STD Test

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual contact involving the genitals, mouth, and anus. Some STDs can also be passed through other methods of contact with infected blood or bodily fluids such as intravenous drug use. Certain infections are contracted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Because most STDs are transmitted through the same types of contact, it is possible for a person to be infected with more than one STD at the same time. It is common for different STDs to display similar symptoms or in many cases, no symptoms at all. The only way to accurately determine which, if any STDs a person is infected with is by receiving an STD test. STD tests typically look for the presence of specific antibodies, bacteria, or the virus itself to determine the presence of an infection. Receiving regular STD tests can help to diagnose infections as early as possible and avoid a number of long-term health complications.

An easy, confidential STD Test

At Request a Test, we have access to labs all over the country. We use the same testing facilities that are employed by many hospitals and physicians for their testing needs. All of our labs operate on a walk-in basis so there is no need to schedule appointments. Ordering your STD test with us eliminates the need to go through your doctor or insurance. No one needs to know about your testing needs but you.

Types of STD tests

At Request a Test, our STD tests can be bundled into a number of affordable packages. These packages offer significant savings over the cost of ordering individual STD tests. Our Standard STD Panel includes the chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis TPA, HIV, and herpes 2 IgG (HSV 2 IgG) tests. The Essential STD Panel includes HIV, herpes 1&2 IgG (HSV 1&2 IgG), hepatitis B panel which includes the surface antigen (HBsAg), surface antibody, and core antibody, and hepatitis C antibodies (HCV Abs) tests. One of our most comprehensive STD test packages is the Peace of Mind package. This includes HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HSV 1&2 IgG, Hep B panel, HCV Abs, and syphilis TPA tests. The Upgraded Peace of Mind package also includes the Hepatitis A total test and Trichomonas. For pricing and more information about these and other tests available in our STD test category, please go to https://requestatest.com/std-testing.

Symptoms of STD’s

While many STDs have symptoms with which they are commonly associated, there is no guarantee that any two infections will present themselves the same way. Some common symptoms of STD infection include rashes, recurring outbreaks of sores, fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, aches, unexplained weight loss, yellowing skin or eyes, discharge from the penis or vagina, burning during urination, and swollen glands. Symptoms may appear at different times or in varying degrees. Many STD symptoms are common of other ailments. Some STDs can be present in the body for years without showing any outward symptoms. It is important to remember that the longer an STD infection remains untreated, the more damage it can cause. Receiving an STD test is the only way to be sure if you are infected or not.

Who should get an STD test?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for STD infection. High-risk behaviors like unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and intravenous drug use increase the likelihood of infection. The use of protective devices like condoms lessens but does not eliminate the possibility of contracting STDs. Receiving regular STD tests can ensure that infections are diagnosed and treated early. Because untreated STDs can cause reproductive problems, anyone experiencing fertility issues should receive an STD test.

Why get an STD test?

Most STD infections will not resolve without treatment. If left untreated, STDs can cause a number of long-term health complications. Paralysis, blindness, dementia, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, and organ failure are some of the conditions that can result from chronic STD infections. In some cases, STD infections can be fatal. Receiving an STD test can help make sure that treatment is begun before an STD infection has a chance to cause serious damage to the body.

When to get an STD test

STD infections can occur at any time when someone is sexually active. The presence of symptoms can be an indicator that an STD test is necessary, but it is advisable not to wait for symptoms to present themselves. If you are concerned about a specific contact or have engaged in behavior that puts you at risk, an STD test can be important to protecting your health. Anyone who learns that a current or previous sexual partner has tested positive for an STD should seek to test themselves. Women who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, should get an STD test to avoid possible health problems for their babies.

One important factor to consider when seeking an STD test is the incubation period of the disease(s) you are concerned about. It takes time for an STD to become detectable to most testing methods. The virus, bacteria, or antibodies that the test is looking for must be present in a sufficient quantity to be identified. An incubation window gives an average amount of time after an initial infection that a test will be most accurate. Because every person’s body may react differently to infections, these windows are only a general guideline for determining the best time to get tested. A person who seeks testing due to a specific contact may wish to seek additional or confirmatory testing depending on what point in the incubation cycle they are at.

Where can I get an STD test?

Request a Test partners with 2 of the largest labs in the United States to provide you with 1000s of lab collection centers nationwide. When you order your STD test with us, we will find the lab location that is most convenient for you. Once your order is complete, you can go to the lab any time during their business hours. To find the lab location nearest to you or to view a complete list of available lab locations, please go to our Location Finder.

STD test preparation

STD tests that are conducted with a blood sample generally require no special preparations. For an STD test that requires a urine sample, avoid urinating or cleaning the genital area for 1-2 hours prior to collection. Please consult the listings for individual tests to determine what type of specimen is required.

STD test procedure

Blood specimens for an STD test are obtained through a simple blood collection. For urine collection, begin urinating directly into the collection cup. Once you have collected 20-30 ml in the cup, allow the rest of the urine to go into the toilet. Collecting more than 20-30 ml may dilute the specimen and affect the STD test’s accuracy.

STD test accuracy

At Request a Test we use only nationally accredited labs with highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the highest possible accuracy in your STD test results.

STD test results

The turnaround time for results varies by each individual STD test. Please go to our STD Test Category for information on specific tests. You will be notified by e-mail as soon as your results are available. You can access your results online or call to speak to a representative. Results can also be sent by fax or mail by special request.