctor’s office, fill out paperwork, and wait to be called back for testing. All of these steps add additional time to the testing process.

If you want to get tested as quickly as possible—and on your own schedule—it’s best to choose an at-home test.

Do You Get STD Results Immediately?

Your cheek swab, urine, or blood will be sent to a lab for STD testing regardless of whether you choose to test at home or in a clinic. If you take the test at home, you will receive results within a matter of days. The results are sent electronically to you so you can access them as quickly as possible.

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get results after testing for STDs in a clinic. The amount of time that it takes will depend on the type of testing and the lab’s turnaround time.

Even if the lab quickly tests the sample, it may take a while for you to get the results. This is because the lab will send the results back to the clinic where the test was performed. Then, the clinic will need to review the results and reach out to you, which may take a few days depending on how busy they are.

Can You Take An STD Test In Private?

Many people are nervous or embarrassed about getting tested for STDs, so they prefer doing it in private.

But if you are tested in a clinic, you will need to meet with someone face-to-face to discuss your testing needs. A trained healthcare provider will also be there to collect your sample.

This isn’t the case with an at-home STD kit. You can perform the entire STD test at home on your own, so no one will ever have to know about it. You can also order the test online, so you won’t have to ask for it in person. This will save you from having to engage in an awkward or uncomfortable conversation with your healthcare provider about getting tested. If you want complete privacy, it’s best to choose an at-home testing kit.

Test For STDs in the Comfort of Your Home

Testing for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. These tests can be performed in a clinic, but many people prefer taking them from the comfort of their own homes. Thanks to at-home STD tests, it’s easier than ever before to take control of your health.