Preferred Location: 1101 Madison Street Seattle,WA 98104 Downtown Seattle Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1101 Madison Street Seattle,WA 98104 Downtown Seattle Change Location
The state is fortunate enough to be among the best for overall sexual health, and this includes the city of Seattle.ย However, the looming STD epidemic still remains a problem here.
Health officials urge all sexually active persons to seek out regular STD testing in order to keep themselves and their partners safe.
The three most commonly reported STDs are: chlamydia (coming in first with the most reported cases), gonorrhea, and syphilis. Gonorrhea is showing an alarming trend towards antibiotic resistance.
Syphilis, a disease that remained rare for almost two decades โ is now on the rise and presents especially dangerous conditions when transmitted from mother to infant. Syphilis rates increased by 24% from 2015 to 2016. Across King County chlamydia increased from 9,400 cases in 2016 to 9,760 cases in 2017.
Seattle has many testing locations throughout the city. On Jefferson Street youโll find a location for the Public Health Department of Seattle and King County, on Madison Street youโll find the Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, and on 29th Avenue South youโll find the Neighborhood House. Minors over the age of 14 do not require parental consent or notification in order to receive STD or STI testing.
You can even take advantage of free STD testing sites, especially during April which is Awareness Month. College students also have the option of visiting the campus health clinic to find additional information. Be forewarned, there can be long lines which can comprise your anonymity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2ย provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.ย
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.ย
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.ย
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.ย
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Gay City has one mission, to promote wellness in LGBTQ communities. They provide health services, connect people to needed resources and work to improve the overall health of the community. They are staffed entirely by volunteers, there are not any medical professionals on staff. They do have qualified testers and you can read their bios online.
3W Medical focuses on all aspects of a woman's health. They provide support and education so each woman can make the right choice about her sexual health.
Along with counselors there are also physicians that are experienced with sexually transmitted diseases and the harm they can do. The clinic tests for most and you do not have to wait long for results.
Not only can you get the resources you need at this Planned Parenthood location, you can also reach them online. This way you can contact a healthcare professional every time you have a question or sexual health problem.
You can take a single test or a full panel one. Time for results does vary.
This relatively small clinic, located on the 11th floor, is staffed by qualified doctors and LPNs. They are part of the larger medical campus and work to improve the health of their Kings County neighbors.
Some tests results can be back in 24 hours, while others may take a little longer. It will depend on what the test was for.
The STD Clinic at Harborview is part of the King County health care system. Staffed with physicians, clinicians and nurses, they can provide the care you need. During and after testing. They offer testing for most sexually transmittable infections and can provide your results confidentially in a few days.
As STDs grew as a problem the University Med Center opened a clinic. All the clinic concentrates on are protecting the health of the students. Physicians are on staff and test results are delivered wuickly and confidentially.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: AIDS Service Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. No person will be denied service because of inability to pay. Must meet at-risk criteria for hepatitis vaccines. Free condoms available upon request. You can get an mpox vaccine on a walk-in basis during the following times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm and Tuesday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, if there are available vaccines. Please go into the Clinic to register at the front desk to get your vaccine
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
Description: The office is closed for lunch Mon.-Fri., from 12noon-1pm
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services. Clinic ask uninsured patients to pay on a sliding fee scale and eligibility staff can help find low- or no-cost coverage.
Description: Community Based Organization. HIV and STI testing are offered at Gay City to gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, including trans guys. Testing is free, with donations gladly accepted. At all appointments Rapid HIV Testing, HIV RNA testing and screening for syphilis is offered. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Rapid Hep C screening is also offered to those that are eligible. Appointment hours: Tues., 1pm-7pm; Wed.-Fri., 11am-7pm; Sat,,10am-5pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Call or visit website for testing information
Description: Community Based Organization. Focus on African American Men who have sex with men, and Foreign born Black men and women. Incentive offered to eligible individuals. Services in Swahili, Amharic, Tigrinya, and Somali.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: AIDS Service Organization, Community Based Organization.
Description: Closed daily from 12:00-1:00pm
With the waters of Puget Sound nearby and thousands of acres of forests, the โEmerald Cityโ is a nature lovers paradise, but Seattle, Washington is also dealing with an increase in Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, C, Herpes, Syphilis and HIV cases and not enough STD clinics to adequately treat all of the residents. While Seattle, WA does have a few free STD testing centers the long lines have many people looking for another option. Now you can make one easy phone call and schedule private STD testing and only spend 15 to 20 minutes at the local lab, which still gives you plenty of time to catch the sunset over the Space Needle.
Despite implementing new programs that include automatically providing treatment for partners of those infected with a sexually transmitted disease, Seattle is still dealing with an increase in the number of new cases.
Recent statistics show that while the STD rate in Seattle might not be increasing as rapidly as many other U.S. cities, the number of residents who test positive for a sexually transmitted disease continues to rise. In 2006 there were 5319 cases of Chlamydia reported in Seattle and surrounding King County, with a slight increase to 6939 diagnoses in 2013. While these statistics might seem to indicate that the number of new cases of STDs is slowing down, there is still a problem that wonโt be fully resolved until everyone is tested regularly.
Some of these statistics includes the sobering fact that over half of those diagnosed with Chlamydia were women in their early 20โs, and the majority were African Americans. Other statistics released include;
What is really worry Seattle and King County health officials are the statistics that show a steady decrease in the number of women and some men who regularly visit a clinic. Unfortunately this also means that few residents are being tested for a STD on a regular basis.
Top STD Testing Locations in Seattle, WA
Primary Item (H2)All testing is funded by donations and it is limited to only those that are a part of the LGBTQ community. Age does not matter and testing is free. You can make an appointment online or call the center directly.
If your lifestyle is what has been loosely termed as "alternative" and only need to get tested in an environment that you feel absolutely comfortable in, this might be a good option.
Even though they only have testing, the volunteer staff does understand everything from your lifestyle choices to what you might be feeling before and after your test results come in.
517 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
After you've confirmed your appointment, you will be given a case manager. You do need to be at least 18 yrs. old. Insurance is the most common form of payment but you can use others. Fees are affordable and cash ensures that you remain anonymous.
The professionals at the clinic believe that every woman deserves healthcare, regardless of their financial status. They also believe that every woman deserves a safe environment to go when they need healthcare.
The 3W clinic provides this. Many of the services they provide are donor funded, which helps to make sure that everyone can get the testing and possible treatment they might need.
4528 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
You can walk-in and the staff will try to fit you in. It might be a while and you might not even get in. They will ensure that you have one the next day. You can also call or go online and choose a day and time to come in.
If you cannot afford their listed fees, you need to call to see what your options are.
Planned Parenthood welcomes everyone. The medical staff at the Health Center is there to educate, treat and ultimately improve everyone's health. Financial assistance is available for both testing and treatment.
1200 N Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98133, USA
Walk-in or make an appointment, either is fine. If you are stopping in after 3 pm you might want to call first to check if they are still accepting patients.
Testing is not free, their prices are listed on their website. You can also call to confirm them. All ages are welcome, as long as you are at least 14 years old.
This part of the medical complex was started as a way to address the growing number of sexually transmitted diseases in the county. Part of the University of Washington's
908 Jefferson St 11th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
As a walk in clinic, you do not need an appointment for testing. Though if you are planning on going in the evening you should call first. If they are busy they will stop taking new patients around 3 pm. Anyone can come in, though if you are under 15 years of age you might want to check to see if your HIV test results will be delivered to your parents.
Community always comes first at the clinic. The staff will help ease your anxiety and are easy to talk to. Even though you can't receive treatment for all infectious diseases here, they will spend the time with you to help you find a center that can.
908 Jefferson St 11th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
The WU health center concentrates on students, though anyone can call for an appointment. University students will need their college i.d.'s but only to show that they are a student there. Fees not covered by any benefits at the university will be billed to the student.
The university's std center is trying to protect students' health. You can come in, and are encouraged to. The staff is friendly and won't judge you. It is located right across from the HUB so it is a short walk when you're on campus.
4060 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Seattle is working hard to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and recent statistics show that the education programs are starting to work. The cityโs school system realizes that teens are becoming sexually active at a younger age, and recognizes the need to teach students how to protect themselves against the various sexually transmitted diseases.
The cityโs schools are restricted by parental approval which results in some students never receiving the information they need to stay safe during sexual activity, which continues to contribute to Seattleโs STD rates. The city is starting to respond to this problem by offering free treatment to the partner of anyone who tests positive for an STD.
While this does not mean regular HIV testing in Seattle isnโt vital for good sexual health, it does seem to be slowing the spread of other common STDs. It should also be noted that while it is possible to treat Chlamydia and Gonorrhea without a visit to the local clinic, other STDs must be treated by a health care professional.
The innovative program that treats the partners of those infected is also not effective at treating the Herpes virus.
Seattle has a diverse population and its unique demographics do play a role in the cityโs STD rates. While the city does have sexual education programs in the schools and neighborhood clinics, it is still hard for health officials to reach everyone.
The surrounding mountains and forests can make it difficult for everyone to get tested regularly, and many residents are simply are not aware of the risks associated with a sexually transmitted disease.
Age is also a factor, along with religious and personal beliefs. Some of Seattleโs free spirited residents simply do not believe in seeking outside medical attention until it becomes an absolute necessity, which includes being tested regularly for any sexually transmitted diseases. The older generations often do not realize that they are still at risk, and with more senior citizens staying sexually active longer their chances of contracting is dramatically raised.
Many young adults still believe that it could never happen to them, and Seattleโs own free treatment program is also contributing to the cityโs STD rate. Now that the partner of someone who has tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease can be treated without visiting a health care professional, many residents are wondering if it is really necessary for them to get tested regularly as long as their partner is.
This is what some health care officials believe is partially responsible for the slight increase in some men testing positive for Syphilis and HIV. Until everyone in Seattle is tested regularly for a sexually transmitted disease the city will continue to have a high rate of STDs.
Known as the โEmerald Cityโ for its evergreen forests, Seattle is a beautiful place to live that is also experiencing an increase in its rate of STD infections. Regular testing is important for good sexual health, but the long lines and risk of running into a friend or family member has many residents searching for a different option. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call and avoid the hassles associated with the busy clinics. You can spend a few minutes in a local lab and still make it downtown in time to see the sun set from the top of the Space Needle.
References:
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/rates-for-sexually-transmitted-diseases-decline-as-partners-get-free-antibiotics/
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.