Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Colonie, NY, is a large town situated in Albany County. This populous suburb is home to about 85,000 residents. While being a large community brings an added risk of STDs and HIV, young people have been disproportionately affected.
The county health department reported 22 new HIV infections in 2018. The following year, there were 25, and in 2020, they dropped to 18. Primary and secondary Syphilis exhibited an oscillatory trend. From 36 in 2018, incidences rose to 66 in 2019 and fell to 46 in 2020.
As for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, young adults between 15 to 24 years accounted for more than half of those infections. For example, Chlamydia stood at 1,565 in 2020. Of those cases, 449 occurred in adolescents 15 to 19 years of age and 559 in young adults between 20 and 24.
Likewise, Gonorrhea registered 911 instances in 2020. Persons aged 15 to 19 accounted for 184, while 290 were among those 20 to 24 years of age.
The Albany County Health Department implemented the TAKE CONTROL program to stop the spread of STDs among young people. This initiative strives to increase awareness and correct misinformation about STDs.
It also provides young people with prevention methods, encourages abstinence, and teaches them how to avoid unwanted sex. The program facilitates confidential testing and treatment services specially designed for young persons.
STD services are available in several clinics and health centers in Colonie, NY. You can visit the Planned Parenthood - Albany Health Center, Albany County Department of Health, Albany Med EmUrgentCare, or Albany Med AIDS and HIV Medicine.
When opting for free STD testing, you may not always be able to book an appointment. Some clinics provide the service on a first come, first served basis. This could mean that you may have to endure long wait times.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center - Albany provides access to compassionate, dependable, and quality health care to contribute to optimal health and the well-being of its communities. Its healthcare providers are certified to diagnose infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Alliance for Positive Health helps combat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, opioid addiction, and mental health issues arising from stigma, poverty, and injustice. Its medical team is non-judgmental while performing HIV, STD, and Hepatitis C tests. HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C results come out the same day, and STDs take less than a week.
CompassCare Pregnancy Services is a non-profit organization that helps clients with sexual health problems and guides women and men facing unplanned pregnancies. Professional nurses are available to listen to your concerns and offer support. They provide reproductive health services such as pregnancy, ultrasound, and STD testing.
Albany County Health Department protects and promotes the health of its citizens by collaborating with community partners and utilizing strategies that decrease health inequality. Its staff maintains professionalism while screening for HIV and STDs.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: birth certificate or passport, 4 most recent weeks' pay stubs, official photo ID, proof of New York State residence. Teen walk-in clinic Thurs., 3:00pm-6:00pm
Description: Hep C testing for IV drug users. Primarily serve females, but will treat their male partners as needed. Scheduling phone line open 8am-7pm M-F
Description: Services open to the general public but need to enroll as a patient.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV/STD testing: Wednesday by appt. only
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Walk-in HIV/HCV testing hours are Mon.-Fri., 8am-4pm
Description: Community Based Organization. All HIV testing is free but is only offered to those with designated risk factors. Please call ahead to find out about the criteria for free testing.
Description: Community Based Organization. Grant funded, and therefore; services are free of charge.
Description: Hospital. Services for youth ages 13-24. If you are over the age of 23, call 518-262-6923 for information about PrEP.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Anyone 12 years of age or older, who is a resident of Albany County, or is a student attending college in Albany County, is eligible to be seen in the STD clinic. Please bring a picture ID and proof of address, and proof of insurance, if available. MPox Clinic: Mon.-Fri.,9am-3pm. No appointment needed. STD clinic: Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Need an appointment
Description: Services open to the general public but need to enroll as a patient.
The health center provides services to its clients regardless of income status. Same-day and next-day appointments are available and are made via phone only. Individuals at high risk of being infected with HIV can access walk-in no-cost testing through project cool.
Clients can access their health information from different doctors through the patient portal. The facility’s project impact program connects Hepatitis C patients to primary and specialty medical care, behavioral health, and educational resources. It operates school-based health centers to improve access to healthcare services for students.
920 Lark Dr, Albany, NY 12207, USA
Testing for HIV is free and confidential. The staff can help clients enroll in health insurance and the AIDS drug assistance program that assists in paying for doctor visits and prescriptions.
Alliance for Positive Health offers free transportation to clients with a current HIV-positive diagnosis. Its syringe exchange program provides sterile syringes and harm-reduction counseling to prevent HIV, hepatitis C, and skin and tissue infections.
927 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA
Medicaid-insured clients may access free STD services at this health facility. You can call or text the clinic via the provided number to schedule an appointment. Patients without Medicaid pay a small fee for lab services.
CompassCare Pregnancy Services offers free abortion information and after-abortion care. You can talk to a nurse and schedule appointments through the clinic's telehealth system. It also provides abortion pill reversal to reverse the effects of medical abortion within 72 hours.
951 Albany Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA
The health department provides STD testing to all Albany County residents aged 12 years or older. Clients should schedule an appointment by calling the clinic during operating hours. The clinic accepts most insurance carriers and offers a sliding-fee discount to the uninsured.
However, no one is denied services due to their inability to pay. You should bring a photo ID, proof of address, and insurance during your visit.
Individuals aged 19 and below do not need parental consent to visit Albany County Health Department. Clients who cannot speak English can request language interpreters while making appointments.
175 Green St, Albany, NY 12202, USA
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.
