STD Testing in Arlington, VA

The symptoms of STDs can easily be confused with other medical issues. Feelings like abdominal pain, uncomfortable urination, discharge, itching—don’t write them off as nothing. Get tested if you think you have been exposed to an STD or simply want peace of mind.

STDs are on the rise across the country, though Virginia does have a lower incidence of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Virginia ranks No. 20 for chlamydia, No. 30 for gonorrhea, No. 30 for syphilis, and No. 35 for congenital syphilis.

There are resources near you in Arlington. NovaSalud provides free testing for hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, along with free condoms, HIV self-testing kits, and HIV prevention programs. Bread for the City has a preventive care clinic that tests for some STDS, and you do not have to pay.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection. Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms. A routine STD panel may include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Arlington, VA?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing. Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Arlington, VA?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Arlington, VA?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

The Department of Human Services offers limited clinical services, including family planning, immunization clinics, and medical case management. It also does limited testing for sexually transmitted infections. Services are available by appointment only, so contact the office before seeking assistance. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the clinic provides appointments only to adolescents.

2100 Washington Blvd, FL 2, Arlington, VA 22204, (703) 228-1200
Website

You can access STD testing services by appointment at the Arlington Free Clinic. If you are interested in becoming a future patient, check the clinic’s website for updates. The clinic suggests checking back every few weeks.

2921 11th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204, (703) 979-1400
Website

NovaSalud provides testing for hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. It also offers free condoms, HIV self-testing kits, HIV prevention programs, and many other mental and physical health services. Appointments are free, and you can make them generally during the clinic hours.

2946 Sleepy Hollow Road, Suite 3C, Falls Church, VA 22044, (703) 533-1858
Website

Bread for the City is an outreach program that includes food services, a clothing closet, and assistance with social or legal matters. It also offers some healthcare services, including a primary care clinic. Bread for the City provides examinations, tests, and referrals, even if you can’t pay for services. That does include some STD screenings. There are two centers: Southeast and Northwest, which each have different operating hours.

Southeast Center, 1700 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020, 202-561-8587
Northwest Center, 1525 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-386-7020
Website

Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) is a provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region. Through the holistic integration of safe homes, life skills, and workforce development, Sasha Bruce simultaneously meets the unique needs of homeless youth, which includes HIV and STD prevention measures and testing for those most at risk. This can include free testing, but the programs are targeted at adolescents and young adults. Typically, the organization works with people ages 13 to 24.

741 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, (202) 675-9370
Website

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed October 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed October 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed October 2021