STD Testing in Tallahassee, FL

STDs are on the rise nationwide, and it can be easy to write off the symptoms as something else if you’re experiencing feelings like abdominal pain or uncomfortable urination. If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD or just want peace of mind, get tested. Don’t wait.

In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked Tallahassee No. 14 among the top 100 cities with the highest STD rates. Overall, Florida has one of the higher rates of syphilis, ranking No. 10 in the country, according to the CDC 2019 STD Surveillance State Ranking report. Not to mention, the state is No. 27 for chlamydia, No. 24 for gonorrhea, and No. 8 for congenital syphilis.

There are STD screening and treatment resources near you in Tallahassee. Bond Community Health Center offers free, confidential HIV testing, prevention and risk reduction products, HIV care, and education regardless of your ability to pay. And STD screening at the Leon County Department of Health includes confidential partner notification if you test positive.

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 Tallahassee, FL?

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 Tallahassee, FL?

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 Tallahassee, FL?

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:

Leon County’s Department of Health sponsors confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes at the Roberts and Stevens Medical Center. It also offers rapid blood HIV testing and HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Services include confidential partner notification and treatment voluntarily. Most services are provided on a sliding scale fee based on your ability to pay. General office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

1515 Old Bainbridge Road Tallahassee, FL 32303, Multiple Tallahassee locations, 850-404-6403
Website

Big Bend Cares is a private, nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential rapid testing for HIV and syphilis from its Care Point Health and Wellness medical facility. Patients can also receive medical, dental, pharmacy, and mental health services, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. HIV/STD testing is available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with results available in 30 minutes. Big Bend Cares also sponsors free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing at various community events throughout the area.

2200 & 2201 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-656-2437
Website

The Neighborhood Medical Center at Lincoln Center offers conventional blood HIV testing and STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B. It also provides primary care, dental, on-site lab, and mental health services, along with hepatitis B vaccines, TB screenings, vision screening, and prescription medications from its on-site pharmacy. You will not be turned away based on your ability to pay. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and it stays open until 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.

438 West Brevard Street Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-224-2469
Website

Positive Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers confidential testing and treatment for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. It provides HIV and STD education, reviews all lab/test results with each patient, and ensures treatment begins right away for positive results, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. The organization can also help you access PrEP medications following a negative HIV test result or PEP medications after possible exposure. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but be sure to call first because hours are subject to change.

2121 West Pensacola Street, Suite B2 Tallahassee, FL 32304, 888-752-2267
Website

Bond Community Health Center offers free, confidential HIV testing, prevention and risk reduction products, HIV care, and education for the North Florida-Big Bend area. It also provides chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes testing, and HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted, but services are provided regardless of your ability to pay. Be sure to schedule an appointment. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.

1720 South Gadsden Street Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-576-4073
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