STD Testing in Shreveport, LA

There are many locations near Shreveport where you can get free or low-cost STD testing. Some clinics accept insurance or provide a sliding fee scale for uninsured or self-paying patients.

Louisiana falls in the top ten for the highest rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. According to the CDC, Louisiana experienced the third-highest rates of chlamydia, fifth-highest gonorrhea, and congenital syphilis in the nation on a per capita basis in 2019.

You can get free HIV testing or STD testing for as little as $10 at the LDH Bossier Parish Health Unit. The LSU Health Sciences Center also offers free and confidential HIV testing and low-cost STD testing, and HPV and hepatitis B vaccines for adults. St. Luke’s Episcopal Medical Ministry mobile medical RV roaming around northwest Louisiana, which offers limited STD testing and medical referrals.

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 Shreveport, 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 Shreveport, 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 Shreveport, 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:

Bossier Parish Health Unit offers free HIV testing and low-cost chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis testing. STD tests are $10 each, and pregnancy tests are $5, but it does offer a sliding fee scale. You can also schedule vaccines for HPV and hepatitis A and B. Anyone in need of family planning, birth control, or immunizations is eligible for services, but you must make an appointment. Services are available in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3022 Old Minden Road Bossier City, LA 71112, 318-741-7314
Website

The STD Clinic for Caddo Parish provides STD education, preventive health care, and referrals. You can receive counseling and low-cost testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It also offers partner notification, HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines, STD treatment, HIV linkage services, and free condoms. Any resident of Caddo Parish is eligible for services, and appointments aren’t required. The Clinic offers a sliding fee scale based on your income and operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1035 Creswell Avenue Shreveport, LA 71101, 318-676-5222
Website

The LSU Health Sciences Center provides free conventional and rapid blood HIV testing. You can also schedule low-cost chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes, and syphilis testing. It also offers HPV and hepatitis B vaccines for adults. The Center accepts private insurance and Medicare and requires appointments. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

6670 St. Vincent Avenue Shreveport, LA 71106, 318-626-0050
Website

The Philadelphia Center is a nonprofit organization that offers free, confidential HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing to anyone in the community. Results are available in 20 minutes. Its GBT Health Center provides a full panel of STD testing and treatment for gay or bisexual men and transgender individuals. This service includes free, confidential HIV and hepatitis C testing, as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing and treatment. You must schedule an appointment for all services, which are offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2020 Centenary Boulevard Shreveport, LA 71104, 318-222-6633 or 866-513-2863
Website

St. Luke’s Episcopal Medical Ministry is a mobile medical ministry serving northwest Louisiana, including the Shreveport area and underserved communities in the Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Desoto, and Webster parishes. This volunteer group has been offering medical services since late 2008 from its mobile medical RV, including free basic/non-emergency health services and preventative health screenings, including limited STD testing. Volunteers also provide health education and medical referrals if you need follow-up care and don’t know where to go. You can view the mobile unit’s schedule online at stlukesministry.org.

PO Box 53074 Shreveport, LA 71135, 318-424-0156
Website

• 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