Preferred Location: 2 Southern Ct West Columbia,SC 29169 West Columbia Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 2 Southern Ct West Columbia,SC 29169 West Columbia Change Location
Lexington, SC, the county seat of Lexington County and a suburb of Columbia, is experiencing an STD crisis that's not showing signs of stopping.
In 2015, the county reported 1,537 chlamydia cases or a rate of 545 new infections for every 100,000 residents, and in 2016, it had 1,540.
Also in 2015, it had 538 new gonorrhea diagnoses and in 2017, the county had 585.
There were 43 total syphilis cases in 2015, and in 2016, it reported 48, or a rate change from 15 infections for every 100,000 residents to 17 in a single year. The majority of new syphilis diagnoses in 2015 and 2016 were primary and secondary cases.
In 2016, the county listed 37 new HIV/AIDS infections and in 2017, it reported 52.
Public health officials in Columbia County are asking all people that are sexually active to seek regular STD testing and help keep themselves and their partners safe while reducing the spread of these preventable diseases.
There are several locations that provide comprehensive STD testing in Lexington and the areas nearby. Many of these clinics include treatment, counseling, and aftercare services.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control offers screenings on South Lake Dr at the Lexington County Health Department.
Palmetto Health USC Medical Group is another option on Richland Medical Park Dr in Columbia.
Some locations may provide free STD testing. These locations could ask patients for proof of income and might charge for additional services such as treatment and follow-up care. Additionally, comprehensive screenings may not be available.
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 Healthcare Center - Columbia provides medical care to HIV-positive patients in the greater Lexington area. Its staff is knowledgeable about the current developments in HIV and works around the clock to provide rapid HIV screenings with results being available within a minute. The center is part of the research team that works on new HIV medications and uses modern innovative treatment in managing HIV.
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services is a community-based organization that promotes tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and HIV/STD prevention and education activities. It provides rapid HIV testing and facilitates Hepatitis B, C, and STD screenings. Adult Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C vaccines are also available.
Wright Wellness Center is a not-for-profit organization providing HIV prevention and early intervention services. It advocates for healthy living with HIV/AIDS by sensitizing the community on the viral disease.
The staff facilitates mobile testing and offers in-house rapid HIV/Hepatitis C screenings with same-day results. Test results for STDs may be available within a week or two weeks.
Lexington County Public Health Department is dedicated to reducing new infections, such as STDs, viral hepatitis, and HIV, through prevention and education. It also provides HIV/STD testing services, including sexual health screenings for pregnant women.
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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: No referral needed.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: AIDS Service 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
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
Description: Community Based Organization. See website for special extended hours
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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
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
Description: Must register as a patient.
Top STD Testing Locations in Lexington, SC
Primary Item (H2)HIV testing services at the center are free and open to residents of the Columbia metropolitan area regardless of their socio-economic status. A benefits counselor may carry out a financial screening to determine your eligibility for ADAP or Medi-Cal.
Clients can conveniently access their medications or prescription refills at the centerโs pharmacy. Services may be offered in English or Spanish on the facilityโs website. It also provides family planning services for HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce the risk of mother-baby HIV transmission.
4100 N Main St Ste 102, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
Free HIV/STD testing is available for residents of Lexington, SC, irrespective of gender identity, race, or sexual orientation. The facility accepts insurance payments, and uninsured and low-income clients can access treatment at a sliding fee scale. Eligible HIV-positive patients can get medications via ADAP.
The health facility offers PrEP navigation and helps individuals who qualify for the Ryan White program access services. Free condoms are also available on location.
2638 Two Notch Rd # 108, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
The facility offers free HIV/STD testing services regardless of gender, nationality, economic status, or sexual orientation.
Wright Wellness Center provides HIV-positive clients with linkage to support groups, mental healthcare and facilitates risk assessment and referrals for alcohol and substance use. It also offers HIV patients transportation services to and from their appointments. Clients can conveniently check their test outcomes via the patient portal.
1022 Calhoun St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
Free HIV/STD testing is offered to visitors and residents of Lexington County. Insurance payment is accepted, and uninsured and low-income clients who cannot pay can receive HIV/STD care through the Ryan White program. Eligible clients may also receive drug assistance via ADAP.
At-home HIV testing kids are available. The health department also provides medical services for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, vaccinations for children and teens, nutrition counseling, and substance use prevention. The public is also offered free condoms and other safer sex supplies.
1070 S Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29073, USA
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.