National gonorrhea and chlamydia rates were at historic lows, and syphilis was about to be eliminated in 2000. However, despite such unraveled progress, America has been facing an STD epidemic lately. The CDC has reported over 2 million new STD diagnoses annually since 2019. Between 2015-2019, a 30% spike in reportable STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV) was noted. The highest increase was noted in congenital syphilis cases that impact newborns. You can avoid the lasting, adverse health consequences of STDs by testing regularly. Learn more about STD testing clinics in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvanians are vulnerable to STDs because the state has a high incidence rate, particularly in early syphilis, which is touching the highest-ever rates since the 1990s. Women of childbearing age (i.e., 15-44) are the key targets, as there has been a 114% rise in cases reported between 2015-2019, with 78 to 167 positive diagnoses. This has led to a dramatic increase in congenital syphilis. The state recorded seven congenital syphilis cases in 2018 and five in 2019. Overall, syphilis rose 44%, gonorrhea 68%, and chlamydia 85% in 2019. Pennsylvanians living in Harrisburg can protect themselves by undergoing STD testing at the following locations.
110-122 S 17th Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
1.26 mile
Tel: 7172130420
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
GLO service LGBTQ+ people of color ages 14-29. Free condoms.
1701 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102
0.41 mile
Tel: (717) 743-1908
Appointment Required: No
This is the administrative office. HIV Self-Testing kits distributed by mail
625 Forster St, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
0.47 mile
Tel: (717) 783-0479
Appointment Required: Yes
Please visit the website or call for eligibility requirements. STD testing, HIV PrEP and PEP for patients 18+. Trichomoniasis testing available as part of STD testing services.
550 N Progress Ave Walk-ins Welcome, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109
0.47 mile
Tel: (866) 389-2727
100 N Cameron St, Ste 201 E, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
0.47 mile
Tel: (717) 233-7190
Tel: (717) 233-7196
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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 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.
Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.
It can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.
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.
Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
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!