Preferred Location: 2100 Gervais St Ste B Columbia,SC 29204 Midtown - Downtown Change location
Preferred Location: 2100 Gervais St Ste B Columbia,SC 29204 Midtown - Downtown Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 2100 Gervais St Ste B Columbia,SC 29204 Midtown - Downtown Change Location
Columbia is not immune to the STD epidemic. In Richard County alone, there were 3,471 cases of HIV at the end of 2016, which equates to a rate of 847.6 cases per 100,000 people.
Additionally, there were 3,515 cases of Chlamydia in the county in 2016 and 1,201 cases of Gonorrhea, as well as 190 total cases of Syphilis.
Testing options are available throughout Columbia. There are some public options available, including Planned Parenthood on Middleburg Drive or the Richland County Health Department on Hampton Street, which is conveniently located by other medical centers so you can easily take care of yourself. You’ll also appreciate the expansive parking lot.
Various private options are available to you, as well, including on Trenholm Road, St. Andrews Road, and many more. You can also ask about free STD testing at any of the clinics in the area. Some do offer it, though locations can be limited resulting in longer drives.
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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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
AHF Healthcare Center – Columbia provides comprehensive HIV testing and treatment and family planning services. The medical team practices up-to-date knowledge and techniques in treating HIV positive patients. Physicians may offer advanced therapy services, and they participate in research and testing new medications to curb the spread of HIV.
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services was founded in 1985 and has been providing free rapid HIV testing and treatment services, whereby HIV test results may be available in about 20 minutes. The medical team aims at minimizing the spread of HIV by educating society on responsible sexual behaviors. Also, the services are efficient and customized to meet each individual's needs.
Daybreak Lifecare Center is a non-profit health facility that was founded to help individuals make informed sex decisions. The medical team provides a wide range of sexual health services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound services, abortion care, and STD screening and treatment. The service providers are competent and ethical when availing medical care.
Columbia Health Center of Columbia, SC, is a Planned Parenthood clinic that provides rapid STD screening and treatment services to the people of Columbia, SC, and HIV test results may be available in approximately 20 to 40 minutes. The health center comprises of skilled clinicians who offer various medical services, including abortion care, birth control, pregnancy testing and treatment, and general health care.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is tasked with providing low-cost sexual health services to the people of Columbia, SC. The medical team provides a wide variety of services, ranging from diabetes and arthritis management, obesity prevention, dental services, and family planning to STD testing and treatment. Additionally, the medical team avails services for children with special care needs.
MEDcare Urgent Care is a health-care center that aims at providing timely and affordable medical services to individuals in need. The medical team is efficient in treating ailments such as burns, injuries, coughs, chest pains, fractures, and allergies. Additionally, STD screening and treatment services are available at the health center.
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days
15 min test
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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Description: Community Based Organization. Due to COVID-19 our office hours are restricted to appointments only. Primary care hours: Tues., Thurs., 10am-4pm. Testing hours Mon., Wed., 10am-4pm
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Description: Community Based Organization. See website for special extended hours
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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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
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Description: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
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Description: Community Based Organization. Condoms available for free. Walk-in testing Tues., Thurs., 3pm-7pm. Thurs., by appointment; 1st and 3rd Sat., 10am-2pm walk-in only
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Description: AIDS Service Organization.
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Description: Must register as a patient.
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Description: No referral needed.
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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Clinicians offer free HIV tests to anyone who requires the services, regardless of income level.
Physicians offer HIV testing services on a walk-in basis thus promoting convenience. Additionally, the medical team runs follow-up programs for HIV positive patients where they educate them on healthy living. Also, the health center has cutting-edge laboratory equipment.
3025 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
The medical team provides free HIV testing and treatment services. To receive services at the clinic, you may have to register as a patient.
PALLS has a Food Pantry for HIV patients who may need food assistance. Additionally, service providers run a support group that provides emotional support to PLWHA. Also, the clinic helps low-income individuals living with HIV to meet their housing needs through the Housing Opportunities for People With HIV/AIDS program.
2638 Two Notch Rd # 108, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
The medical team provides STD testing and treatment services free of charge, and you may be eligible for treatment irrespective of your background.
Clinicians serve both appointment and walk-in clients. However, only appointment patients may receive STD testing and treatment services on Wednesdays. Additionally, the clinic is well-facilitated, and the staff is well-trained.
1601 St Julian Pl, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
Clinicians may provide low-cost STD services to every patient, and you may make payments through insurance, cash, checks, or credit cards. Additionally, uninsured clients may pay their medical bills on a sliding fee scale.
The medical team accepts both appointment and walk-in clients, and the latter may receive medical care on a first-come-first-served basis. Also, the staff provides language interpretation by telephone to patients who are not proficient in communicating in English or Spanish. You may receive medical care during some weekend hours, and you’ll always find a well-trained physician on call.
Admin 103, 2712 Middleburg Dr Suite 107, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
Anyone may receive free or low-cost STD testing, and clinicians may accept various modes of payments, including insurance and cash.
You may choose to either book an appointment or walk-in at your convenience. Also, the medical team runs a teen’s program that educates teenagers on responsible sexual behaviors and STD prevention methods. Additionally, physicians are ethical and well-trained.
2000 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
Uninsured patients may get affordable rates on STD services when making payments using cash or credit cards, and the medical staff also accepts most major insurances.
The clinic operates on a walk-in basis, thus no appointment is necessary. Additionally, the medical team works for extended hours to meet every patient’s needs. Also, clients may access their health records online on the hospital’s website.
110 Medical Cir, West Columbia, SC 29169, USA
The number one factor influencing high STD rates is believed to be poverty. The city has a high rate to begin with and it is difficult to penetrate deeply into the masses with this vital information that could save their lives. People who lack financial resources are more apt to drop out of school and miss out on sex ed that is routinely offered there. They are also less likely to seek medical attention for testing and treatment because they cannot afford to pay the costs. The lack of understanding about symptoms means that infected persons may unwittingly pass an STD on. In addition, not all STDs produce symptoms in the early stages so when they do appear, it could be far into the progression of the disease and extended damage could be the result including poor health and even death.
Studies show that there is a trend for school age children to contract Chlamydia. This is a statistic that has created the legislature to mandate sex education in all public schools throughout the nation. It is delivered with the hope that reaching middle school aged children will increase their awareness of the dangers of having unprotected sex. They learn where they can go to get HIV testing or a Herpes test.
Trends also consistently show that women contract Chlamydia twice as frequently as men and that those who are age 20 to 24 have the highest incidences. With regard to ethnicity, Blacks have the highest frequency across the board for STD infections, followed by Whites, Hispanics, then Native Americans. Men who participate in male to male sex are at increasing risk for contracting multiple types of STD infections simultaneously. Without the information that is provided by the CDC, we would not have this knowledge or be able to assess what constitutes risk.
The only way to slow the spread of STDs is to make people aware of the dangers of unprotected sex. Campaigns to distribute information that provides the real facts, how to prevent infection, how to recognize symptoms and what to do if you suspect you are infected is the only answer to the problem. The challenge is in reaching the people who are in greatest need.
Some may feel hesitant to get tested because of embarrassment or fear of public exposure. STD testing centers are build around the protection of this sensitive information and go to great lengths to provide confidential and private services. Those who cannot afford to pay the fees may apply for free or reduced costs if they meet the income requirements.
You should get tested for STD infection if you’ve had unprotected sex. This does not include people who are in monogamous relationships and who are symptom free. If you are uncertain about your partner’s faithfulness, you may want to get tested to be certain. Ordering the testing is easy and all you’ll need to do is schedule a follow up visit at a local lab to complete the process. Friendly staff will assist you and answer your questions. It doesn’t take long to get your results and you’ll have greater peace of mind once you know. If your results are positive, you’ll be in a better position to get immediate treatment.
Reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/products/infographics.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/tables/17.htm
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.
Your preferred location: 2100 Gervais St Ste B Columbia,SC 29204 Midtown - Downtown Change Location
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