STD Testing in Augusta, GA

If you’re sexually active, it’s your responsibility to keep your health in check to protect yourself and your partners. The first line of defense is regular STD screening.

In 2017, Georgia ranked ninth in the nation for gonorrhea, sixth for chlamydia, and fourth for syphilis. Chlamydia is particularly prevalent in Richmond County, where Augusta is located.

There are a few options for STD testing in Augusta, and it’s completely confidential and affordable. For example, the Richmond County Health Department, which the Georgia Department of Public Health operates, provides testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and other conditions at two clinics in Augusta. Community centers can also help you get STD testing and care even if you’re uninsured.

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 Augusta, GA?

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 Augusta, GA?

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 Augusta, GA?

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:

Medical Associates Plus provides a full array of medical services to Augusta residents, including STD testing. The clinic accepts most major health insurance plans, and fees are charged on a sliding scale based on family size and household income. It has an in-house pharmacy and dispensaries to fill prescriptions, or you can have medicine directly delivered to your home. The clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the clinic directly to set up an appointment.

2050 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, 706-434-1590
Mapbt.com

The Richmond County Health Department, which the Georgia Department of Public Health operates, provides preventive health care services to residents in the Augusta area. The department operates two clinics in Augusta where you can receive testing for curable STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as incurable STDs, such as herpes, hepatitis, and HIV. To schedule testing, call your preferred clinic directly or submit an online contact form.

950 Laney-Walker Blvd. Augusta, GA 30901, 706-721-5900, Multiple Augusta locations
Ecphd.com

• 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