Gonorrhea incidence in Mercer County runs about 31% lower than the US average. Often, those in Grove City, Pennsylvania wonder whether to visit a clinic or a private lab, whether you have symptoms or just want peace of mind. Clinics may bill insurance or offer sliding-scale fees, while many private labs let you pay a flat self-pay price. The options listed below may help.
Available testing centers
9 testing options are listed for Grove City, PA. The nearest, Pennsylvania Department of Health, is about 8.4 miles away. Compare community and public clinics, private labs, and at-home kits below.
Listings tagged Community health center are federally funded health centers and rural clinics that treat everyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay: required to bill on a sliding fee scale and provide confidential care, and in many states minors may consent to their own STI testing. A Title X tag flags centers funded for confidential family-planning services; confirm current participation when you call.
Source: CMS FQHC & Rural Health Clinic enrollment files (data.cms.gov), refreshed quarterly. Title X status reflects the latest OPA grantee list.
Pennsylvania Department of Health in Jackson Center tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, rapid and conventional HIV, hepatitis B, and TB. The full panel at no fee, with an appointment required to be seen.
All services at this clinic carry no charge, which means the decision of whether to get tested or treated is never shaped by what's in your wallet. You book an appointment and show up, cost isn't part of the equation.
Interpretation services are available for non-English languages, so the clinical conversation (symptoms, results, treatment instructions) happens in full rather than abbreviated by a language gap.
The hepatitis B test is included in the panel alongside gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV, and it's free, meaning a single appointment surfaces a broader picture of bloodborne and sexually transmitted exposure than the basic four-test screen alone.
Languages
English, Interpretation Services Available for Non-English Languages
Tests offered
Serves
Care services
Prevention services
Fees & payment
Listing verified Feb 2026 · Source: CDC NPIN
Primary Health Network in Mercer is a community health center, meaning STI care sits alongside primary care infrastructure: hepatitis C and TB testing expand a panel that covers gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV, with treatment, HPV and hepatitis vaccines, and sliding-scale fees. Appointments required.
Languages
English
Tests offered
Serves
Care services
Prevention services
Fees & payment
Listing verified Feb 2026 · Source: CDC NPIN + HRSA
Emlenton Health Center in Emlenton welcomes walk-in patients for STI screening without an appointment. Backed by federal FQHC designation, it offers sliding-scale fees tied to income, covering syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing in a single visit.
Tests offered
Fees & payment
Dayton Way Health Center in Sharon earns its federal qualification partly by tying STI screening fees to each patient's income, no one is turned away for inability to pay. Walk in for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing without an appointment.
Tests offered
Fees & payment
A public safety-net federally qualified health center about 22 miles from Grove City. Sliding-scale STD testing and care are typical here, call ahead to confirm the exact panel and pricing.
Tests offered
Fees & payment
Free tool · not a clinic
Testing too soon can miss an infection. Enter the date of possible exposure to see the earliest a test can reliably detect each STI.
| Infection | Earliest reliable test | Conclusive after |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 7 days after exposure | 14 days after exposure |
| Gonorrhea | 7 days after exposure | 14 days after exposure |
| Trichomoniasis | 7 days after exposure | 28 days after exposure |
| HIV (NAT / RNA) | 10 days after exposure | 33 days after exposure |
| HIV (4th-gen Ag/Ab) | 18 days after exposure | 45 days after exposure |
| HIV (antibody) | 21 days after exposure | 84 days after exposure |
| Syphilis | 21 days after exposure | 42 days after exposure |
| Hepatitis B | 21 days after exposure | 42 days after exposure |
| Hepatitis C | 56 days after exposure | 77 days after exposure |
| Herpes (HSV) | 28 days after exposure | 112 days after exposure |
Guidance only, confirm timing with a clinician. A negative result before the conclusive date may need a repeat test.
Typical out-of-pocket ranges by option, actual cost depends on which tests you need.
Public / community clinic
Free HIV testing is common
Private lab (self-pay)
Never billed to insurance
At-home kit
Mailed to your door, private
Doctor / urgent care
Often $0 preventive with insurance
No centers match those filters. Clear the service-type filter or the opening-hours filters to see every center.
Every other option
Beyond the dedicated testing centers above: at-home kits by mail, hospital labs certified for STI testing, local clinicians who can order a panel during a regular visit, pharmacies for self-test kits and prescriptions, and online PrEP & treatment.
Test from home
The nearest testing center is about 8 miles away; if you'd rather skip the trip, an at-home kit ships to Grove City, you collect the sample privately, and mail it back to a CLIA-certified lab. Results come online in days, with a clinician available if anything is positive. Same labs as a clinic, no waiting room, and you can read how accurate at-home STD tests are before you order.
Want a free option first? The CDC-supported TakeMeHome (opens in a new tab) program mails free at-home HIV self-test kits, and, in many areas, free STI kits, to your door, with no insurance or payment needed. The paid kits below add broader panels and faster turnaround.
In-home collection
$79 & up
Best for simplicity & support
$89 & up
Best value: single tests
$49 & up
Every kit uses CLIA-certified labs. At-home testing is for screening; a reactive result should be confirmed and treated by a clinician. Prices and panels shown are illustrative and change often, confirm current details on the provider's site.
Also in the area
Beyond the public testing sites above, these federally certified (CLIA) labs serve Mercer County, each lab's town is shown on its card below. Many test through a doctor's order or by appointment rather than walk-in, so call ahead to confirm STD/STI testing and availability before visiting.
631 North Broad Street Ext Room 1074, Grove City, PA 16127
CMS-certified lab Accredited · Joint Commission
631 North Broad St Ext, Grove City, PA 16127
CMS-certified lab
2200 Memorial Drive, Farrell, PA 16121
CMS-certified lab Accredited · Joint Commission
Source: CMS CLIA registry (Provider of Services), Q1 2026. Federal public records: active CLIA-certified laboratories near Grove City. A CLIA certificate records only that a laboratory is federally certified — it does not confirm the site performs STD testing, nor its hours, price or access. Inclusion is not an endorsement; always call to verify.
Local clinicians
Beyond dedicated clinics, 484 primary-care, OB-GYN, infectious-disease and other clinicians have a CMS practice record within 30 miles of Grove City. They may be able to evaluate symptoms or order a confidential STD panel during a regular visit, and 217 offer telehealth.
Edward Smith, MD
Family medicine · 450 Hillcrest Avenue, Grove City
Meghana Amit, MD
Internal medicine · 631 North Broad St Ext, Grove City
Kirupakar Arumugam, MD
Internal medicine · 631 North Broad St Ext, Grove City
Ruth Ann Guilinger, MD
Internal medicine · 631 North Broad St Ext, Grove City
Ronald Cypher, MD Telehealth
OB-GYN · 647 North Broad St Ext, Grove City
Timothy Lilly, DO
Internal medicine · 675 North Broad St Ext, Grove City
These are registry-listed clinicians, not dedicated STD-testing clinics. CMS records do not independently verify current licensure, testing services, availability, price, or new-patient status. Confirm each detail before booking. Source: CMS Doctors & Clinicians.
Nearby pharmacies
No pharmacy near Grove City, PA publishes an STD-related service or holds a current CLIA testing certificate, so these are simply the closest. Contact a location directly to confirm counter hours, services, prices, and availability before visiting.
0.0 mi Grove City Pharmacy
0.1 miRX Xpress
0.3 miThe Hometown Pharmacy
2.9 miShowing the 4 closest pharmacies to Grove City, PA.
Directory records identify nearby pharmacies. Service, stock, price, and hours information is shown only when supported by current location-specific evidence.
Prevention & treatment
Testing is one step. For residents of Grove City, telehealth covers the rest: HIV-prevention medication (PrEP) and DoxyPEP to lower future risk, and discreet online treatment if a result comes back positive. All prescribed by licensed U.S. clinicians.
From $0 insured
Telehealth PrEP & DoxyPEP with at-home testing and ongoing monitoring
Visit from $39
Online STI treatment & DoxyPEP: same-day prescriptions to your pharmacy
Visit from $0 insured
Telehealth STI treatment and sexual-health care, delivered or to your pharmacy
$0 with most insurance
Free online PrEP & DoxyPEP: HIV prevention, home lab kits, no in-person visit
Pricing varies by insurance and changes often, confirm on the provider's site. These services are not a substitute for emergency care.
STD stats & rates
How reported STI rates in Mercer County, the county that includes Grove City, compare with Pennsylvania and U.S. averages, based on the most recent 2023 surveillance data. An estimated ~50% of residents are aged 15–34 (ACS), the age group with the highest reported chlamydia and gonorrhea rates nationally.
#15 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for chlamydia, a higher rate than 78% of the state
| Infection | Mercer County | Pennsylvania | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 326.3 354 cases ▼ 23% | 421.2 | 492.2 |
| Gonorrhea | 124.4 135 cases ▼ 14% | 144.7 | 179.5 |
| Syphilis (P&S) | 2.8 3 cases ▼ 69% | 9.1 | 15.8 |
| Syphilis (early) | 0.9 1 cases ▼ 91% | 10.3 | 16 |
| Syphilis (late/unknown) | 5.5 6 cases ▼ 52% | 11.4 | 29.5 |
Rates per 100,000 population, 2023. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county, state & U.S., all-ages basis). Population figures: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. These figures are the latest available surveillance estimates. Bars are scaled to the highest rate shown.
Reading these numbers: reported case rates only count infections that were actually tested for and diagnosed, so they track local screening effort as much as true spread: a higher rate can reflect more testing, a lower one less. Either way, most STIs cause no symptoms, so treat the figures above as context rather than a verdict, and test on the CDC's schedule regardless of how your area looks.
Between 2020 and 2023 in Mercer County, chlamydia has fallen from 376.9 to 326.3 per 100,000 (13%), gonorrhea has risen from 109.4 to 124.4 per 100,000 (14%), and P&S syphilis has risen from 1.8 to 2.8 per 100,000 (56%).
The 2020 dip reflects reduced pandemic-era screening, not lower transmission. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county, state & U.S., all-ages basis).
Community health context
Sources: CDC PLACES (ZIP), County Health Rankings, CDC/ATSDR SVI, HRSA HPSA, HRSA MUA/P, Neighborhood Atlas ADI. Lower insurance coverage, fewer routine checkups, and a thin primary-care ratio all raise the value of low-cost public clinics and at-home testing in Mercer County.
Local HIV snapshot
Mercer County HIV care continuum (2022)
Mercer County recorded 9.5 new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 (2022), against 8.3 statewide and 13.7 nationally. Among Mercer County residents living with HIV, 74.7% are in care · 63.2% are virally suppressed. Early, routine testing is what moves these numbers: it is the entry point to PrEP, treatment, and viral suppression.
Sources: AIDSVu (Emory/Gilead) · CDC AHEAD · CDC AtlasPlus · CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county care continuum). The CDC recommends everyone aged 13–64 test for HIV at least once: every lab and clinic listed above offers HIV testing, and free rapid HIV testing is available at a local health department.
Congenital syphilis, passed from parent to baby in pregnancy, is the fastest-rising STI in the country. U.S. cases climbed from 2,163 in 2020 to 3,882 in 2023. It is almost entirely preventable: the CDC recommends a syphilis test at the first prenatal visit, and every clinic and lab listed for Mercer County tests for syphilis.
Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus, 2023 (county-level congenital syphilis is not published).
Local resources & officials
Data & references
Local context
Along West Main Street, the heart of Grove City pulses with a mix of long-time residents and young professionals. Many of these young adults, still forming relationships and building their careers, call Grove City home - and with a significant portion of the population in their late teens and twenties, it's essential that they have easy access to health services that fit their busy lives.
The community's strong presence of homeowners, with many families enjoying a stable and affordable lifestyle, is a testament to the area's appeal. Yet, for those who rent, the typical monthly rent can be a significant expense. With a range of household types, from married couples to single professionals, Grove City's residents value convenience and practicality. For those with non-traditional work schedules or family commitments, finding time for health services can be a challenge. The local landscape, with its parks like Cunningham Mill Park and Meadows Park, suggests a town that values community spaces - and for younger adults, having low-friction access to screening can make all the difference in maintaining their health and well-being.
As Grove City continues to evolve, its residents will likely appreciate the importance of accessible health services. For those living along East Main Street or near Grove City Memorial Park, the need for convenient screening options is especially pressing - and it's something that can be easily addressed by taking advantage of the testing options available in and around town.
Getting there
At 8.66/20 on the EPA walkability index, day-to-day errands in Grove City generally mean driving: plan on a car or rideshare to reach a clinic, and check each listing's hours and phone before you go.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index 2021.
ZIP 16127 snapshot
ZIP-level Census figures for the wider 16127 area around Grove City: a single ZIP can span several communities, so they describe the area, not Grove City alone.
Grove City sits in Mercer County, ZIP 16127. Local context that shapes where residents test:
Local landmarks
Major routes
Nearby cities & towns
Just outside Grove City? These nearby communities have their own testing guides: clinics, at-home kits, and free screening close to home.
Reference
Everything to know before you test in Mercer County: the CDC's screening guidelines, each infection's detection window, per-test reference prices, and your privacy rights under Pennsylvania law. If you have symptoms right now, our confidential symptom checker maps them to the tests worth considering.
Based on current CDC screening recommendations.
| Group | Tests | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone aged 13–64 | HIV | At least once |
| Sexually active women under 25 | Chlamydia, gonorrhea | Every year |
| Women 25+ with new or multiple partners | Chlamydia, gonorrhea | Every year |
| Pregnant people | HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, chlamydia | Early in pregnancy |
| Gay & bisexual men (MSM) | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV | Every 3–6 months |
| Anyone who shares injection equipment | HIV, hepatitis B & C | At least yearly |
| All adults at least once | Hepatitis C | At least once |
Testing too early can return a false negative, confirm timing with a Grove City-area provider.
| Infection | Earliest reliable test | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 1–2 weeks | Urine or swab |
| Gonorrhea | 1–2 weeks | Urine or swab |
| Trichomoniasis | 1–4 weeks | Urine or swab |
| HIV (NAT / RNA) | 10–33 days | Blood |
| HIV (4th-gen Ag/Ab) | 18–45 days | Blood |
| HIV (antibody) | 3–12 weeks | Blood / oral |
| Syphilis | 3–6 weeks | Blood |
| Hepatitis B | 3–6 weeks | Blood |
| Hepatitis C | 8–11 weeks | Blood |
| Herpes (HSV) | 4–16 weeks (antibody); swab a sore | Blood / swab |
These are the federal Medicare reference prices for processing each lab test. Public clinics and the community health centers serving Grove City often test free or on a sliding scale; private labs and at-home kits bundle several tests into one fee. Use this as a per-test benchmark before you pay out of pocket, or see the full guide to STD test costs for insurance, free, and at-home options.
| Test | Reference price | CPT / HCPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia (NAAT) | $47.80 | 87491 |
| Gonorrhea (NAAT) | $47.80 | 87591 |
| Trichomoniasis (NAAT) | $47.76 | 87661 |
| HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody | $26.87 | 87389 |
| HIV-1/2 antibody | $22.44 | 86703 |
| Syphilis (RPR/VDRL) | $5.61 | 86592 |
| Syphilis (treponemal antibody) | $17.49 | 86780 |
| Herpes (HSV NAAT) | $47.76 | 87529 |
| Hepatitis B surface antigen | $15.33 | 87340 |
| Hepatitis C antibody | $29.16 | 86803 |
Source: Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, CMS, 2025 rates (data.cms.gov). Reference rate for the lab assay only: a clinic visit, sample collection, or a bundled multi-test panel may cost more. Medicaid and most insurers cover STD screening at no out-of-pocket cost.
Two things that actually depend on Pennsylvania law: who can consent, and whether partners can be treated without their own visit. Everything else about testing privately is the same nationwide (see below).
In Pennsylvania, a minor of any age can consent to confidential STI testing and treatment on their own, no parental permission is required.
Pennsylvania permits Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT): if you test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, your provider can give you medication (or a prescription) to pass to your partner, no separate exam or appointment needed for them.
Keeping a test private works the same in every state. Whether an STD test shows on insurance (the EOB), how to test anonymously, and self-pay options that leave no insurance trail don’t change by location.
Learn more about confidential STD testing in PennsylvaniaSource: Guttmacher Institute, Minors' Access to STI Services; CDC, Legal Status of Expedited Partner Therapy. General information, not legal advice.
Good to Know
Answers to the questions people ask most before getting tested.
Possibly, Slippery Rock, PA is close; compare it by distance against Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Medicaid generally covers STD testing, and public clinics test for free regardless of coverage.
Yes, Pennsylvania Department of Health (8.4 mi) offers free testing, and public clinics serve the uninsured.
Local options test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Rapid HIV, a full panel covers the common ones.
About 326 cases per 100,000 residents (2023), below the Pennsylvania average.
In Pennsylvania, people under 18 can consent to confidential STD testing and treatment on their own.
Yes, at-home kits ship to 16127; you collect a sample, mail it back, and get results in about 2–5 days.
It's reassuring, but if you tested early in the window period, retest a few weeks later to be sure.
Medical records are protected under federal HIPAA law, ask the clinic how it handles your information.
HPV and hepatitis B vaccines prevent those infections, ask a provider if you're due.
Have a different question? Browse the full STD & STI FAQ library, every question we answer, in one place.