STD Testing in Hammond, LA

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to be responsible about your health – not only for yourself but for your partners, too. Regular STD screenings help ensure that you aren’t unknowingly spreading any infections to others and alert you if you need medical treatment. The best part is that it’s easy and confidential to get STD testing in Hammond.

Considering that the Louisiana Department of Health reported that the state was second in the nation for chlamydia rates in 2017 and third for rates of gonorrhea and syphilis, you don’t want to neglect your sexual health. Though Hammond is on the lower end for infection rates in the state, it’s still helpful to do your part in preventing the spread of STDs.

Affordable and confidential STD testing is available via the Louisiana Department of Health, the START Community Health Center, and other locations. Even if you have a low income or are uninsured, there are options for you.

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 Hammond, LA?

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 Hammond, LA?

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 Hammond, LA?

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 Parish Health Unit runs a clinic from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you don’t need an appointment to show up for services. Some of the services offered at the clinic include family planning, nutrition screenings, pregnancy tests, and immunizations. Not all options are available every day, but STD testing is offered on most days. You can view the calendar on the website to see which services might be available on a particular day.

15481 West Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, LA 70403, 985-543-4165
LDH.LA.GOV

This clinic is only open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. STD testing is offered on all those days and family planning, immunizations, and WIC services. You don’t need an appointment.

330 West Oak Street, Amite, LA 70422, 985-748-2020
LDH.LA.GOV

Like Parish Health Units in nearby areas, this office offers numerous free health and wellness services, including STD testing. Testing is offered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for government and major holidays. You don’t need an appointment, and the office also offers family planning, immunizations, and WIC services on those days.

20399 Government Boulevard, Livingston, LA 70754, 225-686-7017
LDH.LA.GOV

This community health center offers a variety of services, including primary care. It accepts health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. If you don’t have insurance, you can discuss affordable health care options with the staff, and the clinic offers sliding scale discounts. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on most weekdays, but you do need an appointment.

1505 North Florida Street, Covington, LA 70433, (985) 900-1626
Startcorp.org

This CHC is part of the Access Health Louisiana Network. The providers here take insurance, but the center also has sliding-scale charges to help make care affordable to everyone. Primary care, behavioral health care, pediatrics, and women’s health services are available, as are STD screenings. The center operates Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Fridays, it’s open until 5 p.m., and Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to noon. You need an appointment for service.

501 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, LA 70458, 985-607-0400
AccessHealthLA.org

• 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