Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are continually rising in the USA, marking an all-time high number of 2.4 million infections in 2019. This dramatic rise in the incidence and prevalence of STDs bears devastating public health consequences. Untreated STDs pose grave risks as these can cause infertility and cervical cancer and may lead to HIV. Charlotte has been observing high rates of chlamydia since 2020, along with a steady rise in other STDs. Therefore, you must get tested for STDs.
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In North Carolina, chlamydia infection rates rose rapidly in 2020 when the state recorded 64,342 cases at 607.0 cases/per 100k residents. The black community was declared a high-risk group as 1,045.5 cases/100k reported for females and 625.9/100k people for males. African-Americans accounted for over 30% of all chlamydia diagnoses in 2020. Conversely, syphilis and HIV cases are higher in Mecklenburg County, with 717 syphilis cases reported in 2021 compared to 567 in 2020, marking a 20% rise. State authorities urge sexually active individuals to get tested every 3 to 6 months. Here are some of the most affordable walk-in STD/HIV testing facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1718 East 4th Street, Ste 302, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.34 mile
Tel: 7043726607
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
700 S Torrence St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.28 mile
Tel: (704) 536-7233
Tel: (704) 536-7581
Appointment Required: Yes
1225 Harding Pl, Ste 2100, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.5 mile
Tel: (704) 331-9669
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to become a patient to receive services. Clinic participates in the Ryan White program and offers a sliding scale program for uninsured residents of Mecklenburg County, including free medical care to qualified participants who reside in Mecklenburg County.
1350 S Kings Dr, Ste 600, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207
0.92 mile
Tel: (704) 446-4490
Appointment Required: Yes
601 E 5th St, Ste 140, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
1.14 mile
Tel: (704) 375-0172
Tel: (704) 943-3748
Appointment Required: Yes
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.
It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.
It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.
Yes. Certain companies offer at-home testing kits wherein you are the one that will collect the specimens necessary for the test at the comfort of your own home. Sure, it might sometimes be subject to errors due to the potential contamination of the sample from collection to transportation, but it does offer a great deal of privacy and convenience for patients who would prefer to have their identities hidden in fear that their community will judge them.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
