Free STD Testing in Nebraska

Nebraska state has one of the country’s bottommost population-adjusted rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, primary/secondary syphilis, and gonorrhea, among all states. However, it is also one of those U.S. states where STD rates are steadily increasing over the past four years. If this trend continues, the state’s low STD burden may change.

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STD testing centers in Nebraska

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that around 20%e of the entire U.S. population had an STI (sexually transmitted infection) in 2018, which means one in five individuals were infected. This indicates that STI testing and treatment cost the country’s healthcare system approximately $16 billion only in healthcare costs. Since most cases go unreported, and some infections like HPV (human papillomavirus) and genital herpes aren’t reported at all, the current STDs status only represents a fraction of the actual burden.

Untreated STDs can cause severe and long-lasting health consequences, particularly for young women and adolescent girls, mainly infertility. Chlamydia, the most commonly reported STD in the USA, and gonorrhea can cause scarring in the female reproductive system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This can cause ectopic pregnancy apart from increasing infertility risk. In males, STDs can also cause infertility, joint pain, organ failure, meningitis, a disease involving swelling of the brain’s lining, and liver inflammation.

If you want to avoid these chronic health consequences, it is essential to get tested regularly for STDs. Find a testing center/clinic near you and get you and your partner tested if you are sexually active.

Labcorp

No Appointment Required

630 N Cotner Blvd, Ste 201, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505

176.08 mile

Tel: 4024848800


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

1001 S 70th St Ste 111, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510

176.96 mile

Tel: 4026415304


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Sanford Health Laboratories

No Appointment Required

2100 Highland Way, suite k, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301

179.78 mile

Tel: 6059960400


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Lexington Regional Health Center Family Medicine Specialist

1105 N Erie St, Lexington, Nebraska 68850

49.91 mile

Tel: (308) 324-8308


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Tsehootsooi Medical Center

Must be American Indian and Alaskan Native.

Corner of N 12 and N 7, Fort Defiance, Arizona 86504

51.09 mile

Tel: (928) 729-8000


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • No Fee

Learn More

Peoples Family Health Services Incorporated North Platte WIC and Family Planning

102 S Elm St, North Platte, Nebraska 69101

51.22 mile

Tel: (308) 534-3077

Tel: (308) 534-6104


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

Choice Family Health Care Kearney Clinic

4503 2nd Ave, Ste 209, Kearney, Nebraska 68847

69.34 mile

Tel: (308) 234-9140


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale

Learn More

Heartland Health Center Incorporated

3306 W Capital Ave, Grand Island, Nebraska 68803

88.87 mile

Tel: (308) 382-4297


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Choice Family Health Care Grand Island Location

217 E Stolley Park Rd, Ste E, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801

88.87 mile

Tel: (308) 384-7625


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Central District Health Department Grand Island Office

Residents of Hall, Hamilton and Merrick Counties, others based on need.

1137 S Locust St, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801

88.87 mile

Tel: (308) 385-5175

Tel: (308) 385-5181


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • No Fee

Learn More

Peoples Family Health Services McCook Clinic

Males and females ages 12-75.

111 W C St, McCook, Nebraska 69001

96.77 mile

Tel: (308) 345-3626


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing

Learn More

Mary Lanning Healthcare Community Health Center

606 N Minnesota Ave, Ste 1, Hastings, Nebraska 68901

100.81 mile

Tel: (402) 461-5265

Tel: (402) 461-5270


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Norton County Health Department

801 N Norton St, Norton, Kansas 67654

118.04 mile

Tel: (785) 877-5745

Tel: (888) 879-5745


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

South Dakota Department of Health Gregory County Community Health

211 E 8th, Burke, South Dakota 57523

120.89 mile

Tel: (605) 775-2634


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

Phillips County Health Department

There are fees for some services. Some of the fees are on a sliding-fee scale which is based on income. No one is refused service due to race, sex, age, or the inability to pay the fee.

784 6th St, Phillipsburg, Kansas 67661

123.77 mile

Tel: (785) 543-6850

Tel: (785) 543-6852


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

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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.

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Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in Nebraska

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 Nebraska. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.

Private testing (Walk-in clinic)

This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.

Doctor's office

Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.

At-home STD testing

If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.

Community health centers and community clinics

One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.

Are STD tests expensive in Nebraska?

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.

How long does it usually take for results to come back for an STD test in Nebraska?

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.

For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.

Test Advisor

Types of STD tests

Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.

Nebraska STD Data

STD data & statistics in Nebraska


In 2017, fewer than 9,000 cases of chlamydia were reported in Nebraska, putting the state in 34th position among the 50 U.S. states after population adjustment. The state’s overall chlamydia rate was around 15% in 2017, which was considerably lower than the overall national rate. However, the chlamydial infection rate has gone up in the state every year since 2013 at 24%, which is an alarming situation.

On the other hand, the state’s gonorrhea infection rates after population adjustment were 20% lower than the national rate, and it ranked number 32 in the country. However, the infection rate of gonorrhea has steadily increased over the past four years. Since 2013, there has been a staggering 88% rise in the number of gonorrhea cases.

As far as primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis rate is concerned, Nebraska boasted the third-lowest rate, and its overall diagnoses rate was 76% lower than the national rate in 2017. A considerable decline in syphilis prevalence in the state between 2016 and 2017 was favorable. But, since 2012, the number of syphilis cases has risen by a dramatic 500% in the state.

HIV Rates in Nebraska

The Centers for Disease Control, CDC has ranked Nebraska 39th among the 50 US states for having the largest numbers of HIV cases. In 2015 alone, 81 adults and adolescents were newly diagnosed with HIV in Nebraska. Nebraska is the only triply landlocked state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. United States Bureau of Census data, 2019 indicates that Nebraska has a total population of 1.9 million, making it the 37th most populated state of the country.

According to CDC, Nebraska is among the top U.S states with the largest numbers of people living with HIV. The total number of newly diagnosed adults and adolescents with HIV in 2015 was 81. AIDSVu report states that the total number of newly diagnosed cases in 2018 was slightly reduced to 79. The same report indicates that the rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 population was 137. By 2018 the total numbers of people living with HIV in Nebraska were 2174. Most of the infected individuals were White Americans. The prevalence of the virus was more in males as compared to females.

Age, Gender, and Ethnicity Profile

As per the Nebraska STD program, the rate of chlamydia infection among females aged 20-44 was 116/100,000 women in 2013, and for the same group, the rate of gonorrhea infection was 166.5/100,000 females. Reportedly, the rate of chlamydia within Nebraska has considerably increased while gonorrheal infections have remained stable.

In Central Nebraska, a total of 6,892 chlamydia and gonorrhea cases were reported in 2006, and around 12.3% or 558 cases came from the central and western service areas, including Grand Island and Hastings.

Out of the 5,451 chlamydia cases in Nebraska, 13.5% were diagnosed in people between 15 and 24, and out of the 1,441 gonorrhea cases, 15.6% were diagnosed in people between 15 and 24. Most of the people impacted by chlamydia and gonorrhea in the state were white females.

TheSeniorList.com reported that there had been a significant increase in the rate of STDs among senior citizens in Nebraska. The study, which utilized the most recent data from CDC, revealed that the state ranked 44 with over 31 seniors diagnosed with an STD per 100,000 people in 2018-2019.

This means the problem is no longer limited to the younger population as STDs have become increasingly common in older Nebraskans. Moreover, there was a 161.4% increase in STDs in the state’s older citizens, including a 150% increase in HIV cases, a 92.7% increase in chlamydia, 364.7% increase in gonorrhea infections, and 600% increase in syphilis cases per 100,000 people. The state ranked number 44 in overall HIV infection rate, 45 in chlamydia infections, 42 in gonorrhea cases, and 27 in syphilis cases in 2018.

Lancaster County is reportedly the worst-hit region in Nebraska. The alarming aspect is that 15 to 20-year-olds made up almost half of all STD diagnoses in Lancaster County in 2018, claiming the county’s Health Department. Chlamydia was the highest reported STD in the county within the past three years. By the end of November 2018, there were nearly 1,600 STD cases in Lancaster County, and by the first half of 2019, the county reportedly had surpassed this figure already. The number of reported gonorrhea cases in 2009 was only 283 in this area, while during the first eleven months of 2019, the county reported over 550 cases.

HIV-Specific Data

According to AIDSVu, 2018 the total number of HIV-positive individuals living in Nebraska was estimated to be 2174. Of the total numbers, 79 adults and adolescents were diagnosed with the virus during the same year. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 population was 137. The rate of new diagnosis per 100,000 population during 2018 was 5.

The data from AIDSVu indicates that of the total numbers of newly diagnosed cases, most of the cases were reported in males (77.8%). Of the total numbers, only 22.2% of the HIV-positive patients were females. The age group that was most affected by the virus was 45- 54 years (29.8%), followed by 55 years and above (29.1%).22.9% of the people living with HIV in Nebraska were between the age group 35 to 44 years and 14.9% belonged to the age group 25 to 34 years. 3.4% of the people diagnosed with HIV were adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24 years.

White Americans were disproportionately affected by the virus. 49.8% of the people with HIV were White Americans, 27.8% were Black Americans, and 16.1% belonged to Hispanic backgrounds. The number of HIV-related mortalities in Nebraska during 2018 was 31. The rate of HIV-related mortalities per 100,000 population was 2. Following a similar pattern, HIV-related deaths were reported more in males than their female counterparts.

Considering the modes of transmission of the virus in males, the virus is mainly transmitted due to male or gay sexual contact (74.5%), 9.3% due to heterosexual contact, and 5.3% due to the use of contaminated needles or syringes. In females, the most common modes of transmission were heterosexual contact (83%) and injection or contaminated needle use (13%).

Government Initiatives

CDC offers funding for STDs prevention in Nebraska. In 2018, it provided the state over $300,000 in funding. Non-profit organizations such as Family Health Services Inc. are also quite active in Nebraska. The organization offers STD testing facilities in most mainstream cities, including Lincoln.

The Lifespan Health Services Unit of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services implements the PREP state-grant program of the state. This program supports eight local projects to offer Teen Outreach Program to youth from 6-12 grades. The state’s health department helps in its implementation and ensures technical assistance and training to each local project.

Teen Outreach Program is an evidence-based youth development initiative aimed at engaging young Nebraskans in experiential learning activities to “prepare for successful adulthood and avoid problem behaviors.” Youth aged 12-17 can benefit from this program. It also focuses on reducing school failure/suspension rates and teen pregnancy rates.

The Nebraska AIDS Project is also a crucial program that offers a diverse range of services to control the spread of HIV/STDs. Its educational unit provides quality STD and HIV testing experience under the testing program. People can ask questions about the infectious diseases, learn their STD/HIV status the same day, and test for most common STDs for free, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and P&S syphilis.

Through its counseling program, in-house training is provided to help to identify potential risks and find out risk reduction strategies. The project also offers free and confidential walk-in testing and counseling service to people above 13 years of age, comprising urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea and HIV tests is conducted before the STI test.

HIV initiatives in Nebraska

As a part of the national goals to be HIV-free by 2030, the government of Nebraska has streamlined the policy and health care plans towards reducing the number of newly diagnosed cases in the state. Nebraska AIDS Project, NAP is one such initiative. The mission of this organization is to spread awareness regarding prevention strategies and reduce stigma through proper education and supportive services for HIV. The program provides STI and HIV testing services and also provides linkage services to the treatment providers. One program of the NAP is to provide free condoms in the mail or in-person, totally free of cost to prevent the transmission of the virus through sexual contact.

Nebraska AIDS Education and Training Center of the University of Nebraska Medical Center works to provide training and educational services to healthcare providers dealing with HIV patients. The center mainly deals with educating the health care providers about newer treatment methods. The center also provides clinical training opportunities at HIV care sites.

Nebraska Medicine has been actively providing HIV care services in the state for the last two decades. This HIV program caters to HIV patients by providing them comprehensive care at every stage of the disease.

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  • Albrecht, M., 2008. Sexually transmitted diseases leave mark on teens in central Nebraska. [online] TheNorthPlatteTelegraph.com. Available at: https://nptelegraph.com/sexually-transmitted-diseases-leave-mark-on-teens-in-central-nebraska/article_973ddc2e-7c5e-5c6d-9cce-e1ca0d23a716.html
  • Athomestdkit.com. 2019. Nebraska STD Statistics & Rates - Find Testing Near Me | AtHomeSTDKit.com. [online] Available at: https://www.athomestdkit.com/states/nebraska-std-statistics-rates/
  • Jordan, D., 2017. The Current Burden of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Infections in the Three Rivers Health District. Capstone Experience. University of Nebraska Medical Center.
  • Kansashealthmatters.org. 2019. Kansas Health Matters :: Indicators :: Sexually Transmitted Disease Rate :: State : Kansas. [online] Available at: https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=1395&localeId=19
  • Nap.org. 2018. Nebraska AIDS Project – Education and Prevention. [online] Available at: https://www.nap.org/home/programs-and-services/education-and-prevention/
  • Siecus.org. 2019. Nebraska State STD Profile. [online] Available at: https://siecus.org/state_profile/nebraska/nebraska10/
  • The Senior List. 2021. STIs & Older Americans: Where Does Your State Stand? - The Senior List. [online] Available at: https://www.theseniorlist.com/sti-older-americans/
  • Wiltsey, E., 2020. Reported cases of STDs continue to rise in Lancaster County. [online] 1011now.com. Available at: https://www.1011now.com/content/news/STD--567031301.html
  • YWCA Adams County Nebraska. 2021. Teen Outreach Program - YWCA Adams County Nebraska. [online] Available at: https://www.ywcaadamscounty.org/what-were-doing/teen-outreach-program/.

STD testing FAQs

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.

Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.

Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.

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.

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.

Concerned about an STD?

Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!