STD Testing in Baton Rouge, LA

Sexually transmitted diseases can present no symptoms, making them hard to detect without STD testing. The good news is there are many clinics in and around Baton Rouge where you can get free or low-cost STD testing.

Louisiana has some of the highest rates of reported STD cases in the nation. The state had the third-highest rate of chlamydia cases per capita and the fifth-highest rate of gonorrhea in 2019. It was also in the top ten states with the highest rates of syphilis in the nation, making it important for people in Baton Rouge to get regular STD testing.

Planned Parenthood operates a clinic in Baton Rouge where anyone can get STD testing with or without insurance. Women can visit the Woman’s New Life Clinic in Baton Rouge for low-cost healthcare. If you’re pregnant, the Care Pregnancy Clinic on North Flannery Road offers free testing and can help you understand the risks your STD may pose to your baby.

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 Baton Rouge, LA?

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 Baton Rouge, LA?

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 Baton Rouge, LA?

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:

Care Pregnancy Clinic provides some free and low-cost health care services to women who believe they may be pregnant, including pregnancy testing. It also provides some STD testing to help women who are pregnant understand the risks to their baby. The clinic tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia for qualifying women by appointment Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3813 North Flannery Road Baton Rouge, LA 70814, (225) 275-0100
Website

Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge administers health and wellness programs for children and families. One of those is HIV care coordination. If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, the agency can help you get assistance from several organizations in the area, including dental and medication assistance, mental health and support counseling, and STI testing. Reach out to the organization to find out more about its services and whether you might qualify.

4727 Revere Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70808, (225) 927-9810
Website

This Planned Parenthood-run clinic offers several health care services for free or on a sliding scale. It also accepts insurance. The clinic is open Monday through Friday and two Saturdays a month. Monday through Thursday, it’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays, it opens at 9:30 a.m. It’s closed all major holidays. Appointments are generally required, and you can make one easily online. You will also need a valid photo ID when you arrive at the clinic, whether you’ve been there before or not.

3825 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806, (225) 387-1167
Website

The HAART Clinic includes a Wellness Center that offers health screenings regardless of your ability to pay. Those screenings can include testing for STDs or HIV. The Wellness Center performs STD testing every weekday, although the Monday evening clinic has been closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you don’t need an appointment.

3849 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70806, (225) 655-6422
Website

This clinic provides free or low-cost services to women. It offers low-cost, cash-pay women’s healthcare by appointment at its Baton Rouge location. Women’s health services are provided by Woman’s New Life Clinic’s women’s health nurse practitioner and include STD testing and treatment, urgent gynecologic care, and well-woman care. Woman’s New Life Clinic also offers free pregnancy testing, (limited) ultrasounds, and professional counseling for unplanned pregnancies Monday through Friday.

760 Colonial Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806, (225) 663-6470
Website

• 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