STD Testing in Richmond, VA

Don’t wait to get tested if you suspect that you’ve been exposed to an STD or are experiencing symptoms. You’re not alone, and there are resources near you in Richmond, VA, that offer confidential, free, and low-cost testing.

STDs are on the rise across the country, though Virginia does have a lower incidence of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Virginia ranks No. 20 for chlamydia, No. 30 for gonorrhea, No. 30 for syphilis, and No. 35 for congenital syphilis.

There are resources nearby to help. Minority Health Consortium Incorporated offers free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV as well as STI counseling to assist people newly diagnosed with or facing these diseases. Health Brigade will not turn you away if you cannot contribute a donation, and it discloses HIV tests the same day.

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 Richmond, VA?

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 Richmond, VA?

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 Richmond, VA?

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 Richmond City Health District includes several clinics and locations where residents may seek free or low-cost health care and testing. The clinic on Cary Street specifically offers HIV screening and linkage to care, STI screening and treatment, and PrEP, as well as immunizations and screening and treatment for other health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The Cary Street clinic offers free express STI/HIV screening every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

400 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 482-5500
Website

The office for Minority Health Consortium offers free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and STI counseling to assist people newly diagnosed with or facing these diseases. The free testing may be offered through specific clinics, including the HELP Drop-In clinic, which sometimes takes place in the evening or at night if you can’t access services during the day. You can access services via walk-up during those types of clinics or by appointment. Call the organization if you’re not sure if services are being offered at the exact time you want to seek them.

208 East Clay Street, Suite B, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 225-0820
Website

The foundation works to make HIV and STD testing more available to the LGBTQIA+ community. It also provides HIV services and counseling. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing is free. The foundation also offers other services, including a food pantry, computer lab, peer group support for HIV patients, and PrEP services for the uninsured.

4794 Finlay Street, Suite1, Richmond VA 23231, (804) 716-7597
Website

Health Brigade provides a variety of clinical services, including primary care. They offer a sliding scale for fees and free services, including HIV and STD testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. The clinic asks for a small donation from patients/clients. However, no one is turned away because of their inability to contribute. HIV test results are disclosed the same day; it can take a week to get other results. A needle exchange program and condom distribution are also among the services offered by this organization.

1010 North Thompson Street, Richmond VA 23230, (804) 358-6343 ext. 1145
Website

This location also offers a variety of health services. It accepts insurance but also ensures everyone receives care despite their ability to pay. STD testing services include herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trich, BV, HIV, and genital warts. Condoms are provided as well as the HPV vaccine. You can make an appointment on the website.

201 North Hamilton Street, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 355-4358
Website

CrossOver Healthcare Ministry (CrossOver) provides full care for HIV patients under the Part B Ryan White program at its Richmond Clinic. CrossOver has expanded their STD Community Testing program at both its Henrico Clinic (8600 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA) and Richmond Clinic (108 Cowardin Avenue, Richmond, VA), including free, rapid confidential HIV testing and STD confidential testing; gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and Hep C. You do not need to be a patient to access confidential testing. Walk-in testing is offered during business hours, or you can call to make an appointment. CrossOver will sometimes run clinics for after-hours testing; call for more information. CrossOver also offers PrEP. For more information, please contact CrossOver today at 804-655-2794 at x131 or x105.

108 Cowardin Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224, (804) 655-2794 ext. 105
Website

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed October 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed October 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed October 2021