Select the STD test or panel that’s right for you. No doctor’s referral needed. Call (866) 566-8711 for personalized assistance.
Stop by one of our 4,500+ testing centers. Most visits take less than 15 minutes.
Access your results securely online, typically within 1-2 days. If you test positive treatment can be prescribed.
Understanding Your STD Testing Options
When it comes to STD testing, you have choices between free testing services offered by public health departments and paid testing through private providers like LocalSTDTesting.com. While both options can provide accurate results, there are significant differences in experience, convenience, privacy, and comprehensiveness that are important to consider.
For questions about our private STD testing services, call us at (866) 566-8711.
Comparing Free and Paid STD Testing
| Feature | Free STD Testing | Paid STD Testing with LocalSTDTesting.com |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No direct cost | $139-$389 depending on tests (payment plans available) |
| Wait Times | Often several hours; may require multiple visits | Average visit under 15 minutes |
| Appointments | Usually required; may be booked weeks out | No appointment necessary; same-day testing |
| Privacy | Limited; often in dedicated STD clinics | Complete; testing at general medical labs |
| Insurance | May involve insurance | No insurance billing; complete confidentiality |
| Test Options | Limited to common STDs | Comprehensive testing options including 10-panel screening |
| Results Timeline | Typically 1-2 weeks | Results in 1-2 days |
| Result Delivery | Often requires return visit or phone call | Secure online portal access |
| Treatment Options | May require additional appointments | Treatment consultation and prescriptions available |
| Location Options | Limited county/city health department locations | 4,500+ locations nationwide |
| Hours | Limited; often only business hours | Extended hours at many locations |
| ID Required | Typically yes | No ID required |
Free STD Testing: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Free Testing
Cost-Free – Free STD testing through health departments and community clinics provides valuable services without direct cost to patients, making testing accessible to those with limited financial resources.
Income-Based Services – Many free testing sites offer additional services based on income level, including treatment options for those who qualify.
Experienced with High-Risk Populations – Free clinics often have experience working with specific high-risk communities and may offer specialized support services for these populations.
Public Health Tracking – Testing through public health departments contributes to disease tracking and public health initiatives in your community.
Limitations of Free Testing
Long Wait Times – Free clinics often have significant wait times, sometimes requiring hours in a waiting room or even multiple visits for testing and results.
Limited Availability – Appointments may be required and can be booked weeks in advance, creating barriers to prompt testing.
Limited Privacy – Testing at dedicated STD clinics offers less privacy, as your presence there indicates the purpose of your visit.
Restricted Test Options – Many free clinics only test for common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, potentially missing other infections.
Delayed Results – Results can take 1-2 weeks, prolonging anxiety and potentially delaying necessary treatment.
Possible Insurance Involvement – Some “free” clinics may bill your insurance, potentially affecting your medical records and privacy.
Return Visits Required – Many free clinics require a return visit to receive results and treatment, necessitating multiple appointments.
Paid STD Testing: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Paid Testing with LocalSTDTesting.com
Complete Privacy – Our testing is conducted at standard medical laboratories where no one knows which specific tests you’re having. No ID is required, and we never bill insurance companies.
Convenience and Speed – With 4,500+ testing centers nationwide, no appointment requirements, visits under 15 minutes, and results in 1-2 days, our process is designed for maximum convenience.
Comprehensive Testing Options – We offer testing for all common STDs, plus less commonly tested infections like Mycoplasma genitalium, Hepatitis A, and early detection HIV RNA testing.
Efficient Results Delivery – Access your results through our secure online portal without having to make phone calls or return visits.
Treatment Options – If you test positive, we offer a free consultation with a licensed physician and convenient treatment options for a $99 consultation fee.
No Multiple Visits – The entire process, from testing to results to treatment consultation, can be completed without multiple clinic visits.
Payment Flexibility – We offer interest-free payment plans with no credit check required, HSA/FSA acceptance, and transparent pricing.
Limitations of Paid Testing
Direct Cost – Our testing services have direct costs ranging from $79 for individual tests to $349 for our most comprehensive panels.
Not Income-Based – Unlike some free clinics, our pricing is standardized rather than based on income level.
Treatment Costs – While consultation with a physician is free if you test positive, treatment consultation services have a $99 fee, plus the cost of any prescribed medications.
Free testing might be your best option if:
- Financial constraintsmake any testing cost prohibitive
- You qualifyfor other income-based health services
- You have no concernsabout privacy or insurance records
- You only need testingfor common STDs
- You can waitfor appointments and results
- You have timefor potential multiple visits
- You’re comfortablevisiting a dedicated STD clinic
Paid testing with LocalSTDTesting.com might be your best option if:
- Privacy is importantto you
- Convenience and speedare priorities
- You want comprehensive testingbeyond basic STD panels
- You prefer same-day testingwithout appointments
- You want fast results(1-2 days)
- You value a streamlined processwithout multiple visits
- You’re concerned aboutinsurance records or workplace discovery
- You need testing while travelingor away from home
Real-Life Testing Scenarios
Sarah needs testing quickly after a potential exposure:
With free testing, she might need to wait weeks for an available appointment, prolonging her anxiety and potentially delaying necessary treatment.
With LocalSTDTesting.com, she could order her test online in the morning, visit a testing center on her lunch break, and have results by the next day.
Michael lives in a small town where people know each other:
With free testing at the local health department, he risks being recognized in the waiting room of the STD clinic by acquaintances.
With LocalSTDTesting.com, he could visit a general medical laboratory where no one would know the purpose of his visit, and he could even choose a testing center in a neighboring town for additional privacy.
Alex wants to be tested for a wide range of STDs, including less common ones:
With free testing, he might only be offered tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, potentially missing other infections.
With LocalSTDTesting.com, he could choose our 10-panel test or customize his testing to include specialized tests like Mycoplasma genitalium or early HIV detection.
How Our Paid Testing Process Works
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Order Your Test
Order online or call (866) 566-8711. Our care advisors can help you select the right test for your needs and answer any questions.
Visit a Testing Center
With over 4,500 testing locations nationwide, you can find a convenient center near you. No appointment necessary – just walk in with your order number.
Quick Sample Collection
The testing process typically takes less than 15 minutes and involves a simple blood draw and/or urine sample. No physical examination or undressing required.
Get Your Results
Access your results through our secure online portal, typically within 1-2 business days. All results are delivered confidentially and are available only to you.
Free Doctor Consultation if Positive
If you test positive for any STD, you’ll receive a free consultation with a licensed physician who can discuss your results and treatment options.
If you determine that free STD testing is the right choice for your situation, these resources can help you locate services:
- Local Health Department: Most county and city health departments offer free or low-cost STD testing
- Planned Parenthood: Offers testing on a sliding fee scale based on income
- Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers often provide STD testing
- CDC GetTested: The CDC offers a locator tool for free testing sites atgettested.cdc.gov
- College Health Centers: Many universities offer free or low-cost testing for students
If you choose paid testing with LocalSTDTesting.com, we offer several payment options to make testing more accessible:
- Major credit and debit cards
- HSA and FSA cards
- PayPal
- Money orders and cashier’s checks
- Interest-free payment plans with no credit check
Our payment plans allow you to break the cost into manageable installments, making private testing more affordable for those on a budget.
Making the Right Choice for Your Health
Both free and paid STD testing services play important roles in public health. The best choice depends on your personal circumstances, priorities, and needs. Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active. Early detection and treatment are crucial for protecting your health and preventing transmission to partners.
If privacy, convenience, comprehensive testing options, and quick results are priorities for you, we invite you to consider LocalSTDTesting.com for your sexual health needs. Order online or call (866) 566-8711 to speak with a care advisor who can help you select the right test for your situation.
Order STD Test Nowor call (866) 566-8711
Payment plans available with no credit check required.
LocalSTDTesting is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about medical conditions.
