STD Testing in Ellicott City, MD

Getting tested for STDs in Ellicott City, Md., is safe and easy. The city near Baltimore features numerous locations that provide free, anonymous, and confidential services for STDs. Whether you’re looking for walk-in services or can make an appointment, you have many choices.

As a state, Maryland ranks higher than the national average in rates of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis. With the the state ranking 11th in chlamydia cases — 625.2 cases per 100,000 people — getting tested if you suspect you were exposed is a good idea.

Ellicott City and the surrounding area features 27 testing locations, all of which are free or low-cost. Howard County Health Department provides tests and treatments for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis and more, and offers multilingual support. If you live east of Ellicott City, Baltimore County Department of Health’s professionals work with high-risk populations, including adolescents, the homeless, and LGBTQ. Southwest of Ellicott City, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services features post-test counseling.

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 Ellicott City?

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 Ellicott City?

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 Ellicott City?

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 Howard County Health Department provides a range of health care services. The clinic’s multilingual STD program works with you on a sliding-fee scale. Its professional staff screens for and treats chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis as well as treating trichomoniasis and genital warts. The health department also offers HIV/AIDS screenings. Its clinic provides a hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Gardasil vaccine prevention program for if you’re aged 19 to 26. The office is open Monday thorugh Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

8930 Stanford Blvd. Columbia, Md. 21045, 410-313-7500
Website

Chase Brexton offers you HIV and STD testing, assessment, treatment, and prescriptions. The flat-fee clinic charges $35 per visit and provides services by appointment and walk-in if you’re a current patient, and on a first-come walk-in basis if you’re new. The facility screens for HIV, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It also offers PrEP and PEP HIV prevention methods. Although the STD clinic is located in Mt. Vernon, Chase Brexton offers a variety of services, including dental care, OB/GYN, substance use, and psychiatry, at its six locations throughout the area. Hours vary by location and service, so call ahead.

1111 N. Charles St. Baltimore, Md. 21201, 410-837-2050
Website

If you live or work east of Ellicott City may want to consider visiting Planned Parenthood in Baltimore. The clinic offers you STD testing and treatment in addition to HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. The facility’s trained professionals also provide HIV testing and referrals and PEP and PrEP prevention services. Planned Parenthood’s care extends to general health care, birth control, pregnancy, and abortion resources. The clinic works with the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale and accepts a variety of insurance plans. Hours are Monady, 8:30 a.m.-7p.m., and Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

330 N. Howard St. Baltimore, Md. 21201, 410-576-1414
Website

The Baltimore County Department of Health offers STD testing and treatment at seven locations throughout the county. Working on a sliding-fee scale, the clinic’s trained professionals provide confidential services for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as other STDs. The health department also offers HIV testing and referral resources. Additionally, the clinics provide emergency contraception, birth control services, and pregnancy testing. If you’re a high-risk patient, including adolescent, homeless, or LGBTQ, the facilities’ health care professionals work with you, assisting with screenings, treatments, and referrals for a range of medical and mental health concerns. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

6401 York Road, Third Floor Baltimore, Md. 21212, 410-887-2243
Website

If you live southwest of Ellicott City, you can seek STD testing and treatment at the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. The clinic’s trained professionals provide free, anonymous, and confidential services for STDs as well as HIV/AIDS, including pretest and post-test counseling. Additionally, the health care facility delivers general health services and behavioral health and substance abuse treatment resources. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday until 7 p.m.

2000 Dennis Ave. Silver Spring, Md. 20902, 240-777-1760
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