Advantages of rapid STD tests over regular testing.
Unlike regular STD tests that take 3-7 days to come back, rapid tests are back in 20-30 minutes. So these are the list of advantages you get:
Start being active with your partner sooner.
If you have an accident with a stranger (and want to keep it secret), it will help you to know the results sooner so you can be active with your regular partner.
Stop the infection from spreading.
You will stop the infection from spreading by notifying your partner to get tested.
Get the proper treatment on the same day.
If you are symptomatic and need to wait for a week to get the results, a doctor gives you the treatment for multiple possible diseases. So, you get a lot of unnecessary antibiotics. Rapid testing allows you to get the exact treatment you need in 30 minutes.
Minimize health complications
Even if you are not symptomatic, you can still be positive. Knowing your result rather sooner than later and being treated for it can help you avoid serious health complications such as:
✓ PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
✓ Infertility
✓ Testicular infection
FAQs
Is there any rapid test for STDs, and how accurate is it?›
Yes, there are rapid tests for some STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, HIV, and syphilis.
The rapid tests offered by STDcenterNY are FDA-approved and as accurate as regular lab tests.
*An additional fee will be charged if a shot is needed because of a positive gonorrhea result. A single-dose ceftriaxone shot costs $60.
**There is no additional charge for prescribing medications for chlamydia or trichomoniasis. All pharmacy prescriptions are usually covered by health insurance in the pharmacy.
Does health insurance cover rapid testing?›
STDcenterNY does not accept health insurance plans for rapid testing.
How soon can rapid tests be done?›
This depends on why testing is being done. As with all STD tests, rapid STD testing is usually done for one of two reasons: because the patient has symptoms or for routine screening (“just to know”).
How soon after exposure the test can be performed depends on the purpose:
If the test is done because of symptoms (abnormal discharge, itch, smell, urinary symptoms of burning urgency and frequency)
The test can be done at any time while the patient has symptoms. The test will determine whether the symptoms are due to an STD.
If the test is done routinely (“just to know”)
The timing of the test is crucial for routine screening. Each infection has its incubation period. The best time for testing is after the incubation period. This means enough time should be passed for the test to detect or rule out the infection.
Depending on the incubation period, two times matter for each disease: the earliest time the disease can be tested for and when the test is most accurate (and therefore, the results are definitive).
What is the earliest time rapid testing can be done?
The earliest time for rapid chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis testing is 5–7 days after exposure; for HIV, it’s 14 days; for syphilis, 2-3 weeks post-exposure.
The time when rapid testing is most accurate
For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, the rapid test is most accurate 3 weeks after exposure; for HIV, it’s 30 days after exposure; for syphilis, it's 6 weeks after exposure.
How fast is rapid STD testing?›
Most rapid STD testing takes 20 to 30 minutes to come back.
How do I get my test results?›
You can wait in the office for the test to return or leave, and we will call and email you the results.
The treatment will be explained and provided (a prescription will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice) if necessary.