STD Testing in Fort Worth, TX

With regular screenings, you can protect your sexual health and avoid passing STDs to your partners. Not only is it important, it’s the right thing to do.

Here’s why: According to the Tarrant County Public Health Department (where Fort Worth is located), half of all sexually active people contract an STD by the age of 25. Fort Worth also ranks as the fifth-highest in the state of Texas for reported cases of gonorrhea.

Community-based organizations offer many resources for testing and treating STDs. Take advantage of what’s available in your community. For instance, the Southwest Fort Worth Health Center offers financial assistance for STD testing, while services at the HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness are free of charge.

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 Fort Worth, TX ?

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 Fort Worth, TX ?

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 Fort Worth, TX ?

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:

AIDS Outreach Center is the county’s largest nonprofit AIDS service organization. It offers several outreach, prevention, and community information programs, along with free and low-cost services for HIV-positive individuals. You can receive free testing for HIV, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and free treatment is available for those who test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. You should call the clinic directly or use its online booking tool; in some cases, same-day appointments are available.

400 N. Beach Street Fort Worth, TX 76111, 817-335-1994
Aoc.org

Collins Family Planning Clinic is a community-based organization that provides a full range of health services for men, women, and adolescents 11 to 55. Services include annual exams, screenings, and STD screening and treatment. The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV. For timely service, it’s recommended that you make an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. The clinic accepts Medicaid and most major health insurance plans, and a sliding fee schedule is available to self-pay clients to ensure affordable service. The clinic is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2900 S.E. Loop 820 Fort Worth, TX 76140, 817-922-8182
Collinsfamilyplanningclinic.org

The HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness is a non-profit organization dedicated to health and educational services aimed at preventing AIDS/HIV and other STDs for the LGBT+ community since 1994. The HELP Center provides free rapid HIV and syphilis testing, PrEP, and PEP services, condoms and lube. It can also link you to follow-up care if you’re living with HIV. HELP operates the largest PrEP program in North Texas providing over 2,000 clients with PrEP services statewide both in-clinic and virtually through the TelePrEP program. All the services at the HELP Center are completely free of charge.While this program primarily serves gay and bisexual men, testing is provided to all who need it.

1919 8th Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76110, 817-332-7722
helpcentertx.org

The Southwest Fort Worth Health Center is operated by Planned Parenthood and provides general health care services, pregnancy testing and services, and STD testing and treatment. Although some STD tests require an exam, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing is conducted through a urine sample. If you need an interpreter, you should inform the clinic when you schedule your appointment, providing at least three days’ notice. The clinic accepts Medicaid and most health insurance plans, and financial assistance is available if you don’t have health coverage. To schedule an appointment, book online or call the clinic during operating hours.

6464 John Ryan Drive, Suite B Fort Worth, TX 76132, 817-276-8063
Plannedparenthood.org

The Tarrant County Public Health Department provides free or low-cost STD testing, treatment, and education at three locations, one of which is in Fort Worth. You can get examined for common STDs, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, and trichomoniasis. Herpes tests are available if you have symptoms. You must call the clinic to receive test results. Individual costs may vary, and fees are charged according to your insurance coverage or income. Call in the morning on the day you wish to be seen.

1101 S. Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76104, 817-321-4800
Tarrantcounty.com

• 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