STD Testing in Columbia, MO

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STD Testing

You have options for getting STD tests in Columbia, MO. Learn about convenient local testing for common STDs.

I. STD Testing in Columbia, MO

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Local STD labs and clinics Community STD testing centers Ways to get tested

If you’re sexually active and live in the Columbia area, you have several options for regular, private, and affordable STD testing, which can go a long way in keeping an eye on you and your partner’s health.

Missouri outpaces the national average for cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and primary and secondary syphilis. The state is below the national average in congenital syphilis. As of 2020, Boone County, where Columbia is the county seat, ranks fourth in the state in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea. By getting tested regularly, you can protect yourself.

Most of the testing locations near Columbia offer free or low-cost options. If you need to get checked and live in the area, you can head to Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services. The clinic provides testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boone County residents pay $20 for testing. Spectrum Health Care’s staff, volunteers, and interns provide you with confidential STD and HIV testing and referrals at the clinic and events on nearby college campuses.

II. Find an STD Testing Location in Columbia, MO

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.

Learn More About At-Home STD Testing

III. STD Testing Options in Columbia, MO

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 Columbia, MO?

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 Columbia, MO?

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 Columbia, MO?

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 Columbia, MO

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:

 

Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services

The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services clinic provides testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. STD testing services are available by appointment on five days a week. If you’re a Boone County resident, you pay $20 for testing. If you’re outside the county, it’s $40. HIV testing is also provided for free. Other medical services, such as immunizations and reproductive health, are available by appointment Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1005 W. Worley St. Columbia, Mo. 65203, 573-874-7355
Website

Howard County Public Health Department

If you live or work northwest of Columbia, the Howard County Public Health Department in Fayette offers STD testing on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.to noon and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. The clinic’s other services include immunizations and blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks. The facility offers a sliding-fee scale.

600 W. Morrison St., Suite 7 Fayette, Mo. 65248, 660-248-3100
Website

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood provides STD and HIV testing and treatment in addition to HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Whether you’re an adolescent, man, or woman, the clinic’s trained medical professionals assist you with confidential exams and solutions. The facility also offers general health care, birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy, and abortion services. Its hours vary according to the day, but appointments are required, so you should call ahead. A variety of insurance plans are accepted, and a sliding-fee-scale payment schedule is available if you’re uninsured.

711 N. Providence Road Columbia, Mo. 65203, 573-443-0427
Website

Spectrum Health Care

Spectrum Health Care’s staff, volunteers, and interns provide you with confidential STD and HIV testing and referrals at the clinic and events on nearby college campuses. The facility also offers primary care and behavioral health services in addition to self-care programs for chronic conditions. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted for all services.

1123 Wilkes Blvd., Suite 250 Columbia, Mo. 65201, 573-514-7312
Website

University Physicians Medicine Specialty Clinic

University Physicians Medicine Specialty Clinic tests and treats STDs and HIV/AIDS in addition to providing you with HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. The facility also manages a variety of other infectious diseases, including endocarditis, tuberculosis, and tick-borne illnesses. You can be seen by appointment Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale, and a range of insurance plans are accepted.

1020 Hitt St. Columbia, Mo. 65212, 573-882-4141
Website

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