Preferred Location: 1626 30th Avenue Fairbanks,AK 99701 Fairbanks Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1626 30th Avenue Fairbanks,AK 99701 Fairbanks Change Location
While vising AK, you might be headed to see the beautiful northern lights or hiking to see Denali in all of its glory. Before you go, consider stopping by one of Alaska’s many STD Clinics to get yourself tested. The rates for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis and HIV are increasing annually. Even though there are free STD testing centers, residents are still putting off this important health checkup. If you’ve been avoiding STD testing due to long lines, you do have another option. You can call to schedule private STD testing, and only spend 15 to 20 minutes at a neighborhood lab. This way you’ll still have plenty of time for shopping in Anchorage.
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.
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: Social Service Organization. Opens at 11:30am on the 4th Friday of each month
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Must be Native American.
Description: AIDS Service Organization, Community Based Organization.
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
There are unfortunately a very large amount of chlamydia cases in the state eachย year. There are over 700 cases per 100,000 residents. Gonorrhea transmission rates are also some of the highest in the nation. The data shows that these rates have been increasing in residents ages 15-24. These statistics are on average with national rates, and indicate that there is a growing problems.
Based on the recent data, we can see that Alaska displays some worrying trends regarding less treatable diseases. HIV rates and deaths per year show a scary trend.
These numbers should scare any resident. Education about safe sex practices can go a long way, but testing is a necessary component of keeping any community disease free. Without adequate testing, itโs impossible to control potential outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases. If more people become aware of their own STD status, it can create a culture of responsibility that will greatly benefit the sexual health of residents in the area.
Additionally, HIV diagnoses per year are at dramatic levels intoย the 35-44 age group. Increased testing and education can combat these statistics.
The most dramatic obstacle Alaskans must overcome is the rates for chlamydia. Alaskaโs chlamydia rate over the past decade is significantly higher than national averages. Education efforts are setting goals to lower that rate significantly by 2020.
STDs are significantly more prominent in teens and young adults, but this doesn’t mean that everyone’s sexual health isn’t at risk. Those between the ages of 15-24 are substantially more likely to be affected by chlamydia and gonorrhea. Considering Alaskaโs number of reported cases, that should be worrying to area residents.
The other area of concern is the rising STD rates. While the increase is not severe, any amount is enough to warrant immediate concern. Residents have made a concerted effort to increase sexual awareness and education. This includes making information about regular Herpes testing in Alaska readily available. Residents should also be aware of the importance of regular HIV testing in Alaska. With the number of incidents steadily increasing, it is important for everyone to take responsibility for their sexual health.
Alaska is a hotbed for STDs, and much of that is due to the stateโs size and topography. With large sections of land dividing towns and creating long drives, itโs a perfect recipe for an outbreak without proper testing and education.
There is some racial disparity when analyzing the STD data. Caucasians are more likely to contract STDs, particularly HIV. While poverty is a contributing factor, another factor is the population density. Most Alaskans make connections online and donโt live in large city centers. While this is good for outbreak control, itโs very poor for education and testing.
While this data is jarring, itโs important not to jump to conclusions. Without access to affordable treatment or sexual health education, itโs difficult for communities to keep themselves safe and healthy. As education efforts increase, clinicians hope to assist at-risk communities in controlling the spread of STDs. The more people in these communities know about the resources and free clinics that are available, the less STDs will spread. Consider spreading information about STD testing to remote areas that might not have great access.
As efforts increase, medical professionals are hoping that mortality rates for HIV continue to fall. While the number of cases is on the rise, mortality has been dwindling as medical advances have helped control the advance of the infection.
Known for its diverse landscape and fascinating people, this northern state is also dealing with a STD crisis. The number of sexually transmitted infections reported each year is rising, and without regular testing this trend is expected to continue. If the long lines at the local STI clinics are the reason you’ve been putting off testing, you do have another option. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one easy phone call, and only spend a few minutes at a nearby lab. This way you can take care of your sexual health, and still catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.