STD Testing in Elizabeth, NJ

Many STDs present no symptoms, which can make them hard to detect without getting an STD test. The good news is it’s easy to get free or low-cost STD testing in and around Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Syphilis is one of the most common STDs in New Jersey. There were also over 37,000 reported cases of chlamydia across the state in 2019. One of the best ways to ensure you stay healthy while sexually active is getting regular STD testing.

There are many options for free or low-cost STD testing in and around Elizabeth, New Jersey. Planned Parenthood operates the Elizabeth Health Center, where anyone can get STD testing with or without insurance. In addition to STD testing, on-site staff at Hyacinth provide sexual health education and counseling about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The City of Newark’s Department of Health and Community Wellness operates the Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center, where you can get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. You can get free STD testing at the Dr. George Perez Medical Care Center and even pick up medications if you require treatment at the on-site pharmacy.

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 Elizabeth, NJ?

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 Elizabeth, NJ?

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 Elizabeth, NJ?

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 Elizabeth Health Center offers a wide range of reproductive health care services, including routine physical exams, birth control services, and pregnancy services. This Planned Parenthood clinic also provides testing and treatment for many common STDs, as well as safer sex education to help clients avoid future infections. The clinic accepts many public and private insurance plans. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for reduced rates on a sliding fee scale. STD services are available on a walk-in basis.

1171 Elizabeth Avenue Elizabeth, NJ 07201, 908-351-5384
Website

Hyacinth is a nonprofit organization aiming to stop the spread of HIV in New Jersey. Its Health & Wellness Clinic, located in Newark, offers a broad range of STD services. You can stop by the clinic to get tested for common STDS, as well as HIV. When necessary, the clinic provides treatment, including HIV specialty care. To help you protect yourself from infections, on-site staff members provide sexual health education and counseling about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). For appointments, you can call the clinic.

194 Clinton Avenue, Lower Level Newark, NJ 07108, 862-240-1461
Website

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center is operated by the City of Newark’s Department of Health and Community Wellness. The clinic offers a variety of free and low-cost services, including dental care, pediatric care, and immunizations, as well as adult primary care services, such as STD testing. You can visit the clinic to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Both conventional and rapid HIV testing is available. Appointments can be made by calling the clinic.

394 University Avenue Newark, NJ 07102, Multiple Newark locations. 973-877-6111
Website

Newark Community Health Centers offers a full range of health care services, including well-women visits, weight management, and dental care. It also provides testing for common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes. All clients are seen, regardless of your ability to pay, and if you require treatment may qualify for discounted prescription drugs. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the clinic. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

751 Broadway Newark, NJ Multiple Newark locations, 800-994-6242
Website

This community-based organization provides free, confidential STD testing at its clinic, the Dr. George Perez Medical Care Center. If you require treatment, you can pick up prescriptions from the convenient on-site pharmacy. To help you protect their health, the clinic offers sexual education and counseling. It can also prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for clients who are at risk of contracting HIV. Appointments are required, and clients are seen regardless of their ability to pay.

393 Central Avenue Newark, NJ 07103, 866-448-5812
Website

Also known as PROCEED, this not-for-profit organization offers HIV testing and prevention services. Free, confidential HIV testing is available to people 13 and older on a walk-in basis. The clinic’s HIV prevention services include safe sex counseling and help accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In addition to its HIV services, the clinic provides Hepatitis C testing and referrals for other STD tests.

1122 East Grand Street Elizabeth, NJ 07201, 908-351-7727
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