Preferred Location: 1718 East 4th Street, Ste 302 Charlotte,NC 28204 Elizabeth Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1718 East 4th Street, Ste 302 Charlotte,NC 28204 Elizabeth Change Location
ย Charlotte witnessed steady growth rates for reported STD cases between 2013 and 2017, a trend that mirrors the rest of the nation.
The state and Mecklenburg County reported over 58,000 cases of chlamydia, over 19,000 cases of gonorrhea, and almost 1,100 cases of syphilis. Left untreated, these diseases can cause irreparable harm to both the person affected and unborn children โ including the potential to have children.
Young adults, and the teen populations of Charlotte have reason for concern
So donโt wait, take charge of your health with testing and safe practices. Local organizations and health departments are coming together to offer testing and educational services because increasing public awareness and safe practices are the first steps in combating transmission. This can even include free STD testing but you might find that there isn’t a doctor available if you have questions about your results.
Testing locations throughout the city include: Care Ring on East 5th Street, the Urban Ministry Center on North College Street, and multiple locations offered by the Mecklenburg County Health Department.ย
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.
RAO (Rosedale Assistance & Opportunities) is a non-profit who is working to educate, support, raise awareness and provide prevention services for those living with HIV. They also provide education about other sexually transmitted infections.
While they work primarily to help those living with the virus, they also have testing done by licensed clinicians. You can find out your status in a matter of minutes.
Care Ring was founded in 1955. It is a nonprofit organization committed to providing health services for those lacking access to affordable, high-quality preventive health care. Their team is lead by physicians and PhD's and they are available to speak with patients.
Since this is a free and low-cost health clinic not all STDs are tested for. You also have to wait up to 2 days for any results.
Do you have questions about your sexual health? Planned Parenthood can answer them in a way that won't make you feel uncomfortable. Their doctors and other staff members know that some questions can be difficult to ask but will never make a client feel like it is one that shouldn't be asked.
They offer different types of tests and this can affect how long it takes for your results. For most patients, the wait is not longer than a couple days.
Reserve Health works to offer the best quality care, while also building relationships with their clients. Led by Dr. Biondi, the clinic is able to offer care and solutions that are effective and affordable.
It is a non-judgmental clinic that promotes sexual well-being. Tests and results are discreet. You can also learn your status in a few days.
Novant Health employees board certified specialists. This gives you the knowledge that you have the care you need.
The clinic is part of a larger network of clinics in the area and with specialists in infectious diseases employed at each one, they can also share their research and discoveries. This means better care and treatment for you.
The mission of the C. W. Williams Clinic is to provide t quality comprehensive family health and services to all residents in the county, regardless of their inability to pay.
Staffed by doctors that are dedicated to their patient's health and counselors that will talk about your test results with you.
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: Closed from 12noon-1pm daily. If you are unable to pay for your visit there might be funding available to help with the cost of your care
Description: Community Based Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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: Social Service Organization.
Description: Hospital. Need to become a patient to receive services.
Description: Need to become a patient to receive services. Clinic participates in the Ryan White program and offers a sliding scale program for uninsured residents of Mecklenburg County, including free medical care to qualified participants who reside in Mecklenburg County.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV/STD testing is provided on a walk-in basis. Free HIV/Syphilis testing is available daily. Testing is provided on a walk-in basis - no appointment is necessary, but appointments are available by calling 704-336-6500. Testing hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 8am-11am and 1pm-4pm; Wed., 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free HIV/Syphilis testing is available daily. Testing is provided on a walk-in basis - no appointment is necessary, but appointments are available by calling 704-336-6500. At this time no walk-in testing until further notice; testing only available by appt
Top STD Testing Locations in Charlotte, NC
Primary Item (H2)If you are only coming in for testing, you do not need to call first. Just be there before they close the doors at 5 pm. Those that need assistance with food or living expenses, need to call and speak with a case manager. They will make sure that the person you need to speak to is here when you come in.
Testing for HIV is free. This applies to anyone 13 and up.
RAO is a community organization that provides free testing and other types of assistance to those with the HIV virus.
Testing does not require an appointment, you do need one for their other services. You can find the clinic in a small house front building, which adds to its comforting atmosphere. They are on W. 11th, not to far from several bus stops.
321 W 11th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Anyone can come in during open hours. Since it is a health clinic that handles a variety of adult and child illnesses, it can get busy. You might have to wait for a bit.
No one will be turned away if they cannot pay. You also do not have to show i.d, unless you are getting a prescription. Testing can be completely anonymous, though you will have to call yourself for the results.
Care Ring believes that everyone should be treated with respect and kindness. Also, that everyone should have some type of healthcare.
Since the clinic has partnerships with other medical centers, you can receive the best care possible. This is even if you can't afford to pay. They can help you find the assistance you need to live a healthy life free of STDs.
601 E 5th St #140, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
If you between the ages of 19 and 26, you could qualify for free testing. Otherwise payment is due before you leave the clinic.
All ages are welcome but you will want to make sure that state laws do not prohibit you from testing, if you are a minor.
Located off Rt. 74, Planned Parenthood has been serving several neighborhoods for over twenty years. They have always stayed true to their purpose, to provide affordable sexual health care and continue to uphold this.
You will find a staff that is both compassionate and knowledgeable. Believing that everyone should have access to testing and treatment, they can even provide free testing to clients that qualify.
4822 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA
Call, text or create a patient profile and you are ready to go. They clinic will find an appointment that meets your schedule.
Payment is required, unless you've made other arrangements.
Started on values that include providing excellent health care with respect and compassion, they have grown into a leading center for sexually transmitted diseases.
The founding doctor has studied around the world and brings a new perspective to treating and preventing these diseases.
135 W 10th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
You will need to call the clinic first. Since it treats all non emergencies, along with testing for sexual infectious diseases, it is busy. This can be done online or by phone.
All insurance is welcome but you must settle the bill in a timely manner. Free tests are not an option, unless you have a government health plan.
Primarily an urgent care clinic, it does test and treat a few sexually transmitted infections. It is designed to feel and operate like a family care clinic so this might not fit your needs.
However, they do have infectious disease specialists on staff. They can detect any infections and might have a treatment plan that you haven't considered.
1381 Westgate Center Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA
On your first appointment there is a list of papers you need to bring. First off, a valid picture i.d. If you plan on using insurance then bring that cared with you. For those that are under insured or do not have any bring proof of income so you can see if you qualify for free testing.
Started to treat everyone in Mecklenburg County, they have stayed with their mission. Lead by a team of qualified health professionals, they are equipped to test and treat all communicable diseases.
You will not be turned away if you cannot pay. This also applies to any aftercare you might need.
3333 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208, USA
Unlike many southern cities Charlotte does offer sexual education classes in its public school system. While only a small percentage of the schools teach students about the proper use of a condom, the majority do supply students with the tools they need to find trusted and reliable information regarding the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Unfortunately only a small percentage of the schools provide any preventive information to parents and families of students, which leaves a gap in the education process. When parents are not aware of the risks associated with all sexually transmitted diseases, city officials can expect the STD statistics to continue to rise.
Not all STDs are transmitted strictly through intercourse, and when this information is not readily available the number of new infections will continue to increase in teens and adults. The Herpes virus is especially common in some schools and can be spread through casual contact. This makes it extremely important for parents to understand the importance of regular Herpes testing in Charlotte which can help prevent embarrassing flare ups, along with slowly the spread of the viral infection.
HIV testing in Charlotte is also important for the health of the city, and it is not uncommon for residents to not realize they are infected. Without standardized sex education programs for teens and adults the number of STDs will continue to rise in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/yrbs/pdf/hiv/charlottemecklenburg_hiv_combo.pdf
Demographics do play a role in Charlotteโs high STD rates, along with the lack of standardized sexual education programs. The gay and lesbian community is still subjected to certain stereotypes, which makes many residents hesitant to get tested regularly for STDs.
Charlotte is also experiencing a rise in intravenous drug use, especially among young adults and in lower income neighborhoods. Sharing needles and the risky behaviors that are often associated with this lifestyle is also contributing to the increase in residents with HIV and Syphilis.
Lower income families often find it difficult to afford regular STD testing, and not all health carriers cover this service. Added to the growing problem is the threat to defund some clinics, which will result in fewer facilities offering these important tests. As the number of clinics decreases around the city it will become more difficult for residents to get tested regularly, and health officials expect the STD rates to continue to rise.
Along with financial difficulties and perceived stereotypes, religious beliefs are also affecting the cityโs STD rates. Many parents refuse to accept that their teens are sexually active at a younger age, and the lack of information available for families often makes it difficult for anyone to fully appreciate the risks associated with not getting tested regularly.
Spending the day at the Botanical Gardens or Discovery Place is a great way to spend your day, but it is important to remember your sexual health. There are several clinics in Charlotte that provide testing services, but many do not want to spend the day standing in long lines. A brief phone call will allow you to schedule confidential testing, and best of all it will only take a short amount of time.
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.