STD testing is available from multiple providers, including primary care providers, local clinics, at-home test companies and online test companies. There are pros and cons to each of these, and some may give results faster than others.
Doctor’s Office
STD testing can be done at a physician’s office or a local clinic. You may have to wait for an appointment, though, and clinics offering walk-in testing may have long lines. Once the test is done, there may be more waiting for results. However, trained staff collect test specimens, so results are likely to be accurate. In addition, seeing a health care provider may be helpful if your symptoms are due to something other than an STD.
At-Home Test Kits
At-home test kits are another option. Many people choose this method of testing for its privacy and affordability. However, user error can lead to inaccurate results. In addition, the test kit needs to be shipped to you and then sent back to the company, delaying your test results.
Online Testing
You can also order testing through an online platform like Priority STD. Our tests can be ordered online, at any time, 7 days a week, with no appointment required. The labs we use follow FDA guidelines and are CLIA-certified to provide the most accurate results possible. These labs are also specialized and efficient. Priority STD also provides test results as soon as they are individually available and within 24 to 72 hours. The only exception to this would be more specialized testing for early detection; these typically require around 5 days.
Type of STD
The time it takes to get results depends on the disease being tested and on the type of test, although most take a few days. Also, if you are tested for multiple STDs, the lab may wait until all the results are complete before making them available to you.
Verdict
In the end, your unique needs will determine which STD test option is best for you. If affordability is a concern, you may prefer at-home or online testing. If accuracy is paramount, a clinic, doctor’s office or online test would be best. Online testing providers like Priority STD strive for the prompt accuracy that you need to make the right healthcare decisions. Get tested with us today at one of our nationwide testing centers and receive fast STD testing results.