Today, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be identified through blood tests, such as genital herpes, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis require a swab for diagnosis. Swabs are also an option for syphilis and herpes. Health care providers use a urinalysis or swab to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The sample is taken from the inside of the penis in men or from the cervix in women. Then, it is studied in a laboratory. Screening tests are essential because if you don't have any symptoms, you may not know you're infected. If you're sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
It's important to have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STI testing with your doctor and ask if you should be tested for STDs. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your regular healthcare provider about STDs, there are many clinics that offer confidential, free or low-cost testing. The following is a brief description of the recommendations for testing for STDs. Information on testing for STDs for healthcare providers can be found here.
You can quickly find a place to get tested for STDs by entering your zip code in the form below. Find an STD testing center near you. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences.
If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so on our Privacy Policy page. A confirmatory test is usually done before a person is considered to be HIV-positive. This test combines tests to detect HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and the p24 antigen, which is called “DUO”. This is the test recommended by the current UK HIV testing guidelines, with an accuracy of 28 days after possible exposure. Compared to the fourth-generation HIV test, a fifth-generation test will specify whether it is the HIV 1 antibodies, the HIV 2 antibodies, or the p24 antigen that have caused a reactive result.
This is the earliest possible test available to detect an HIV infection. The PCR test method can detect HIV 1 in the body ten days after exposure. This means that anyone who is concerned about HIV can get tested ten days after a worrying incident. It is recommended that this test be followed by a DUO test after 28 days. When there are no visible symptoms, a blood test is used to detect HSV antibodies. Anyone testing for herpes with blood should be aware that it is possible to carry the virus but never show symptoms.
Unlike the viruses mentioned above, syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious long-term damage to the body over time. Syphilis can be tested with blood when there are no symptoms or with a swab if a person has a visible sore or lesion that may be due to the early stages of syphilis. A blood test will detect the antibodies just nine days after exposure. Even after treating a syphilis infection, the antibodies can remain detectable for many years. This means that retesting can produce a “positive” result, even when the infection is no longer present.
