Scheduling An Appointment
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Appointment only)
- Bring a photo ID
Cost and Timing
- No cost for testing
- Typically, 1–2 business days, with a follow-up call from a nurse.
How We Test
- Urine Test: Drink plenty of water.
- Blood Test: Drink plenty of water and do not drink caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks) if you can avoid it. (Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause your blood vessels to be smaller, this can make it more difficult for a blood draw).
- Swabs: Self-swab if needed, with guidance from the nurse.
What to Expect
- Privacy: Your information is confidential.
- No parental consent required for those under 18.
- Forms: Basic health information form.
- Testing Process: You’ll provide a sample and the nurse will discuss tests and make recommendations.
- Results & Treatment: The nurse will call you with results, provide any treatment needed and answer questions.
We Test For
- Chlamydia: Common and treatable.
- Gonorrhea: Often no symptoms, can affect newborns.
- Syphilis: Painless sore at infection site.
- HIV: No cure but manageable with treatment.
- Hepatitis C: Treatable with medication (currently unavailable)
We Do Not Test For
- Bacterial vaginosis - An imbalance in the bacteria of the vagina.
- Herpes: Spread by skin-to-skin contact; no cure.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - Transfers skin to skin, multiple strains.
- Mycoplasma genitalium - Bacteria transferred through sex.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Infection of the female reproductive organs.
- Trichomoniasis - A common infection caused by a parasite.
- Yeast Infection - An overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal tract (this is not an STI).
Treatment
- Treatment is free to you and your partner through the health department.
- This may be a pill you take, or a shot (injection) given by the nurse of antibiotics. ONLY Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are treated at the clinic.
- We will make referrals to your doctor and other resources if you need them.
When Should I Be Tested?
- Timing for Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: 7 days to 3 weeks after exposure.
- Timing for HIV/Syphilis: 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure.
- Other Times to Test: Anytime for your well-being, before new sexual partners, or if you’re concerned about exposure.
What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
STIs are infections passed through oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has an infection.
Protecting Yourself from STIs
- Abstinence is the best way to avoid STIs.
- If you are sexually active:
- Get tested along with your partner before having sex.
- Limit your number of partners.
- Practice monogamy (one consistent partner).
- Use condoms correctly for all types of sexual activity (oral, vaginal, anal). Condoms are 98% effective and free at the health department.
- Learn proper use: How to Use a Condom | How to Use a Dental Dam