With the growing need to monitor and prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases, STD testing kits are becoming increasingly popular. The advantages of these kits are their convenience, ease of use, and non-invasive nature. The best STD testing services allow you to collect a sample yourself, mail it in, and quickly receive confidential results online. If you’ve been sexually active, here are some important facts about STD testing.
Price: $99 to $269
At-home testing: Yes
Results: 2 to 5 days
LetsGetChecked is one of the most popular STD testing services in the United States. Known for its accuracy, LetsGetChecked manufactures its kits in an accredited facility and uses certified, world-renowned laboratories. What’s more, doctors individually review the results to ensure their accuracy.
LetsGetChecked also makes it easy to get an STD test. You can order a kit with home delivery and receive it the next day. Samples are collected in the privacy of your home, and LetsGetChecked even includes return shipping. Best of all, you’ll get your results within 2 to 5 days.
Plus, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals available 24/7 to help you get through your STD test. So if your STD test result comes back positive, someone will be there to help you navigate the situation and take the necessary steps.
Pros
- Many tests and kits available
- Next-day and prepaid delivery
- Fast results
Cons - Not all STI tests can be taken individually
- Not available in Australia or New Zealand
Price: $57.50 to $499
Home testing: Yes
Results: 1 to 5 days
As the name suggests, myLAB Box is a convenient way to get tested for STIs. You can get tested for almost anything, from general well-being and nutrition to serious STIs, fertility, and much more. myLAB Box offers single tests and multi-test kits at very competitive prices (sometimes half the price of the competition).
myLAB Box gives you access to a network of doctors who can help with your diagnosis. If you prefer to work directly with your regular doctor, myLAB Box offers a convenient PDF format that you can print and take to your doctor. In addition, myLAB Box partners with medical professionals who will provide free treatment if your results are negative.
- Free same-day treatment via telemedicine
- Available tests and kits
- FAS/HSA cards accepted
Cons - Outdated website
- Only available in the US
Price: $20 to $109 per test
Cannot be done at home
Results: 24-72 hours
Priority STD is a leading STD testing company offering fast and reliable results for a wide range of STDs, including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. With over 4,000 testing locations nationwide and no pre-registration required, you can get a Priority STD test the same day you order it. These labs are fast and provide results in as little as 24 hours.
In compliance with HIPAA regulations, all Priority STD tests are completely confidential. Results are sent to a private online account that only you can access, and no information is shared with your doctor, mailed to you, or billed to Priority STD. Priority STD also offers treatment options for patients who test positive, with most medications available the same day.
Pros
- Fast results (24-72 hours)
- Completely confidential
- Same-day testing and medication
Cons - No at-home testing option
- Only one dual-panel test
Price: $24 to $349
At-home testing: No
Results: 1-2 days
STDcheck.com is one of the fastest ways to get STD test results. You can get tested the same day you order your test, the sample is taken in 5 minutes, and you get the results within 1 or 2 days. That’s incredibly fast for this industry. And because you don’t need a prescription or insurance to use STDcheck.com, everything is completely confidential. The company also partners with over 4,500 labs across the United States. So you’ll always find a lab near you.
STDcheck.com offers 10 test panels that cover all the major sexually transmitted infections and diseases, such as HIV types 1 and 2, herpes types 1 and 2, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. In addition, STDcheck.com covers hepatitis A, B, and C, which most traditional STD tests don’t cover. Prices for a basic STD test start at just $24, and STDcheck.com also offers a wide range of other tests on the market.
Pros
- 5-minute rapid test, results in 1-2 days
- Same-day testing available
- Testing at certified labs
Cons - No at-home testing option
- No saliva testing option
Price: $99 to $269
At-home testing: Yes
Results in 2-5 days
LetsGetChecked is one of the most popular STD testing services in the United States. Known for its accuracy, LetsGetChecked manufactures its kits in an accredited facility and uses world-renowned, certified labs. Results are reviewed individually by doctors to ensure accuracy.
LetsGetChecked also makes it easy to get your STD test. You can order a kit with home delivery and receive it the next day. Samples are collected in the privacy of your home, and LetsGetChecked even covers the cost of return shipping. Most importantly, you’ll get your results within 2-5 days.
Plus, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals available 24/7. So if you get a positive STD test result, someone will be there to help you navigate the situation and take the necessary steps.
Pros
- Multiple tests and packages
- Next-day and prepaid shipping
- Fast results
Cons - Not all STD tests can be ordered separately
- Not available in Australia or New Zealand
Price: $75 to $235
At-home testing: Yes
Results within seven days
The advantage of Nurx is that it makes necessary medical evaluations, procedures, and treatments affordable and accessible to everyone. You can get birth control, genital herpes treatment, and STD testing with or without health insurance, and without the hassle of asking your doctor for tests.
After answering basic questions about your health, a medical advisor will review your case and schedule or order the tests you need. It’s much more confidential than going to the doctor, so Nurx is a good option for those who value privacy. It’s also a good option if you don’t have health insurance, as Nurx will send you a kit regardless of your insurance.
Pros
- Ample information on the website
- Available access to important tests and treatments
- A full medical team for greater accuracy and support
Cons - Not available in many states
- Medications are available without a doctor’s prescription
Price: $39 to $99
At-home testing: Yes
Results within five days
Everlywell is one of the most popular STD testing services. Many people use these at-home kits because they are more affordable than most competitors. Plus, Everlywell’s results are very accurate. Everlywell also offers a free consultation so that customers can discuss their results with a qualified medical professional.
Everlywell reports are detailed and provide valuable information about your overall health and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. You will receive an STD test directly to your home for easy and confidential sample collection. You can mail your sample using the prepaid envelope included in your kit.
Pros
- Accurate results
- One of the most affordable STD tests
- Detailed reports and analysis
Cons - Available in 47 states
- Tests included in the STD kit are not sold separately
Prices range from $24 to $499
No home delivery required
Results within 1 to 3 days
HealthLabs offers Americans a faster, more confidential way to get tested for STDs. With over 4,500 CLIA-certified labs nationwide, anyone can walk into a lab and get tested. All tests are conducted anonymously, ensuring confidentiality. Plus, because the entire ordering process is online, you can log in the same day and receive your STD test immediately (if you’re fasting). No one else has access to your results—only you can see them. HealthLabs prioritizes privacy.
You can get your results in 1 to 3 days, and HealthLabs also offers a 110% satisfaction guarantee. You can get a variety of tests, from basic hepatitis panels to comprehensive HIV testing and more. HealthLabs offers individual tests, complete panels, and kits to make testing for many STIs more affordable.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Over 4,500 CLIA-certified labs
- No insurance or referral required
Cons: - No home visit option
- Does not accept insurance
What is an STD Test, and Who Needs It?
An STI test is one of several types of tests used to determine the presence of a sexually transmitted infection or disease. Different STIs require different types of tests. Some require a blood test, while others require a saliva sample, urine sample, or genital swab.
It is recommended that everyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners, get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
This is the general advice of health professionals around the world. There are specific guidelines for STD testing for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here are some important rules to remember if you are sexually active:
Get tested annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea if:
- You are a woman aged 25 or younger.
- You are aged 25 or older and have multiple sexual partners.
- You are a man who has sex with other men.
- You currently have HIV.
- You have been forced into sex without your consent.
It is recommended that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. Hepatitis C testing is recommended for anyone born between 1945 and 1965, as they are at high risk.
Additionally, anyone who has multiple sexual partners, uses intravenous drugs, is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and bisexual or gay men who are sexually active or have had forced sex should be tested for STIs.
Where Can You Test for an STD?
STIs spread quickly. Fortunately, there are several ways to get tested for STIs today, including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Clinics
- Home visits
A clinic is one of the fastest ways to get results. You simply go to an STI testing clinic, provide your sample, and wait for the results. Many people find it inconvenient or don’t have a clinic nearby.
Alternatively, you can ask your doctor to test you for STIs. This is more convenient because they are your regular doctor. However, for most people, talking about STIs with their regular doctor is more uncomfortable than talking to a lab technician. Therefore, this can put many people off getting tested.
The most convenient and practical option is to get tested for STIs at home. You collect the sample in the comfort of your own home, send it in the mail, and receive the results online. This makes it much more confidential. No one, not even your roommates, has to know.
What STD Test Kit Should You Get?
The right STI testing kit for you depends on the type of sexually transmitted infection you want to be tested for. Some kits are available for specific diseases. This is more convenient and cost-effective.
Make sure the STI testing kit you order includes the disease(s) you are testing for. Also, look for a kit that has an online customer portal. This will allow you to access your results online in a private channel. Only you have the password, so only you can see the results. This is a faster and more confidential way to get your results.
How Long Do STD Tests Take?
Getting an STD test is quick and easy. If you do it at home, it only takes a few seconds. Simply take a swab, blood, or urine sample, and you’re done. If you’re getting tested at a doctor’s office or clinic, you’ll need to factor in travel time and wait time for a professional to come to you. This can take quite a while, depending on how busy they are.
Getting your results also varies depending on where you get tested. Clinics usually mail your results. However, online results are much faster. You can expect to receive your results within 2 to 5 days, depending on the STD testing service you use.
How Much Does STD Testing Cost?
The cost of STD tests varies depending on several factors, including your location, the type of test, the location, and of course, whether your health insurance covers them. Individual tests can cost around $99, while packages that include multiple STD tests range from $119 to $275, depending on the number of tests included. If you plan to get more than one STD test, it’s worth purchasing a multi-test package, as it will be much cheaper than getting each test individually.
