Preferred Location: 1145 19th St Nw Ste 601 Washington,DC 20036 Northwest Washington Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1145 19th St Nw Ste 601 Washington,DC 20036 Northwest Washington Change Location
Washington, D.C. is known for many things, and unfortunately, it can now add STD rates to that list.
This city has the highest rate of Chlamydia in the United States at a rate of 1,083 cases per 100,000 people. It also has the highest rate of Syphilis in the U.S. at a rate of 84.5 cases per 100,000 people.
Perhaps the most disturbing statistic is that Washington, D.C. has the highest rate of teenagers infected with STDs in the United States, at a rate of 55 cases per 1,000 teens. Because of this, there are many resources for STD testing, sexual education, and contraceptives just for teens.
There are many private and public testing centers available in Washington, D.C., including Planned Parenthood on 4th Street or the Department of Health on Massachusetts Avenue. There are many private options as well, on Georgia Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and some area clinics also offer free STD testing to residents. You may not be able to just “walk-in” to take advantage of this service, so it is recommended that you call ahead first.ย
If you and your partner feel that you need to be tested, donโt hesitate.
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.
Since 1987, Capital Medical Associates has consistently provide medical care that is on the cutting-edge of research for HIV and Hepatitis C. Their doctors have been named some of the best in the city and this should give you added assurance when it comes to testing and treatment.
HIV results are often back to you in minutes, while Hep C results could take a little longer.
DC Health and Wellness Center has a qualified team that are equipped to test and treat most sexually transmitted infections. They have a variety of services that are geared to improving and protecting the sexual health of residents.
After your test you may have to wait several days to find out your status but a physician or counselor will be there when they come back.
The Whitman-Walker clinic is a little different from others. Not only do they provide HIV testing but also self-administered STI tests on site. This allows you additional privacy, though a physician or clinician is always close by.
You can find out your status in days, and return without a problem if you need to come back.
Us Helping Us started with a small group of volunteers that wanted to provide holistic health information to people that were living with AIDS. They wanted to teach natural holistic techniques that involve combining the body, mind, and spirit for optimal health. They still work to achieve health equity for the underserved in the D.C. area.
You are probably already familiar with Planned Parenthood and the work they do. For over 100 years they have been championing for better sexual health.
Walking in the clinic you will be greeted by friendly staff that includes nurses and physicians. Some test results can return in less than 24 hours, while others may take a little more time.
One Medical is a primary care doctor's office. Currently, they have at least four on staff at all times. While they do deal with a variety of health issues, they also test, treat and help their patients manage their sexually transmitted infections and viruses.
They do have a lab, which speeds up the time it takes for results to return. However, the lab does close earlier than the clinic, this can lead to it taking a couple of days longer. It just depends on when you come in.
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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: Self-pay subscription available to those without insurance; visit website for information.
Description: HIV/STD testing is open to the general public. No appointments are available from 12:30-1:30pm Monday-Thursday and from 12:30-2:30pm on Fridays. For HIV testing hours please visit: https://www.whitman-walker.org/testing
Description: Community Based Organization. HIV testing available to the general public; for other services you must enroll as a patient in order to receive services. Closed for lunch daily from 12:30pm-1:30pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization. Free Hepatitis B and C screening events at various locations. Please call or visit website for more information
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: Closed daily from 1pm-2pm
Description: New patients without a medical home.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Closed daily at 12pm-1pm, with the exception of Thurs., closed 1pm-2pm
Description: Hospital. HIV testing provided to the general public. Other services require referral.
Top STD Testing Locations in Washington, DC
Primary Item (H2)You do need to become a patient first, before going in for a HIV or Hepatitis C test. You can do so online or call the medical center directly.
Testing is not free but you can work out arrangements with the clinic if you can't pay your bill in full. Simply ask the receptionist at the time you arrange an appointment.
As a primarily research center for infectious diseases, you can take part in the latest advances in medicine. There is a cost for testing but some treatments do not have a charge. You can find out more about these studies once your results are in.
1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Same day appointments are available, though you might want to call early in the morning. They can also treat most infections including HIV and Hep C. Education and health counseling classes are available and most are free to join.
No one will be turned away if they can't pay. For those that can, they work with most insurance companies.
The center promises to provide professional and evidence-based services that are discrete. They will protect your right to privacy regardless of your diagnosis.
The D.C. health center is easy to access. You can find a handy map on their website. It details walking and bike routes, along with directions for driving if you wish to use your car.
PEOPLES BUILDING, 77 P St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Testing, counseling and any referral services are free to everyone. Since the center does operate on donations, if you can feel free to pay what you can.
You can walk-in and this is actually encouraged. You can call in advance to check on wait times but they normally do not accept prior appointments for testing.
The Whitman-Walker center might be a little different, especially with their walk-in self STI tests. However, they are all done at the clinic, you just get a little more privacy. For some people this is comforting and there is always a clinician nearby to offer assistance if needed.
If you are having trouble finding their location, simply go to their website. There is an interactive map that will show you the best route.
1525 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
You do not need an appointment, simply come in. A physician, nurse or tester will be with you shortly. No one will be turned away and most services are free. This includes counseling before and after testing.
Us Helping Us is focused on continuing to expand its programs and services. It is also participating in research studies that will improve the care they are able to provide. Focusing on the under insured that can't afford health care, they are making a difference in the community.
3636 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
Make an appointment by phone or online. However, if you need financial assistance or a translator it is best to call. All ages are welcome, though minors should check with local laws. Some may limit age or the amount of anonymity they have.
Planned Parenthood is a leader in providing high-quality health care that is also affordable.They are also one of the largest providers of sex education.
If you aren't sure how to get to the clinic, there is a helpful map on their website. You can also learn additional information about STI's and even get in contact with a staff member before and after your visit.
1225 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
When it's time for testing, the first thing you need to do is boo a visit. It only takes a few minutes on the phone. This is also a good time to ask about fees and what types of insurance they take. There is a charge and very rarely is it on a sliding scale.
Since they also are a primary care clinic, all ages are welcome. Minors should be advised that a charge will show up on their parent's insurance if they choose to use it.
You can find One Medical in the Dupont Circle. This also puts you close to the Dupont Circle metro line and the Capital Bikeshare Station. They do not have parking for patients, there is a pay lot nearby.
They do have at least four physicians on staff, which increases your chances of seeing a doctor. They do charge for their services but can help you find affordable insurance, if you already do not have any.
1350 Connecticut Ave NW #1250, Washington, DC 20036, USA
The nationโs capital is working hard to educate students and parents about the dangers of STDs, and the decreasing number of some sexually transmitted diseases is beginning to show that this initiative is working. City and school health officials are beginning to work together, and officials at the Centers for Disease Control are hoping that this will help to get some of the higher statistics under control.
Not only are the school systems taking the time to educate students about the importance of regular STD testing, but teachers and health officials are highlighting some of the devastating effects of these preventable diseases. Students are shown some graphic images of how an STD can affect their body and lifestyle, along with simple methods on how it can be prevented.
Some residents point out that the city has been leading the 50 states in STIs for the past several years stating that these programs are obviously not working, but health officials point to the falling statistics and simply stress the fact that until everyone is tested regularly there will always be a problem with STDs.
These educational programs have made it easier for students and parents to understand the importance of Herpes testing in Washington, DC and the declining number of new cases seems to show that this is working. It is just as important for regular HIV testing in Washington, DC, especially since this deadly disease often does not display any symptoms until it has turned into AIDS.
The District of Columbia has an ever changing population that includes visiting law makers and foreign dignitaries. This can make it difficult for the CDC to accurately gauge the number of STD infections, especially with many of the new diagnoses suspected of being in individuals from different states. While this does not lessen the importance of getting tested regularly, it does help show that the aggressive education programs are at least working among permanent residents.
Other factors contributing to the rise in STD rates also includes ethnicity and religion. Income also has an effect, and this is apparent in the cityโs traditionally poorer neighborhoods. A lack of clinics and health care workers to staff the facilities is also contributing to the problem.
African American men and women are still at a higher risk of contracting an STD, and many health officials suggest that this might be due to stereotypes that still persist in the nationโs capital. Many men view regular testing as a sign of weakness, or simply believe that it can never happen to them. This is also true for teens and college age adults who often have the highest risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
In between visits to the monuments and museums scattered around the nationโs capitol take time for yourself. Don’t worry about wasting your time waiting for an appointment, there is a better alternative. Confidential STD testing is easy to set up over the phone. Now you can tour of the White House after youโve taken this first step towards protecting your health.
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.