If you’re in the process of trying to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, there are a number of different providers to choose from, but how do you know which is the best place for STD testing? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best we’ve seen over the past year and moving forward into 2023 to help you make an informed decision. Check out what these STD testing companies have in terms of test offerings, outlines of their processes, as well as some pros and cons for you to consider.
We know that when it comes to getting tested for any STD, it’s important to find the right option for you – and quickly. We also know that getting tested regularly at a professional STD testing lab is important, and it’s our hope that finding the right provider for your needs ensures a smooth testing experience that you feel comfortable using again the next time you need to get tested.
How to Find the Best STD Testing Companies
While we stand behind our testing options at Priority STD Testing and have included our services in this guide, we understand that some patients may be looking for a different testing experience than we provide. In creating this, we’ve done our best to outline the testing factors we feel are the most important for you and millions of others to provide everyone the best possible testing experience.
The following information includes a few of the most popular providers, rated based on the factors that matter to patients, all easy to read, review, and compare at a glance.
Priority STD
Priority STD offers fast, affordable, and convenient STD testing performed in CLIA-certified labs by trained technicians. On the website, you’ll find various STD and STI testing options, including panels for multiple infections and early detection testing. Priority STD can also provide treatment options for certain infections following a positive test result. Test results are highly accurate, fast, and available online, with customer care representatives available to answer any questions. STD testing with Priority STD ranges in price from $59 up to $198.
Pros
- Also offers an option for an FDA-approved test for recent HIV exposure
- Allows patients to check for partial test results online, so there’s no need to wait for all to be completed when getting multiple tests at a time
- Easy and discreet test ordering online or over-the-phone
- Same-day testing is available once the order is processed – no appointment necessary
- Testing performed in a professional, discreet, private lab
- Excellent customer service
- Treatment options for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in all states
- Offers full refund within 30 days of purchase
- Thousands of locations nationwide
- Offers tests for most common STDs and STIs, including panels with multiple testing options
- Fast results (as soon as same-day up to 72 hours from collection time, depending on test)
Cons
- No at-home testing options
- No HSV treatment options
- Specifically, does STD testing, no general wellness testing
Everlywell
Everlywell offers at-home testing for STDs and other types of health and wellness testing. Tests can be ordered online, shipped to your home to complete, and then mailed back for lab processing, or certain testing options may be available for purchase through local retailers such as Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger. However, the STD test range is limited compared to other providers, with fewer options available. STD testing options with EverlyWell range from $69 up to $169.
Pros
- Convenient, discreet testing from the comfort of home
- Offers additional wellness tests outside of STD testing
- Free treatment for bacterial infections
- All samples are processed through CLIA-certified labs (the same ones used by physicians’ offices and hospitals)
- All results reviewed by board-certified physicians
- Received a “Highly Compliant” status per the HIPAA/HITECH Security Standards for data protection
Cons
- Relies on the user for proper sample collection and errors could lead to incorrect results
- Shipping times required; takes substantially longer to get results than same-day lab testing
- Self-collection can sometimes be difficult and make samples subject to contamination
myLAB Box
myLAB Box offers a variety of at-home health tests, including STD tests. The STD and STI testing options are varied, with a range of individual and multiple testing options available. STD testing with myLAB Box ranges in price from $59 up to $399.
Pros
- Convenient, discreet testing from the comfort of home
- Offers additional wellness tests outside of STD testing
- Wide variety of testing options for individual and panel/group tests
- Free telemedicine consultation with a physician if results are positive
- All samples are processed through CAP and CLIA-certified labs (the same ones used by physicians offices and hospitals)
- Data protected by HIPAA web security protocols
Cons
- Collection instructions are difficult to understand
- Shipping times required; takes substantially longer to get results than same-day lab testing
- Self-collection is more subject to contamination and error, leading to potentially inaccurate results
LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked is another at-home testing provider. LetsGetChecked offers a few individual and panel STD tests and a range of general health and wellness tests. STD testing ranges in cost from $99 up to $249.
Pros
- Convenient, discreet testing from the comfort of home
- Offers additional wellness tests outside of STD testing
- Clear collection instructions
- Testing offered worldwide
- Online consultations available
- Data is 100% encrypted and HIPAA compliant
- Labs are CLIA and CAP accredited
Cons
- Shipping times required; it takes substantially longer to get results than same-day lab testing
- Self-collection is more subject to contamination and error, leading to potentially inaccurate results
Choose Accuracy and Convenience with Priority STD
Among these popular providers, one of the biggest differentiators is whether they offer lab or at-home tests. Which process you prefer is up to you, but there are a few reasons why we’ve chosen to provide lab testing for our STD testing options.
Convenient
Testing through Priority STD is convenient and easy. Because of our large partner lab network and online ordering capabilities, you can quickly and easily order your tests online, find a lab location near you and complete your testing in a matter of minutes. Our testing is easy to fit into any busy schedule: no waiting for kits to be shipped or returned and no long waits for appointments like at a clinic or doctor’s office.
Accurate
We prefer in-person lab testing because it tends to be more accurate than at-home testing, which is crucial for your sexual health and that of your partners. Because at-home tests are self-administered, there’s a higher probability of error. Even with perfectly performed at-home tests, issues can still arise from the tests’ packaging or transit to and from your home. With lab testing, your test is performed in a certified facility by highly trained technicians who begin processing your sample immediately, reducing the risk of inaccurate results or other errors.
Fast
Lab testing through Priority STD is fast—that’s why we have priority in our name, after all. You can order online and immediately head to a testing center (if they’re open, that is) for your testing. Many lab locations are open throughout the week, and on Saturdays, so you won’t have to wait long to make your visit. Test results are processed in 24-72 hours from collection, and if you’re getting multiple tests, Priority STD allows you to check on individual test results as they come in instead of waiting for all of your testings to be processed.
Confidential
Priority STD Testing is completely confidential, and we take special care to protect your privacy at every step of the way, from your initial order to finalizing your results. Worried visiting a lab in-person will give you away? Don’t be. The labs we work with are HIPAA compliant and handle a wide range of health testing, so no one there will know why you’re visiting.
Which STD Testing Option is Right for You?
Although we’d love to be able to tell you which test option to go with, the choice is ultimately up to you. Determining the best place for STD testing or which STD testing provider is the best for you is going to depend on you and your specific needs or preferences. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you’re getting tested and making a smart, informed, and healthy decision for yourself, your body, and your partners.