Frequently Asked Questions

Why and When should I get tested?

Unless you abstain from sex (or are in a long-term, strictly monogamous relationship), you are at risk of contracting or spreading STDs....   ...and you should get tested BEFORE your next sexual encounter. Why? Because the benefits of early detection/prevention that come from using highly accurate STD screening tests (as STD-Testing employs) are very significant.

Objections? The most common objections to getting tested are: 1) a lack of symptoms, 2) worry about seroconversion periods - the time required for the disease to show up in a test, and 3) belief that "knowing" isn´t always better.

Up to 75% of people with STDs do not exhibit symptoms - but they can still be contagious and may develop symptoms later. Seroconversion periods are a reason to get tested MORE regularly, not less, as precisely identifying WHEN the infection was contracted is very difficult. "Knowing" is ALWAYS better. Bacterial STDs can usually be cured with antibiotics and they can cause long-term health problems if left untreated. Viral STDs are incurable, but can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment.

What diseases do you test for?

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, genital herpes, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Does STD-Testing´s services apply to me?

Sexual contact of any kind can expose a person to STDs. Every person engaging in sexual activity can be a carrier of STDs, regardless of whether they show symptoms or not. STD-Testing´s goal is to help ensure that its customers do not contract or spread 7 of the most common and harmful STDs.

How can I find out that I´m O.K. as simply as possible?

STD-Testing´s service only requires one 5 minute phone call and one 15 minute visit to a Collection Site. The test results will be available within 3 days. It is strongly advised that customers take the time to review the information on the STD-Testing website to understand the risks of STDs and learn how STD-Testing helps to reduce those risks.

How is STD-Testing different than other testing options?

Comprehensive. STD-Testing has done extensive research into which STDs are most prevalent and harmful. The test panel offered has been specifically engineered to screen for these seven infections, using the most current medical diagnostic technology available today. The reflex tests performed on positive results have been carefully selected to ensure correct results. Convenient. The 3000 Collection Sites located throughout the U.S. are easily accessible and have extended hours of operation. Sample collection at the Collection Sites should only take approximately 15 minutes. Test results are available by phone or web within 3 days after sample collection. Confidential. Customers are issued a 13 digit PIN when ordering tests. This PIN is the only identifier ever used to refer to a customer. Order and result information is only accessible by this PIN. Partner results sharing. STD-Testing´s proprietary process has been designed to give customers the option to have partners tested, and share results with partners by disclosing PINs.

Does practicing safe sex eliminate the need for STD-Testing?

No, but safe sexual practices can help reduce the chances of contracting or spreading certain STDs. STD-Testing leaves your sexual practices up to you, but provides valuable information about you and your partner(s) in a very timely fashion. Avoiding sexual contact with carriers of STDs as well as early detection and treatment may significantly reduce the spread of STDs.

What if I´ve already engaged in unsafe sex?

Whether you have been fortunate and not contracted an STD or whether you already are infected, getting yourself and your partner(s) tested is critical for early detection and treatment of an STD. Untreated infected persons can infect partners, as well as develop more serious health complications.

Can I get the same STD more than once?

Yes. You are not immune to an STD if you have had it before. STDs caused by bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can be treated and cured, but can be contracted again if exposed. Viral STDs (herpes, hepatitis and HIV) cannot be cured.

Why would I trust STD-Testing to perform these tests and provide results?

STD-Testing´s processes and tests have been designed by technology and medical diagnostic specialists to ensure the greatest possible integrity, accuracy and confidentiality. Testing methods are closely supervised for quality control. Laboratory services are performed by the Nation's leaders in diagnostic testing.

How does STD-Testing´s process work?

Request your tests via web or by calling 877-826-4903. Customers are given a unique PIN for identification at the testing facility of their choice, where a single blood draw and urine sample will be collected. Results are accessible within 3 days via telephone and web, using the PIN. Customers can choose to share results with partners by disclosing their PIN. Highly-trained counselors are also available by phone.

How long does the process take and how do I get my results?

Test requests can be placed in minutes via web or by calling 877-826-4903. Specimen collection at any of the hundreds of Collection Sites will take approximately 15 minutes. After the post-test counseling, results are available within 3 days of the visit to the PSC, and will be accessible by telephone or web for seven days thereafter.

What can I expect from counseling and what will a counselor tell me if I test positive?

Pre test and post test counseling is a critical part of the STD-Testing process. It takes little time but greatly enhances the benefits of the service for the customer. The highly trained counselors at STD-Testing take a sensitive, customer-centered approach to counseling. Information regarding the purposes of the tests, the need for testing, the meaning of the test results, risk-reducing behavior modification and available support services will be discussed.

Do you take insurance?

No, as the personal information required by insurance companies would violate STD-Testing´s confidentiality policy.

Why wouldn´t I just go to see my doctor?

You should discuss your sexual health and concerns related to STDs with your physicians. However, most physicians can not provide the service that STD-Testing offers with the same level of convenience, confidentiality and low cost. STD-Testing also provides for voluntary results sharing among partners. Customers seeking testing for HPV and trichomoniasis must see a physician. Anyone with obvious symptoms of an STD should see a physician immediately.

Why must I order all seven tests rather than just the tests I´m interested in?

The STD-Testing panel of tests and reflex tests was developed by scientists with expertise in the field of sexually transmitted diseases, and are considered the best screenings that can be administered by blood and urine testing today. The panel addresses seven of the most prevalent and serious STDs for customers concerned about contracting and spreading these infections. Anyone with symptoms of an STD should see a physician immediately.

Why should I get my partner(s) tested?

STDs are different from many other diseases in that they are typically spread by sexual or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Individuals must make a conscious effort to avoid contracting or spreading STDs by getting themselves and their partner(s) tested. STD-Testing´s service is designed specifically to facilitate the voluntary sharing of results with partners, while maintaining complete confidentiality.

If I can´t afford your tests, are there any other testing options available to me?

Yes. There are organizations and publicly funded clinics nationwide that offer testing and counseling. Contact your local Health Department for referrals.