STD Testing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem has plenty of options when it comes to confidential, low-cost STD testing for you and your partner no matter your insurance status or income level.

While Pennsylvania ranks well below the national average in the number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, chlamydia in particular is still a massive problem with over 60,000 reported cases in 2019. Knowing your options for getting tested can help you keep yourself and other safe and slow the spread of disease.

While some clinics offer their testing and treatment free of charge to eligible clients (such as the HOPE at St Lukes Hospital), most offer sliding scale fees which are determined by your household income, such as the Bethlehem Health Bureau and Neighborhood Health Centers of The Lehigh Valley. There are also privately owned lab services, such as Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, which offer access to testing at a low, standard rate, often with next-day results.

Find an STD Testing Location in Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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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