Key takeaways
- STDcheck sells FDA-approved tests in 4,500 certified testing centers throughout the U.S.
- Testing is confidential, and results are available in 1 to 2 days and are protected by HIPAA regulations.
- The most comprehensive STDcheck.com test is the 10 Test Panel, which screens for multiple STIs, including HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
STDcheck aims to provide a judgment- and hassle-free experience for people wanting to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To use this service, you purchase the laboratory test you want at STDcheck and get tested in person at one of their certified laboratories.
There are individual tests and a 10-test panel covering many of the most commonly diagnosed STIs.
Here’s everything you need to know to help decide whether STDcheck is the right service for you.
Pros
- tests for 10 STIs individually or in a single panel
- no doctor’s prescription required for testing
- same-day testing is available without an appointment
- more than 4,500 testing centers nationwide
- doctor’s consultation and medication prescription provided with positive test results
- results are available in 1 to 2 days
- accepts HSA and FSA payments
Cons
- insurance is not accepted
- requires a lab visit
- client comfort and speed of service may vary at laboratory facilities
- doctor’s consultation for positive tests costs $95
STDcheck’s STD Test Recommender tool evaluates which tests you need based on your answers to a few sexual health questions. You can also check the STI screening recommendations that the
“The first step in ordering an at-home STD test from STDcheck was finding a testing site in my area. I live in a big city, so it was easy to find a site; there were multiple options to choose from that were less than 10 minutes away from my house by car.
“Then, I filled out my information and made my payment. STDcheck also offered additional optional add-ons (including tests for my partner, additional tests for myself, and partial test results delivery for faster results).”
“The process was clear. The only thing that was a little bit confusing was that the instructions from STDcheck specifically said I would not need to show my ID at the test site, but scanning my ID was a required step upon check-in at the facility.”
Testing process
Jamie had some problems finding available appointments at their local site, but found it easy to schedule a new appointment time. “I had to wait about 10 minutes after my scheduled appointment time before I was seen, but I imagine this varies by test site.
“When I was called back, the phlebotomist took the paper I had brought with me and verified my information. From there, the process was relatively quick. She took a blood sample (about two vials of blood) and directed me to a restroom where I could take my urine sample. From the time I was called back, the whole appointment took about 5 to 10 minutes.”
STDcheck.com’s anonymous testing
At the lab, you will not have to fill out paperwork or answer questions. Your test results will not be reported to your insurance company or added to your medical record. All online communications are encrypted and
If you test positive and wish to let your previous partners know, you can use STDcheck’s anonymous website tool. Here, patients can send an alert email to others letting them know that they were exposed and should get tested.
Since this service is anonymous, STDcheck will not be able to let you know who sent you an alert email, should you receive one.
Since scams are possible when you do business online, it’s always a good idea to check with your local health department before using any online testing service.
Results
“I received some of my test results the day after taking the test, and the rest of the test results came the following day (two days after taking the test). These results were all easy to access in my STDcheck account.
“From there, I was able to view a summary of my results, and I could click into each of the individual tests for more details (downloading my test results, FAQ about the test results, and a link to request a clinical consultation if needed).
“If any test results are positive or abnormal, STDcheck will recommend a clinical consultation. Note that these consultations require an extra fee.”
Cost
STDcheck offers a variety of individual and panel tests that range in cost from $24 for some single tests to $259 for the full panel.
STDcheck does not accept insurance. If requested, it will provide you with an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
You can also use your health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) funds. If you use a credit card, the transaction will show up as “HealthLabs” on your statement.
Accuracy
STDcheck claims that its tests are 99% accurate. But it suggests waiting to get tested until after the STI incubation period has passed to get the most reliable results.
The incubation period is the amount of time it takes for your body to create antibodies against the infection. This period depends on the type of potential infection and can range from a few days to a few weeks. Since the test will detect the presence of antibodies, waiting until this period has passed helps ensure antibodies will be present.
On your results page, you’ll see the name of your test and whether your result was negative or positive.
Negative
The terms “not detected” or “nonreactive” mean the test didn’t detect the STI in your body. In other words, you’re negative.
Positive
“Reactive” means the STI was detected. A number in the Value column is the reference range. It indicates whether the value is high enough to be considered positive. For example, a range of < 0.90 in the HSV-2 test means any results below 0.90 are considered negative.
On Better Business Bureau (BBB), STDcheck is listed under its parent company, Analyte Health. The company has more than 1,300 reviews and has an A+ rating.
Reviewers mention:
- quick and easy testing
- fast results
- professional service
- confidentiality
STDcheck’s website has more than 5,000 reviews, with an overall rating of 9.8 out of 10.
Our tester’s takeaway
“Even though it requires getting tested in person, STDcheck is a relatively convenient option. In the past, when I’ve gone to the doctor in person, some doctors were able to test on-site, but others have sent me to third-party labs anyway. Additionally, by ordering the tests from STDcheck, I was able to bypass the step of scheduling a doctor’s appointment, where I often have to wait days or weeks for availability.
While it’s not quite as convenient as a fully at-home test, STDcheck has other benefits. It offers faster results (1 to 2 days) compared to competitors that offer fully at-home tests (some take “several days,” and others take 2 to 5 days), making it a good option for someone who wants their results as quick as possible. It’s also more affordable than many fully at-home options, despite being more comprehensive.”
One potential downside is that if your results are positive or abnormal with STDcheck, consulting with one of their clinical providers may be more expensive than what other companies offer.”
“Based on my experience, I think STDcheck is a good option for people without a primary care provider, people without insurance (but willing to pay the out-of-pocket costs), and people looking for a quick turnaround.”
— Jamie
Worried about chlamydia?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea often occur together. STDcheck offers a test that checks for both STIs with one urine sample for $99.
Other available tests from STDcheck.com
| Price | Collection method | Results in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV 1 & 2 Antibody | $49 | blood | 1 to 2 days |
| HIV RNA Early Detection | $129 | blood | 2 to 4 days |
| Oral Herpes (HSV-1) | $45 | blood | 1 to 2 days |
| Genital Herpes (HSV-2) | $45 | blood | 1 to 2 days |
| Syphilis | $49 | urine and blood | 1 to 2 days |
STDcheck does not accept insurance payments, which it says is to protect its customers’ privacy. The company will give you an itemized receipt to use for insurance reimbursement.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health insurance plans must
Yes. STDcheck.com is an established online STD testing facilitator that works with laboratories nationwide. The company has a medical board of reviewers comprised of healthcare professionals and allied professionals.
It won a Better Business Bureau Winner of Distinction Award in 2017.
According to the company, all STDcheck tests are either FDA approved or FDA cleared.
It depends on the test, but in general, STDcheck provides results within 2 days.
Yes, STDcheck is considered a secure platform. It adheres to HIPAA regulations that protect customers’ health information, and it also uses advanced data encryption to keep to health industry standards. It offers a confidential service that does not share information with third parties or insurance providers.
It’s important to get tested for an STI if you think you might have been exposed to the respective bacteria or virus. Many of these infections don’t have symptoms, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
STDcheck lets you order STI tests conveniently and anonymously. You will not need a prescription for the lab test, and you’ll have results within a day or two.
If you test positive, the company offers access to a doctor who can advise you on the recommended next steps.