We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
STDCheck․com aims to provide a judgment- and hassle-free testing experience for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The service will ship a test kit directly to your home that you can take to a participating testing center for evaluation. No appointment is necessary.
The website offers both individual tests and a 10-test panel that covers many of the most commonly diagnosed STIs. Getting tested can help detect an STI early enough to get treated and help prevent complications. Being aware of an STI, even if it isn’t causing symptoms, can also help you take steps to prevent transmitting it.
Finding a convenient and confidential testing process is an important way to take control and manage your sexual health. Here’s everything you need to know to help decide whether STDCheck․com is the right service for you.
Pros
- tests for 10 STIs individually or in a single panel
- no doctor’s prescription required for testing
- same day testing available without an appointment
- more than 4,500 testing centers nationwide
- doctor’s consultation provided with positive test result
- results available in 1 to 2 days
- accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments
Cons
- insurance payments are not accepted
- requires a lab visit
- labs are not available in all locations
- doctor’s prescription costs an additional $95
- no doctor’s consultation for negative test result
We evaluated STDCheck․com based on a variety of factors, including its process, cost, accuracy, and customer reviews. Also, our team completed a thorough vetting process, and this article was reviewed by a medical professional.
Cost
STDCheck․com offers a variety of individual and panel tests, each is priced from $25 to $258 depending on the test. If you test positive, you’ll need to pay an extra $95 for a doctor to write a prescription. Your partner can get a prescription for an additional $95.
STDCheck․com says it does not accept insurance to protect its customers’ privacy. However, it will provide you with an itemized receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. You can also use your HSA or FSA funds. If you use a credit card, the transaction will show up as “HealthLabs.com” on your statement.
The company also offers a “pay later” option. You can order and complete the test at the lab without payment, but you need to pay before they will release your results.
Accuracy
STDCheck․com claims that its tests are 99 percent accurate. But it suggests waiting to get tested until after the incubation period for the STI has passed to get the most accurate results.
The incubation period is the amount of time it takes for your body to create antibodies against the infection. This period depends on the type of potential infection and can range from a few days to a few weeks. Since the test will detect the presence of antibodies, waiting until this period has passed helps ensure antibodies will be present.
Customer reviews
STDCheck․com’s online reputation is largely positive.
On the STDCheck․com website, the company has 5,200 reviews, with an overall rating of 9.8 out of 10.
Reviewers mention:
- quick and easy testing
- fast results
- professional service
- confidentiality
STDCheck․com promises quick, confidential testing delivered to your home. You don’t need to call your doctor or make an appointment at a clinic.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Order your test by phone or on STDCheck․com. You will receive an order form or confidential test code.
- Take that form or code to one of the company’s 4,500 affiliated test centers. No appointment is needed. The center will take a urine or blood sample. The process takes just a few minutes.
- Your test results will be available in your online account within 1 to 2 days.
- If you test positive, you’ll be able to speak with an STDCheck․com doctor. They can answer any questions and send a prescription to your local pharmacy for an extra charge.
STDCheck․com offers an STD Test Recommender tool that evaluates which tests you need based on your answers to a few sexual health questions. You can also check the
10 test panel
- Price: $139
- Type: urine and blood
- When to take it: 2–5 days after exposure
It’s possible to contract more than one STI at a time. And because some STIs do not show symptoms, you may not know you have one. If you’re not sure which STI you may have been exposed to, this full panel tests for 10 of the most common bacterial and viral STIs, including:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- herpes type 1 & type 2
- hepatitis A, B, and C
- HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen)
- syphilis
10 test panel with HIV RNA early detection
- Price: $258
- Type: urine and blood
- When to take it: 9–11 days after exposure
This version of the 10-test panel adds an HIV RNA test. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if it goes untreated. While there’s no cure for HIV or AIDS, with early detection of HIV, there are effective medications that can slow progression, including antiretroviral therapy (ART).
HIV antibodies can take
Chlamydia
- Price: $59
- Type: urine
- When to take it: 1–5 days after exposure
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, so this test checks a sample of urine for the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia does not always show symptoms so it can spread quickly. It can affect fertility if it goes untreated.
Treatment with antibiotics is simple and highly effective. Both you and your partner will need to be treated before engaging in sexual contact. You can pass the bacteria back to each other during your course of antibiotics if the infection is not completely cleared.
Gonorrhea
- Price: $59
- Type: urine
- When to take it: 2–6 days after exposure
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, so it can be cured with a course of antibiotics. This infection typically causes symptoms like:
- pain or burning while peeing
- discharge from the penis or vagina
- rectal itching and discharge
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Price: $99
- Type: urine
- When to take it: 2–5 days after exposure
These two infections often occur together. This test checks for both STIs with one urine sample.
Hepatitis A
- Price: $24
- Type: blood
- When to take it: 2–7 weeks after exposure
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It’s passed through sexual activity but is more commonly transferred by consuming food or drinks containing the virus.
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms (fever and fatigue), stomach pain, and loss of appetite. These can last for up to 2 months before the infection clears, typically on its own. Avoiding alcohol and other toxins when possible while your body recovers can help your liver heal.
Hepatitis B
- Price: $24
- Type: blood
- When to take it: 6 weeks after exposure
This liver infection caused by the hepatitis B (HAB) virus can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. It can be transmitted through genital fluids and blood, and it can be transferred from a birthing parent to their baby.
Your body may completely clear some infections, but others may become chronic infections that could lead to complications. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the HAB virus, getting treatment as soon as possible (even before a test can detect an infection) can help your body mount a defense.
Hepatitis C
- Price: $24
- Type: blood
- When to take it: 8–9 weeks after exposure
The
This infection can only be transferred through blood. It may cause symptoms like fever, joint pain, and nausea. Your body may be able to create an effective immune response to the infection, but in
Medical innovations are now available that can cure this type of infection. Although these innovations can be expensive, insurance may help cover the costs. You can check with your insurance provider for specific information about coverage.
Other available tests
| Test | Price | Type | When to take it |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV 1 & 2 antibodies | $49 | blood | 2–3 weeks after exposure |
| HIV RNA early detection | $119 | blood | 9–11 days after exposure |
| Oral herpes (HSV-1) | $45 | blood | 4–6 weeks after exposure |
| Genital herpes (HSV-2) | $45 | blood | 4–6 weeks after exposure |
| Syphilis | $49 | urine and blood | 3–6 weeks after exposure |
On your results page, you’ll see the name of your test and whether your result was negative or positive.
Negative
The terms “not-detected” or “non-reactive” mean the test did not detect the STI in your body. In other words, you’re negative.
Positive
“Reactive” means the STI was detected. A number in the Value column is the reference range. It indicates whether the value is high enough to be considered positive. For example, a range of < 0.90 in the HSV-2 test means any results below 0.90 are considered negative.
STDCheck․com provides access to a doctor who can offer advice and answer your questions. Depending on the STI detected, the doctor can write a prescription or recommend additional tests and relevant follow-up.
It can also be helpful to discuss your test results with a preferred primary care doctor if you choose to do so.
STDCheck․com does not accept insurance payments, which it says is to protect its customers’ privacy. The company will give you an itemized receipt to use for insurance reimbursement.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health insurance plans must
STDCheck․com promises to protect your privacy throughout the testing process. At the lab, you will not have to fill out paperwork or answer any questions. Your test results will not be reported to your insurance company or be added to your medical record.
The company’s Privacy Promise states that it does everything possible to protect your personal health information. That includes encrypting your data and partnering with labs that also keep your information secure.
You control all communications with STDCheck․com. When your test results are ready, you’ll receive an email directing you to your personal account on the website. The company will not leave you text messages or voicemails unless you consent to those types of communication.
Spotting anonymous testing scams
Since scams are possible when you do business online, it’s always a good idea to check with your local health department before using any online testing service.
| Sample collection | Result time | Insurance accepted? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| STDCheck․com | in lab | 1–2 days | No |
| LetsGetChecked | at home | 2–5 days | No |
| HealthLabs | in lab | 1–3 days | No |
| PrioritySTD | in lab | 1–3 days | No |
How trustworthy is STDcheck.com?
STDcheck isn’t listed on the Better Business Bureau’s website, but it does have more than 5,000 mostly positive reviews on its own site. The company says that all of its tests are FDA approved or cleared, and it only uses CLIA-certified labs.
How does STDcheck.com work?
Order the test by phone or online. Then visit one of over 4,500 test centers around the country for a blood or urine test.
How fast do you get results from STDcheck.com?
You’ll get results in 1 to 2 days.
It’s important to get tested for an STI if you think you might have been exposed to the respective bacteria or virus. Many of these infections don’t have symptoms, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
STDcheck.com lets you order STI tests conveniently and anonymously and have them shipped to your home. You will not need a prescription or an appointment for the lab test, and you’ll have results within a day or two.
If you test positive, the company offers access to a doctor who can advise you on the recommended next steps.