Preferred Location: 6310 Stevens Forest Rd Ste 150 Columbia,MD 21046 Columbia Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 6310 Stevens Forest Rd Ste 150 Columbia,MD 21046 Columbia Change Location
Howard County health officials are worried about the STD rates, which reached record highs in 2016. In particular, teens are becoming infected by chlamydia and gonorrhea at alarming rates.
To combat this, health professionals are focusing on sex education and are providing free, confidential STD testing and counseling, even inviting teens to produce STI-awareness videos.
In 2017, Howard County had a chlamydia rate of 353.8 per 100K people, a gonorrhea rate of 73.2, and a primary and secondary syphilis rate of 4.7. In 2015, there were 400 people living in Howard County with HIV or AIDS, with a prevalence rate of 169 per 100K people.
There are a number of STD-testing clinics in Columbia, and even more options if you can get to Baltimore (and it can be easier to find free STD testing in larger cities). The Howard County Health Department on Stanford Blvd provides STI and HIV testing on a sliding-fee scale. You can do the HIV test anonymously if you prefer.
Chase Brexton Health Care, on Knoll North Drive, provides walk-in HIV testing. They test for other STDs for an affordable fee if youโre not a patient.
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.
AHF Wellness Center is a health-care foundation that aims at providing affordable and quality medical services to PLWHA. Its Baltimore clinicโs physicians strive to provide advanced medical care and ease of access to medication and treatment specialists. The facility is staffed with professional health-care providers who offer rapid HIV testing services to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay.
Chase Brexton Health Care is a medical center that provides compassionate and extensive health-care services to promote wellness and improve the community's overall health. The clinicโs medical team works diligently to offer personalized care to each client. Also, physicians offer affordable STD services and empower patients to become active participants in their care.
Planned Parenthood - Baltimore City Health Center of Baltimore, MD, is a family planning agency that offers quality and affordable reproductive health care to men, women, and teens. The clinicโs medical staff seeks to help patients to make informed decisions about reproductive health. Additionally, physicians provide a wide range of services, including STD screening, pregnancy testing, abortion referrals, and birth control.
Baltimore City Health Department is a public health facility that works closely with many health systems and providers in the city to improve access to care. The medical team strives to protect and improve the health and well-being of all county residents, especially low-income individuals. Physicians provide comprehensive STD services in the Druid STD Clinic, and the staff aims to reduce the incidence of HIV morbidity and mortality.
Patient First is a health facility that strives to avail quality medical care cost-effectively and conveniently. The clinicโs physicians treat a wide range of minor illnesses, from colds, asthma, pneumonia, STDs, and minor cuts to UTIโs and sinus infections. Additionally, the health center has a sophisticated and automated treatment and registration system which facilitates prompt delivery of medical services to every patient.
AllCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care is a primary care facility whose medical team caters to patientsโ basic health-care needs. The health center has board-certified internal medicine physicians who provide expert diagnosis and treatment for a surfeit of medical conditions. Among the services available are STD services, and physicians may provide preventive care to maintain optimal health.
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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: Free HIV testing open to the general public. Walk-ins are welcome. HIV testing hours: Mon.-Thur., 9:00am To 6:45pm and Fri., 9:00am To 4:45pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Call for testing dates/times
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Physical examination and treatment for all sexually transmitted infections are available for Baltimore County and Baltimore City residents. Services are provided on a first-come, first serve basis. Appointment slots are limited. Arrive to the clinic early. HIV testing every 3rd Wednesday from 4:30pm-7pm. HIV/STI Clinic Tuesdays from 8:30am-6pm. Closed for lunch daily 12noon-1pm. Need to make an appt. for the mpox vaccine
Description: Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV testing hours: Mon.-Thur., 9:00am To 6:45pm and Fri., 9:00am To 4:45pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STD testing provided through family planning clinics. HIV and STI testing Tuesdays. For Mpox vaccine need to call and schedule an appt
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Anne Arundel County Resident.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient to receive services.
Description: Must register as a patient to receive services.
Description: Walk-ins are welcome. 3rd Sat. of the month: 9am-2pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Must register as a patient to receive services. Please call for information about HepC/HIV/AIDS Early Intervention Services.
Top STD Testing Locations in Columbia, MD
Primary Item (H2)Every client may access free HIV tests regardless of nationality, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
AHF Wellness Center โ Baltimore promotes diversity since it has bilingual physicians who offer HIV services in English and Spanish. Also, the clinic has an on-site pharmacy that provides affordable prescription medication and refill services to HIV positive patients. Additionally, clients at risk of contracting HIV may get PrEP medication.
The Lexington Building, 11 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
The clinicโs physicians offer low-cost STD testing services to all clients in spite of religion and marital or disability status. Also, self-pay clients may pay for services based on income level or family size, and if youโre insured, a caregiver may inform you if you may utilize your insurance health plan.
Chase Brexton Health Care has an LGBTQ resource center that has LGBTQโfocused support groups and specialized behavioral health services, and it also trains organizations seeking greater LGBTQ competency. Additionally, the health center partners with HIV positive clients and provides case management, consultation, and treatment to such persons.
1111 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
The clinical team doesnโt discriminate against its clientโs national origin, income, medical condition, or veteran status while providing low-cost STD screening. Additionally, uninsured clients may qualify for a sliding fee scale program, and physicians may also cater to the medical needs of insured patients.
Planned Parenthood - Baltimore City Health Center of Baltimore, MD, is committed to decreasing barriers in health care among clients who identify as LGBTQ. The clinic has experienced staff who provide honest information and personal attention to all clients. Additionally, the medical staff ensures that clients have access to legal abortion services when in need.
330 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
All clients qualify to get low-cost STD tests regardless of residence, age, or gender. Also, insured persons may be eligible for treatment, and a sliding fee scale program is available for cash paying individuals.
Baltimore City Health Department - Druid STD Clinic has an HIV/STD program that offers outreach testing services in regions where HIV transmission is likely to be relatively high. Moreover, the clinic has the Ryan White Program that caters to the medical needs of people who donโt have sufficient health-care coverage to cope with HIV.
1515 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA
Physicians do not limit anyone from accessing low-priced STD services, and those new to the facility may have to fill out a patientโs form. Also, a discount may be available to persons making cash payments, and most health policies are acceptable.
Patient First โ Columbia has ample free parking and a comfortable lounge area with Wi-Fi. The clinic is conveniently situated to ensure that patients can access STD services with ease. Additionally, the medical team offers prompt occupational medical care to employees hence saving their time and reducing productivity losses.
5900 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
The medical staff provides low-cost STD testing services to everyone regardless of marital status, creed, residence, or sexual orientation. Additionally, self-pay clients may be eligible for discounts, and insured persons may use health plans to cater to medical bills.
AllCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care is staffed with efficient and diligent physicians who cater to patientsโ medical needs effectively and immediately. The facility has an onsite laboratory where physicians may carry out quick STD tests. Moreover, the health center has mental health professionals who you can trust with issues related to anxiety and depression.
6955 Oakland Mills Rd suite n, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
When it comes to sex education in Maryland each county is responsible for designing and implementing its own program. The only guidelines counties need to follow are that these education classes must include information on all STDs, along with how having sex can effect and change studentsโ lives. The programs should also reflect the views and beliefs of the county, and in Howard this means that the sex education program promotes abstinence.
Parental permission is also required for students to participate in the classes.
The affluent community of Columbia mistakenly believes that sexually transmitted diseases are not a problem for their students, and that the only information they need in their classes pertains to the benefits of abstinence. Even though abstinence can and does prevent unplanned pregnancies, it does little to stop the spread of all of the STDs.
It is also not uncommon for parents to decide that their children are better off not learning about the responsibilities associated with being sexually active, and this means that the majority will never learn about the importance of regular STI testing.
Regular Herpes testing in Columbia is especially important for high school students, since they present the highest risk for infection. Regular HIV testing in Columbia is vital for everyoneโs safety, and the simple procedure is also the only sure method currently available to accurately detect the virus.
Since the city is actually comprised of 10 planned communities the demographics are a little different in Columbia. It is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the country, and this also includes the surrounding county.
Instead many residents simply believe that a STD will never affect them, and that these viruses are problems in other communities. Considering the high STD rate in the area, it should be clear to residents that this is not the case. As long as they believe that they are safe from all STDs and do not get tested on a regular basis the disease rates will continue to rise.
One surprising reason for the cityโs high STD rate is the growing problem with illicit drugs among older residents. This is also being blamed for the increase in Syphilis diagnoses, and it is quickly becoming another problem that city leaders need to address.
Don’t presume that you’re safe from STDs. This is how they continue to be an issue. STI clinics have multiple advantages over HIV centers and mobile testing. Privacy is rarely a concern, and same day results are often offered. Get tested and still enjoy your day in this fascinating community.
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.