STD Testing in Reading, Pennsylvania

Staying on top of your sexual health screenings should be an important part of your overall preventive care routine. Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting screened for STDs, even if you are not showing symptoms, since you could inadvertently be passing an infection along to partners.

Luckily, Reading has free or low-cost and confidential testing and treatment options for STDs. Pennsylvania’s infection rate is well below the national average for the most common STDs. For instance, while the U.S. case rate per 100,000 people for gonorrhea is 188.4, in Pennsylvania, it’s 125.4. It’s responsible habits that can help ensure that the rates don’t increase, however.

Reading residents have their choice of nonprofit clinics and public health centers to get affordable – sometimes free – STD testing and treatment. One such place is Tower Health’s Reading Hospital Center for Public Health, which offers free, confidential STD screening and treatment for anyone 13 or older.

Find an STD Testing Location in Reading, Pennsylvania

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

STD Testing Options in Reading, Pennsylvania

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

  • Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
  • Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
  • Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.
  • At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When to Get Tested for STDs

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.

Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.

A routine STD panel may include:

A full-panel STD test adds:

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Reading, Pennsylvania?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Reading, Pennsylvania?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Reading, Pennsylvania?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community STD Testing Centers in Reading, Pennsylvania

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Sources

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