With the growing urgency to control and prevent sexually transmitted diseases and infections, sexually transmitted testing kits are becoming increasingly popular. The advantage of these kits is that they are convenient, easy to use, and non-invasive. The best STD testing services allow you to collect a sample yourself, mail it in, and quickly receive confidential results online. If you have ever been sexually active, here are some tips for getting tested for STDs.
Price: $99-$269
At home: Yes
Results: 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 accredited facilities and uses world-renowned, certified laboratories. Doctors review the results individually to ensure accuracy.
LetsGetChecked also makes getting tested for STIs easy and convenient. 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. Best of all, you’ll get your results within 2 to 5 days.
Plus, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals you can talk to 24/7. So if you test positive for an STI, someone will be there to help you navigate the situation and take the necessary steps.
Pros
- A wide range of tests and packages
- Next-day and prepaid delivery
- Fast results
- Cons
Not all STD tests can be taken individually - Not available in Australia or New Zealand
Price: $57.50 to $499
Take it home: Yes
Results: 1-5 days
As the name suggests, myLAB Box is a convenient way to get STD tests at your own pace. You can get tested for almost anything, from general well-being and nutrition to serious STDs, fertility, and more. myLAB Box offers single tests and multi-test packages, and its prices are very competitive (sometimes half the price of the competition).
myLAB Box gives you access to a network of doctors who can help with your diagnosis. Or, if you prefer to speak directly with your family doctor, myLAB Box has a convenient PDF format that you can print and take to your doctor. Even more convenient, myLAB Box partners with medical professionals who will provide free treatment if your results change.
- Free same-day treatment via telemedicine
- Available tests and packages
- FAS/HSA cards accepted
Cons - Outdated website
- Only available in the US
Price: $20 to $109 per test
At-home test: No
Results: 24-72 hours
Priority STD is a leading STD testing company that offers 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 your Priority STD test the same day you order it. These labs are fast and provide results in as little as 24 hours.
They are HIPAA compliant and completely confidential. Results are sent to a private online account that only you can access, and no information is shared with your healthcare provider, mailed to you, or billed to Priority STD. Priority STD also offers treatment options for patients who test positive, with medication available the same day in most cases.
- Pros
- Fast turnaround times (24-72 hours)
- Completely confidential
- Same-day testing and medication
Cons - No home testing option
- Only one dual-panel test
Price: $24-$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, collect a sample in 5 minutes, and get results in 1 or 2 days. That’s incredible speed for an industry in its own right. And because you don’t need a doctor’s prescription or health insurance to use STDcheck.com, everything is completely confidential. The company also partners with over 4,500 labs across the United States. So there’s always a lab conveniently located near you.
STDcheck.com offers 10 test panels that cover all the major sexually transmitted infections and diseases, including 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 standard STD tests miss. Starting with
Pros
- 5-minute test, results in 1-2 days
- Same-day testing available
- Testing at certified labs
Cons - No at-home option
- No saliva test option
Price: $99-$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 accredited facilities and uses world-renowned, certified labs. Results are reviewed individually by doctors to ensure accuracy.
LetsGetChecked also makes getting tested for STDs easy and convenient. 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. Most importantly, you’ll get your results within 2 to 5 days.
Plus, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals you can talk to 24/7. So if you get a positive STD test result, someone is ready to help you cope and take the necessary steps.
- Pros
- Multiple tests and packages
- Next-day and prepaid shipping
- Fast results
Cons - Not all STD tests can be taken individually
- Not available in Australia and New Zealand
Price: $75-$235
Home testing: Yes
Results within seven days
The best thing about Nurx is that it makes important medical assessments, procedures, and treatments affordable and accessible to everyone. You can get services like birth control, genital herpes treatment, and STD testing with or without health insurance, without the hassle of having to go to a doctor to order lab tests.
After answering basic questions about your health, a medical advisor will review your history and provide a prescription or order the tests you need. It’s much more confidential than going to the doctor, so Nurx is a good solution 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 situation.
- Pros
- Ample information on the website
- Affordable access to important tests and treatments
- A full-time medical staff for greater accuracy and support
Cons - Not available in many states
- Medications are available to everyone without a doctor’s prescription
Price: $39-$99
Home testing: Yes
Results within five days
Everlywell is one of the most popular STD testing services. Many people use their at-home kits because they are more affordable than most competitors. Additionally, Everlywell’s results are highly accurate. Everlywell also offers a free consultation so customers can discuss their results with a qualified medical professional.
Everlywell’s reports are detailed and provide valuable information about your overall health and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. You will receive an STD test that will be sent directly to your home for easy and confidential sample collection. You can return the sample by mail using the prepaid envelope included with 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 available separately
Prices range from $24-$499
No home delivery
Results in 1-3 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, so confidentiality is guaranteed. And because the entire application process is online, you can log in the same day and get your STD test results immediately (if you fast for the test). No one else can access your results—only you can see them. HealthLabs prioritizes privacy.
You can get your results within 1 to 3 days, and HealthLabs also offers a 110% satisfaction guarantee. A variety of tests are available, 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 treatment options
- Not accepted by insurance
What is an STD Test, and Who Needs It?
An STD test is one of several types of tests used to determine if you have a sexually transmitted infection or disease (STD). Different STDs require different types of tests. Some require a blood test, while others require a swab of saliva, urine, or genitals.
It is recommended that everyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners, get tested for STDs.
This is the general advice from health professionals around the world. However, there are specific STD testing guidelines for each STD. Here are some important rules to keep in mind if you are sexually active.
Get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea annually if:
- You are a woman age 25 or younger
- You are over age 25 and have multiple sexual partners
- You are a man who has sex with men
- You currently have HIV
- You have been forced to have sex without consent
It is recommended that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. Everyone born between 1945 and 1965 should get tested for hepatitis C because they are at high risk.
In addition, anyone who has multiple sexual partners, uses intravenous drugs, is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or is a bisexual or gay man who is sexually active or has been forced to have sex should get tested for STIs.
Where Can You Test for an STD?
STIs spread quickly. Fortunately, STI testing is available in several ways today, including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Clinics
- At home
A clinic is one of the fastest ways to get results. You visit an STI testing clinic, submit your sample, and wait for the results. Many people are uncomfortable with this or don’t have a center nearby.
Alternatively, you can ask your doctor to get tested for STIs. This is more convenient because they are your family doctor. However, most people feel more uncomfortable talking to their family doctor about STIs than they do with a lab technician. Therefore, this can be discouraging for many people.
The most convenient and convenient option is a home STI test. You collect the sample in the comfort of your own home, mail it in, and receive the results online. Therefore, it is much more confidential. No one, not even your roommates, has to know.
What STD Test Kit Should You Get?
The right STD test kit for you depends on the type of sexually transmitted infection you are getting tested for. Kits are available for specific conditions. This will be more convenient and affordable.
Make sure the STD test kit you order covers the condition(s) you are getting tested for. Also, look for a kit that has an online customer portal. This will allow you to access your test 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?
STD testing is quick and painless. If you do it at home, it takes seconds. Take a swab, blood, or urine sample, and you are done. If you are getting tested at an office or clinic, you will need to factor in travel and wait times. This can take some time, depending on how busy the facility is.
Getting your results also varies depending on where you get your STD test. Clinics will usually mail your results. Online results, on the other hand, 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, where the tests are performed, and, of course, whether your health insurance covers them. Individual tests can cost around $99, while multiple STI testing kits range from $119 to $275, depending on the number of tests included. If you plan to get more than one STI test, ordering a multiple testing kit is a good idea, as it will be much cheaper than getting each test individually.