STD Testing in Salt Lake City, UT

Sometimes, STD symptoms are silent. Other times, they can be confused for other medical issues because feelings like abdominal pain and uncomfortable urination can be written off as something else. If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, don’t wait to get tested.

Utah has much lower rates of STDs than other states in the country, but overall, we see more incidences of STDs across the board. According to a Centers for Disease Control & Prevention STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Utah is number 46 for chlamydia, 45 for gonorrhea, 43 for syphilis, and 39 for congenital syphilis.

Martindale Clinic offers STD testing, contraception, and hepatitis C treatment. The Salt Lake County Health Department STD Clinic offers rapid tests for HIV and syphilis with same-day results. The Utah AIDS Foundation Test Site provides at-home testing for HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

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 Salt Lake City, UT?

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 Salt Lake City, UT?

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 Salt Lake City, UT?

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:

Planned Parenthood operates the Salt Lake Health Center of Salt Lake City, UT. There, you can receive testing and treatment for a broad range of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes, and syphilis. It also offers testing and diagnosis for HIV, but not treatment. In addition to STD testing, a full suite of reproductive health services is available, including birth control, pregnancy services, and abortion referrals. Walk-in STD testing is available if you do not have symptoms. For other needs, schedule an appointment online or by calling.

654 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, 801-322-5571
Website

The Salt Lake County Health Department operates a low-cost STD clinic in downtown Salt Lake City. Rapid tests are available for HIV and syphilis. You’ll receive their results the same day. It also offers tests for chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and other common STDs, and results are generally available within seven to 10 days. Schedule permitting, walk-in testing may be available; however, the clinic recommends calling to book an appointment. Health insurance plans aren’t accepted.

Salt Lake Public Health Center, 610 South 200 East, 2nd Floor Salt Lake City, UT 84111, 385-468-4242
Website

Utah AIDS Foundation provides free or low-cost STD testing at its Salt Lake City clinic. Testing is by appointment, and you can receive test results within seven to 14 days. Rapid HIV testing, which provides same-day results, is also available. An at-home testing option is available through the Utah Aids Foundation for HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Just request a testing kit and collect your samples at home.

1408 South 1100, East Salt Lake City, UT, 801-487-2323
Website

The Maliheh Free Clinic is a nonprofit organization that provides free urgent medical care to low-income uninsured people. A broad range of health care services is available, including immunizations, adult family medicine, and pediatric care. Clients can also visit the clinic to be tested for various common STDs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Appointments are required, and clients must provide proof of income, such as a current tax return or recent pay stubs.

941 East 3300, South Salt Lake City, UT 84106, 801-266-3700
Website

Martindale Clinic is operated by Odyssey House, a nonprofit substance use treatment provider. It offers a wide variety of recovery-focused health care services, including preventative care and mental health services. You can visit the clinic for STD testing, as well as contraception and hepatitis C treatment. Walk-ins are only accepted at 9 a.m., so the clinic encourages you to call or email to book an appointment. The clinic accepts Medicaid and is an in-network provider for most insurance plans. You may qualify for a sliding fee scale.

743 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, 801-428-3500
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