STD Testing in Charlotte, NC
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You have options for getting STD tests in Charlotte, NC. Learn about convenient local testing for common STDs.
I. STD Testing in Charlotte, NC
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| Local STD labs and clinics | Community STD testing centers | Ways to get tested |
Do you think you might have been exposed to an STD or HIV? Don’t wait to get tested. You’re not alone, and there are places near you in Charlotte where you can get a free or low-cost screening that is confidential.
STDs are more prevalent in North Carolina than in other states, based on the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report. North Carolina ranks 6th for chlamydia, 8th for gonorrhea, 18th for syphilis, and 19th for congenital syphilis.
Aside from STD testing, RAO Community Health offers HIV/STD risk reduction education and can help you connect with a clinic that provides PrEP treatment to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. At Mecklenburg County Health Department, you can just walk in for screening if you are not experiencing STD symptoms. Planned Parenthood’s Charlotte Health Center also offers preventative services, access to birth control, LGBT services, and STD testing and treatment.
II. Find an STD Testing Location in Charlotte, NC
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.
III. STD Testing Options in Charlotte, NC
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:
A full-panel STD test adds:
How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Charlotte, NC?
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 Charlotte, NC?
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 Charlotte, NC?
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.
IV. Community STD Testing Centers in Charlotte, NC
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:
Reserve Health
Reserve Health is a low-cost clinic that provides private, confidential STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In addition to STD testing and treatment provides PrEP for HIV prevention, medication-assisted treatment for chemical dependencies, urgent services for illnesses and injuries, and preventative care. If you do not have insurance, the clinic can help you select a payment program that fits into your budget. Appointments are required for treatment and can be made over the phone or by accessing the Self Schedule portal on the clinic’s website.
135 West 10th Street Charlotte, NC 28202, 704-626-3994
Website
RAO Community Health
RAO Community Health is a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services to underserved populations, especially the LGBTQ+ community, in the Charlotte region. It offers HIV/STD risk reduction education and can help you connect with a clinic that provides PrEP treatment to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. You can also receive testing for common STDs, such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Along with STD testing and education services, the organization operates a toiletry pantry, a Housing Deposit Assistance program for HIV/AIDS, and a computer lab with internet access. To schedule an appointment for services, you should call the clinic. The clinic is open Monday through Friday.
321 West 11th Street Charlotte, NC 28202, 704-237-8793
Website
Mecklenburg County Health Department
The Mecklenburg County Health Department provides free and confidential STD testing. If you don’t have symptoms, you can just walk in for a screening, and you’ll be seen on a first-come/first-served basis. If you have STD symptoms, the clinic asks you to make an appointment. You’ll get results within seven days via mytestresults.com or by calling the clinic.
249 Billingsley Road Charlotte, NC 28211, Multiple Charlotte locations , 704-336-4700
Website
Charlotte Health Center
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic operates Charlotte Health Center. It offers a full array of healthcare services for men and women, including preventative services, access to birth control, LGBT services, and STD testing and treatment. You can be tested for herpes, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Tests are conducted via blood draws, urine samples, or oral swabs, and results are available within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the test. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the clinic or requesting a call via the website’s online form. The clinic is open Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
700 South Torrence Street Charlotte, NC 28204, 704-536-7233
Website
C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc.
The C.W. Williams Community Health Center (CWWCHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare to residents of Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas, including comprehensive HIV and STI testing and treatment. CWWCHC accepts most major health insurance policies and has a sliding fee scale if you are paying for testing yourself. Fees are based on household size and income. In addition to HIV/STI testing and treatment, CWWCHC offers primary and preventive medical and dental care, mental health counseling, substance use disorder counseling and treatment, HIV/STI medical case management, case management to address social determinants of health, on-site pharmacy services, on-site food pantry, community outreach services, health insurance eligibility, and enrollment assistance, and non-emergency patient transportation. Appointments can be made over the phone or through CWWCHC’s website. Walk-ins are welcome.
5800 Old Pineville Road Charlotte, NC 28217, 704-393-7720
Website
V. Learn From Our Sources
- 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