STD Testing in Auburn, WA

If you’re concerned that you might have an STD, one thing you don’t have to worry about in Auburn is testing. That’s because it’s completely confidential, and thanks to community centers, you can often find screenings that are affordable or even no cost. Regular testing is the best way to protect your sexual health and that of your partner.

As an Auburn resident, you want to stay on top of your health, considering that in 2018, Auburn’s King County ranked 24th in the nation for reported chlamydia cases. Syphilis cases are also rising, as King County reported its highest level of cases in the last few years per CDC data.

Look into local centers for testing, and you will be pleasantly surprised. For instance, at the Auburn Public Health Center, testing is always free or low cost depending on your income.

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 Auburn, WA?

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 Auburn, WA?

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 Auburn, WA?

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 Auburn Public Health Center, which King County’s Public Health Department operates, has a family planning and sexual health clinic that provides education and reproductive health care services. These services include pregnancy tests, birth control, referrals, and HIV and STD screening. In addition to health services, you can also get assistance to determine whether you qualify for free health insurance and to begin the enrollment process. All STD testing services are available at low or no cost depending on your income. The clinic is open on weekdays and services are provided by appointment only.

901 Auburn Way North, Suite A, Auburn, WA 98002, 206-477-0600
Kingcounty.gov

HealthPoint operates several medical and dental clinics in Washington, including one in Auburn. You can get tested for STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, and the HPV vaccine is available. If you don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for the clinic’s reduced-fee program based on income and family size. If you’re uninsured, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for care. The staff will help you apply for health care coverage and programs to cover associated costs, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. The clinic is open on weekdays and you can schedule appointments over the phone.

126 Auburn Avenue, Auburn, WA 98002, 253-735-0166 , Multiple Auburn locations
Healthpointchc.org

Neighborcare Health at Columbia City is a low-cost clinic that provides a full array of health care services, including confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for STDs and HIV. If you’re uninsured, staff can help you apply for low- or no-cost health care coverage or a sliding discount fee program. The clinic will not turn you away for an inability to pay. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available. Onsite interpreters and staff members speak multiple languages, including Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

4400 37th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118, 206-461-6957
Neighborcare.org

The Seattle Indian Health Board operates a clinic in the central region of Seattle, about 30 miles from Auburn. The clinic provides health care services to low-income indigenous people in Washington, but services are available to everyone regardless of race or economic status. The clinic provides exams, immunizations, and screening tests for children and adults, family planning care and counseling, prenatal and postpartum care, and STD testing and treatment. The clinic is open on weekdays during normal business hours. Services are offered by appointment only, so call the clinic directly to schedule. Low-income clients and American Indian/Alaskan Native patients are eligible for income-based sliding scale discounts.

611 12th Avenue South Seattle, WA 98144 206-324-9360
Sihb.org

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