STDs can infect and spread to people of all ages, but they mainly affect young people. An STD can spread through any sexual contact.
What Types of STD Tests are Performed at an Urgent Care Center?
Contacting an urgent care office is a great way to get an STD test. These facilities may offer a variety of STD tests to help you find out if you have any infection. Urgent care centers are a great option for STD testing because they can test for multiple diseases using panel testing, just like in a hospital lab setting. Panel testing helps identify common STDs, including HIV/AIDs, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and more.
In addition, urgent care facilities can assist in addressing your inquiries if you're curious about your risk of developing an STD and need answers without shelling out cash for a costly clinic visit or doctor's appointment.
Here are some of the types of STD tests that are performed at an urgent care center.
Syphilis: According to CDC (Center for Disease Control), all adults should be screened for syphilis once a year. If you don’t have regular medical contact with your health care provider and suspect a Syphilis infection, visit an urgent care center. Here, you will receive immediate attention.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Most urgent care centers will conduct tests for these two common bacterial infections.
Other standard tests include:
- Genital herpes, which is a common viral STD
- HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the body's immune system
- HPV, or human papillomavirus, spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex
What Tests do Urgent Care Centers Conduct to Test for STDs?
You can get tested for STDs anytime, even before you notice any symptoms. STD testing is an excellent idea if you've ever engaged in sexual activity, particularly unprotected sexual activity. Specific STD tests check for a single STD, like an HIV test. Other tests can check for a variety of STDs.
Remember that there is no single test that can detect all STDs. But doctors can confirm an STD diagnosis through specific tests, including:
- Physical exam
- Urine samples (to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia)
- Blood samples (to test for syphilis, herpes, and HIV)
STD testing is available at all urgent care centers. In addition, several urgent care facilities provide free STD testing if you have insurance, whereas others can provide free testing if you have a doctor’s prescription.
Final Thoughts
You can get tested immediately without needing to schedule an appointment by visiting an urgent care center. Generally, all care facilities are open outside business hours, including early morning and late evening. If you are shy to get STD testing or treatment from your family doctor, visit an urgent care center to avoid an awkward examination. Get a fast and affordable STD testing panel by visiting an urgent care center or walk-in clinic.
