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Safer STD Testing is an informational referral website. It refers customers to nationally reputed private STD Testing service providers (“Preferred Service Providers” or “Advertisers”). Safer STD Testing is not a medical or healthcare professional facility or a provider of any medical or healthcare services. Safer STD Testing gets compensated on net purchase of products or services by our users referred to such Preferred Service Providers. Click here to read our full disclaimer.
PUBLIC STD TESTING

Free STD Testing Centers And Clinics Near You

Find low-cost, affordable or free STD testing locations that may meet your needs.
Learn more about the pros and cons of visiting a free STD clinic versus your doctor or a private location.
We help make your STD testing experience more comfortable and less frightening.
Questions about STD Testing? 
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Location near you

Search for Low Cost or Free STD Testing Locations Belows

If you think you need to be tested for STDs, we can help you find a testing center near you. Public testing is widely available mainly because of the easy-to-access county, state or city resources. However, there may be less privacy, pricing can be income dependent and wait times may be higher.

There are also thousands of private labs in the United States, such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp, which you may also be familiar with. The appointments are fast, results usually arrive within 1-2 business days and nobody knows why you’re visiting so they offer more privacy. These labs have upfront transparent pricing but may end up costing a bit more than the public ones depending on your income. Use our search and filters below to determine what works best for you.
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Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts..
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How Do I Decide Which Is Right for Me?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to STD testing, except that it’s important that you do it if you feel you may have been exposed. But in regards to whether or not public or private is right for you, it really depends on your situation, the tests you need, and what’s most important to you.
Public vs Private

Public vs Private STD Testing

Public Testing

Pros

Low-cost or even free, depending on income
Oral testing often available in addition to traditional tests
May be able to speak to someone in person about test results
Instant tests may be available

Cons

Low-cost or even free, depending on income
Results can take up to 2 weeks
Walk-ins aren’t always seen
Wait times can be up to 2 to 3 hours, even with an appointment
Business hours often vary
Not all public clinics are staffed to provide counseling, except with an appointment, due to budget cuts
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Private Testing

Pros

Nobody may know why you’re visiting, making it more private than some public clinics.
Results usually take 1 to 2 business days
Greater variety of STD tests available
Easy access to a confidential doctor consult by phone and prescription treatment, if needed.

Cons

Can sometimes be more expensive than public testing, depending on income
Clinics are not always available in your area
Health insurance may not be accepted
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important

What is Most Important to You?

Privacy
Fast Results
Fast Treatment
Pricing
Support

If you’re most concerned about privacy, you should look into private testing centers. The labs affiliated with private clinics do more than STD tests, so it isn’t obvious why you’re there.

Additionally, you don’t have to fill out the paperwork required at a public center, nor do you have to answer all of the embarrassing questions the clinician would ask you at a public center.

If you value fast results, private testing is probably best. You can wait up to 2 weeks for results with public testing, whereas private testing results are available in 2-3 business days or less.

On the other hand, some public centers do offer fast results on specific tests. For example, rapid HIV testing is available in public centers, with results ready in approximately 20 minutes.

If fast treatment is important to you, a private testing center is probably best.

After test results are available, you’ll have access to talk to a physician about your condition and your concerns over the phone.

The provider can prescribe medication and treatment for you to help you begin the process of getting well.

Public centers, however, can take up to 2 months from the time you first call in to schedule testing to get you in to treatment.

If price and cost is most important to you, the right choice for you depends on your income and insurance availability.

A public clinic(which may offer free std testing ), charges based on a sliding income scale, will usually cost less if you make a low income; testing might even be free.

However, this is not a guarantee, and private testing offers pricing transparency that you can’t always expect from a public center.

Support and customer service can also be an element to consider when choosing between public and private testing options.

If you would like someone to examine you and talk with you about the process and next steps while testing is being done, public testing might be best since you will see someone who can provide you with this information.

At the same time, however, public centers are often busy and have full waiting rooms, and so while you will get personal interaction, you might not get the level of care you want or need, depending on the clinic and the situation.

Private testing, on the other hand, doesn’t have a provider sit down with you during testing, but does provide a secure confidential option to speak to a care adviser about your testing options over the phone.

It also provides secured options to access your test results, and fast access to medical care if tested positive.

Your Privacy Matters

Your Situation

Low Income

If you make a low income and cannot afford to pay anything for testing, public testing might be a better option, as they may be able to provide free testing depending on your income level. Be aware that not all pricing is transparent, however.

College Student

If you are a college student, it may be beneficial to look at public testing as many centers offer free testing to adults enrolled in colleges or universities.

Have Insurance

If you have insurance that offers STD coverage, you may wish to consider public testing, as they may be able to accept insurance. Be sure to check with the public testing clinic to see if your specific insurance is accepted.

High Income

If you make a high income, private testing is probably best for you. From the start of the process, you’re aware of what everything costs and what you’ll end up being charged for testing. You may even end up spending less money at a private center than a center that determines cost on a sliding scale, as these facilities may not accept insurance and you would be left to pay the entire amount of testing and treatment.

The Tests You Need

Both private and public centers can test for the most common STDs. These include HIV, Herpes, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, Genital Warts, and Chlamydia.

If you want to get tested for other STDs, you should consider a private testing center. Private labs have the resources to test for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV, and other STDs that many public testing centers may not have access to.

If you want to get tested for all major STD at one time, Private Testing may be a great options as they are able to offer 10 test panels that cover all major STDs such as HIV 1 & 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes 1 & 2, and Hepatitis A,B and C or similar combinations. It save you a lot of time as one visit to the lab will get you tested for all these STDs and you can find out if you have any STDs that you didn't think you have because of lack of symptoms.

On the other hand, if you need anal or oral swabs completed, you may want to consider a public testing center. Because private labs do not do physical exams, these tests are usually unavailable. If you believe you have been exposed to STDs through anal or oral sex, a public center may be your best option.

OPTION

What Testing Options are Available?

When you think you might have a STD, you may feel like your choices are limited, but they’re not. There are many testing facilities available, both public and private. You can even buy home tests online.
Public STD Testing
Public testing clinics which may offer free STD testing are run by the state, county or the city. Planned Parenthood is a popular facility, but others are available as well, including county clinics and public health departments. The benefits of these include free or low-cost options. However, you may have to wait in the clinic for longer periods of time, and you may experience a delay in test results. This is a good option for some people.
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Private STD Testing
With a private testing clinic, such as Quest or Labcorp, you’re likely to experience shorter wait times for both your exam and test results. These are the labs you’ve probably visited when getting other bloodwork orders done from your primary care doctor. The pricing is transparent and upfront, but may be slightly higher than public clinics. Private testing providers can also offer phone support if you receive a positive result, whereas some public clinics might not have a doctor immediately available to speak with you. This option is great for most people.
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Home STD Testing
You can also buy home testing kits online. When you do this, equipment is mailed to you from the online retailer for you to do swabs, urine samples and collect other material for the lab. After you collect material, you send it all to a lab. You have to wait for shipping time on top of regular testing time, which is a downside to this method. This option is great if you want complete privacy of your home, but are willing to wait a bit longer for the test results.
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Frequently Asked Questions

01.

Are You A Health Department?

No. Safer STD Testing is an informational website designed to educate you about STD testing. We refer readers like you to private STD testing providers, which we often refer to as “Preferred Service Providers” or “Advertisers.” We are not a medical or healthcare facility, and none of our information is intended as medical advice. For our full disclosure, click here.

At Safer STD Testing, we believe that you have the right to be in full control of your sexual health and that’s why Safer STD Testing works with nationally reputed companies that specialize in providing private, confidential, non-judgmental and fast STD testing services. Your personal information is fiercely guarded, and the testing is done at the nation’s most respected diagnostic laboratories.

02.

Why should I get tested for a STD?

Not only are infection rates rising, many STIs are asymptomatic for extended periods of time. This basically means that many common STIs do not show signs and symptoms, and unless you get tested it might be years before you learn that you have been infected with a deadly virus or bacteria. By then, it might be too late for the infection to be treated.
 
A classic example is Syphilis. Syphilis is curable, but if left untreated it can develop into a more serious form of the disease that can result in paralysis, blindness and even death. Other serious additional medical risks are also commonly associated with the different STDs, including infertility in both men and women, increased risk of cancer, severe neurological damage, mental retardation and general deformities, as well as seizures.
03.

Do I need to ask my healthcare provider specifically to be checked for STDs?

It is important that you first make the decision to get tested. We are here to help you find the right healthcare provider. Many people incorrectly believe that STD testing is included in pelvic exams, gynecologist visits, or physicals. This is not the case. Due to the variety of STD tests available, you must specifically request an STD test from a healthcare provider.

04.

How long will it take for me to get my test results?

It depends on where you test and the test you take amongst other factors. At Private labs the test results are available within 1-2 business days for majority of the tests. The time for test results at the public testing facilities varies from a few days to a couple of weeks at most times. Some tests like Rapid HIV test results are available within 20-30 minutes, although the results are indicative and need to be validated by another HIV test.

05.

Can I Get Free Testing?

Free STD testing is available depending on your circumstances. College students generally have access to free tests. Public clinics may offer free testing depending on your income and welfare eligibility. In some cases, public testing might end up costing more than private if those clinics are not offering transparent pricing.

06.

Are STD Tests accurate?

STD tests are never 100% accurate and that’s mostly because many STIs don’t show up right away. In some cases, it can take an infection anywhere from a couple of days to a few months to show up in testing. Our Preferred Service Providers tests are reliable and accurate as per industry standards.

07.

Do I need a referral letter from my GP to get tested?

No. To attend the recommended sexual health facilities, you do not need a referral letter from your General Practitioner (GP). Our Preferred Service Providers operate an open access sexual health service that you can attend with or without an appointment.

08.

What about billing and payment?

All major credit cards or payments via debit/gift cards, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) with Mastercard and Visa logos as well as e-Checks are accepted for private STD Testing by our preferred service providers. Your health insurance may not be accepted at all preferred service providers, so we recommend checking prior to ordering your tests. A cancellation policy allows you to receive a full or partial refund on any order placed with our service providers within specified days of making payment and before visiting one of the testing facilities.

09.

Can I get tested for STDs at home?

There are “over the counter” tests that can be done at home. It is private, and comes with easy to follow instructions, or you can get the kit shipped to your home.
10.

Can I order my test online instead of calling?

If you prefer to order your STD test online, find a private location by visiting the Private STD Testing page .

11.

If I use a credit card, what will appear on my statement?

The name of the preferred service provider’s website will not appear on any billing statement.

12.

What if If I’m under the age of 18?

Can you still get tested without a parent/guardian’s permission? While the law can vary from state to state, in most cases you can get tested for all STDs without signed consent from a parent or guardian even if you are age 17 or younger. It is still a good idea to check with the local laws in your area.

13.

If my lab visit is confidential, why do I need a photo ID?

The law requires that your visit and subsequent test is completely confidential, and the results will never be shared with an outside party. This is one of the reasons why you need a photo ID to confirm your identity. The picture ID card ensures staff that the results are being released to the right person, and it also helps the office personnel keep accurate records about their patients’ health.
Already having your information on file also helps to improve your experience on future visits, and it can even speed up the procedure.
14.

Will I have to provide any personal information?

You will have to provide some personal information, starting with your zip code. Your name and contact information will also be required. All data supplied by you will be kept private, whether you provide it over the phone or online.

15.

How can I be sure that my test results will be kept private?

Our preferred service providers take every step to ensure that your tests results are kept private. This is one of the main reasons why results can only be accessed via email or phone call. It should be noted that if you test positive for HIV/AIDS these results will be reported to your local health department as required by federal law.

16.

What type of STI tests are commonly offered?

Our preferred service providers offer tests for all commonly transmitted sexual infections. While you can choose to be tested for only one STD, most physicians recommend a full 10 panel test. This includes HIV Type 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes 1 and 2, along with Hepatitis A, B and C.

17.

Is testing covered by insurance?

Some insurance carriers do cover testing costs, but many do not. If you are unsure of your coverage, we recommend that you look over your policy. Our preferred service providers will also be able to let you know if your health insurance is accepted.

18.

Can I be tested the same day I schedule an appointment?

Yes, in many cases you can be tested the same day if you order a test through a preferred service provider.

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Disclaimer 

Safer STD Testing is an informational referral website. It refers customers to nationally reputed private STD Testing service providers (“Preferred Service Providers” or “Advertisers”). Safer STD Testing is not a medical or healthcare professional facility or a provider of any medical or healthcare services. Safer STD Testing gets compensated on net purchase of products or services by our users referred to such Preferred Service Providers. Click here to read our full disclaimer.
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