STD Testing in San Diego, CA

Whether you’re proactively testing for STDs for peace of mind or are experiencing symptoms, STD screening is an important part of staying healthy. There are low- and no-cost testing sites available in San Diego, and options ranging from in-clinic to self-testing that are confidential, secure, and deliver fast results.

San Diego County is rated 10th in the state for reported cases of chlamydia, 14th for gonorrhea, and 19th for primary and secondary syphilis, according to the California Department of Public Health. Overall, California has a high rate of STDs, which emphasizes the importance of testing and education to prevent STD spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the state as No. 15 for chlamydia cases, No. 18 for gonorrhea, No. 6 for congenital syphilis—and No. 4 for primary and secondary syphilis.

While STDs are a problem in San Diego, there are 52 STD testing locations in the area. COLFS Medical Clinic accepts insurance and offers free medical assistance if you do not have coverage. At Good to Go San Diego, you can get test results within three hours via text or email. Following is a highlight of STD testing sites in San Diego and how testing works.

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 San Diego, CA?

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 San Diego, CA?

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 San Diego, CA?

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:

Progressive Health Services is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable healthcare services in the San Diego region, including HIV and STD testing. Testing is provided on a walk-in basis and includes individual screenings for STDs including syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, as well as a comprehensive STD panel that tests for 10 STDs and an 11-test STD panel that includes an exam. Upfront pricing is provided, and results are typically available within three business days. While the clinic doesn’t provide STD treatment, it can connect clients who test positive with local agencies that do provide treatment. Hours are Monday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. amd Thursday 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

4732 Point Loma Ave., Ste. D San Diego, CA 92107, 619-260-0810
Progressivehealth.org

AFC Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic that offers X-ray services, sports and school physicals, lab work, and STD testing and treatment. It features an on-site laboratory and has a qualified team of doctors and medical professionals who are experienced in sexual health services. Some STDs that the clinic tests for include HPV, HIV and AIDS, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. All testing is confidential, and methods include urine, blood, or swab samples. The clinic is open seven days a week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5671 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92111, 858-800-2880
Afcurgentcareclairemont.com

ARCpoint Labs provides an array of testing options, including STD tests. Its STD panel screens for HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. While the lab doesn’t accept health insurance, it features affordable upfront pricing. Test results are provided via secure email. You must call the lab to set up a quick, confidential appointment, and no doctor’s order is required. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5830 Oberlin Dr., Ste. #204 San Diego, CA 92121, 858-484-9999
Arcpointlabs.com

MinuteClinic is located in CVS and offers more than 125 services, including STD testing and treatment. Service is available if you are 18 or older, but not if you are pregnant. Some STDs CVS screens for include hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV. While walk-ins are accepted, you also have the option of viewing wait times online and booking an appointment for a time that suits your schedule. Upfront pricing is available online, and payment is required at the time of service. There are four MinuteClinics in San Diego.

3327 Rosecrans St. San Diego, CA 92110, 619-225-9691
Cvs.com

5644 Mission Center Rd., #201, Friars Mission Center Shopping Center San Diego, CA 9210

1792 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109

4829 Clairemont DR San Diego, CA 92117

Good to Go provides HIV and STD testing for men and transgender women ages 18 and older. Walk-ins and online appointment bookings are not unavailable. Appointments typically take 30 minutes, though waiting times may vary. The clinic provides testing for six of the most common STDs, plus HIV, and same-day treatment and prevention options are available. Test results for chlamydia and gonorrhea are available within three hours via text or email, and if you test positive for syphilis, you are notified by phone within one week. To schedule a phone screening, call (619) 543 – 9340. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3830 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92103, 619-543-9340
Goodtogosd.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