Health Care

Does Urgent Care Do STD Testing?

May 28, 2025 |

AdventHealth

| Estimated read time: 9 minutes

A Doctor Goes Over a Chart with her Patient

If you’re sexually active, you need to be regularly screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But maybe you’re unsure where to go or if a clinic near you would be a private, discreet option. If you’re wondering if you can go to an urgent care for STD testing, the answer is yes!

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) can have a profound impact on your overall health, placing you and others at risk for infertility, erectile dysfunction and certain cancers. If you’re sexually active or if you think you may have an STD, it’s crucial to get tested as soon as possible.

While not all STDs are curable, many can be treated and cured with medications such as antibiotics. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to other health complications, including neurological issues and heart problems.

It’s also your responsibility to inform any current or potential partners of your STD status in case they also need to be tested.

Visit your local AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care center for confidential STD testing, especially if you need to be tested on the weekend or during evening hours.

Let's talk a bit more about when you might visit urgent care for STD testing services and what to expect during the process.

What Is an STD Test?

An STD screening checks for the presence of any sexually transmitted infections, typically through a blood or urine test. Sometimes an STD test will include a physical exam where a doctor checks your genitals for signs of disease.

The most common STDs include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes
Hepatitis B and C
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

Types of STD Tests

STD tests vary based on the type of infection being screened for and the method used to detect it. You may need just one kind of test, or you may need a full-panel STD test, depending on your situation.

The most common types of STD tests include the following:

Blood tests detect infections that affect the bloodstream, such as the following:

HIV – Detects HIV antibodies and/or antigens
Syphilis – Identifies syphilis antibodies
Hepatitis B and C – Screens for viral hepatitis
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) – Blood test for herpes antibodies (not always conclusive)

Urine tests are used to detect bacterial infections in the urinary tract and look for the following infections:

Chlamydia – Urine sample to detect bacterial DNA
Gonorrhea – Urine test to identify the presence of bacteria

Swab tests are used to collect samples from affected areas and can detect the following:

Chlamydia and gonorrhea – Swab of the genital, throat or rectal area
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) – Swab of an active sore or lesion
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Pap smear or cervical swab for women

Physical Exam

Genital warts (HPV-related) – A health care provider visually examines the genital area
Syphilis – A doctor may check for sores or rashes as part of the diagnosis

At-Home STD Tests

While at-home STD tests can be useful, accuracy varies depending on the test and the collection method. Some at-home tests may have a higher chance of false negatives if taken too soon after exposure, and incorrect sample collection can also impact accuracy. Plus, you may still need to visit a doctor for treatment.

Does Urgent Care Do STD Testing?

Yes! You can visit your nearest urgent care for STD testing. There are many reasons you might opt to visit an urgent care for STD testing.

Onsite STD Testing

Most AdventHealth Centra Care locations offer onsite lab testing services so that you can get reliable results in minutes rather than days. And if your test needs to be sent out to another lab for testing, our physicians can get the results to you in just a day or so.

Immediate Treatment

Depending on the sexually transmitted infection (STI) you may have, your urgent care physician can prescribe you antibiotics or other medications to get treatment started ASAP.

Flexible Scheduling

Unlike a primary care provider’s office, urgent care centers don’t require advance appointments. You can just walk in. And most urgent cares offer weekend, holiday and evening hours so that you can get tested for STDs on your schedule.

Confidentiality of Results

We know that talking to anyone, even your health care provider, about STIs can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing. But you can rest easier knowing that your exam and tests are 100% confidential and are handled with the utmost care.

Affordability

Most major insurance providers will cover STD testing at any health care facility, including urgent care.

Our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care locations offer testing options for any STI, and the type of test you receive will depend on your symptoms and the type of STI you are being tested for.

These tests may include the following:

An onsite urine test, blood test and swab test
Full panel STD testing
Single STD test: You get tested for just one infection (e.g., only chlamydia or only HIV)
Basic panel: A smaller panel that tests for a few common STDs (e.g., just chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis).
Symptom-based testing: A doctor may only test for STDs related to your symptoms, rather than running a full panel
Partner-directed testing: If your partner tests positive for a specific STD, you may only be tested for that one infection

When to Go to Urgent Care for STD Testing

There are a few reasons why you might go to urgent care for STD testing:

You had unprotected sex with a partner whose STD status you are unsure of
You’re experiencing symptoms associated with STIs
You’re sexually active and wish to be regularly tested for STDs
You’re pregnant or hoping to get pregnant, and want to test for the presence of STIs

Some signs and symptoms that warrant immediate STD testing include:

Aching in the lower abdomen
Fever
Genital bumps or sores
Itching in the genital area
Odd vaginal odor
Pain during sex
Painful or burning urination
Skin rash
Testicle swelling or discomfort
Unexpected vaginal bleeding
Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis

All sexually active individuals — even those in monogamous relationships —should get testing for STDs regularly. Because some STD symptoms don’t show up till later, or maybe not at all, and untreated STDs can potentially lead to serious health complications.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides STD screening recommendations for all adults based on their gender and sexual orientation.

All sexually active adults between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV every year
All adults over the age of 18 should receive screening for hepatitis C
All sexually active women under the age of 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should be tested for HPV and cervical cancer every three years

What to Expect During an Urgent Care Visit

You don’t need an appointment to visit your local urgent care for STD testing. You can walk in when it’s convenient for you.

When you arrive, you'll check in and be asked to fill out a form providing basic medical history information. Your doctor will then conduct a brief physical exam that will include checking your vital signs, such as your blood pressure and temperature.

Your doctor will collect fluids and swabs, if necessary, to be tested for the presence of an STD.

Depending on the type of STD test you receive, you may get same-day results. If same-visit results aren’t available, the urgent care team will follow up to provide a referral or prescription if needed.

If you get results right away, your doctor can provide you with a prescription for medications or other treatment options.

Can you get tested for STDs at an urgent care clinic?: Yes! You can visit your local urgent care for STD testing. Visiting an urgent care center allows you to be tested and receive your results quickly, especially if you're unable to make an appointment with your usual primary care doctor. Many urgent cares offer same-day or next-day lab results, and can provide you with treatment options, including medication prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment for STD testing at an urgent care clinic?: Nope! You can just walk right into any urgent care location for STD testing. Most urgent care clinics offer weekend, holiday and evening hours, making it convenient to get tested on your schedule.
Is STD testing at urgent care confidential?: Absolutely! We understand that being tested for an STI can be a sensitive topic. Just like any doctor you see, there are laws protecting your health information. Urgent care professionals will not share your medical information with anyone unless you ask them to, such as your primary care provider.
Do I need to fast for an STD blood test?: Normally, you don’t need to fast for an STD blood test. Your urgent care professional will ask you about your diet and what you recently ate or drank before the test. And if you're ever unsure, you can always call the urgent care center to ask for specific preparation instructions before coming in for STD testing.
Can you get STD treatment at urgent care?: Definitely! Once you receive your STD test results, our AdventHealth Centra Care medical professionals can walk you through your various treatment options, including prescription medications. They can also provide you with education about STIs and the best ways to protect yourself and your partner.
How much does STD testing cost at urgent care?: The cost of STD testing at an urgent care clinic varies depending on:
The number of tests included (single test or panel)
The type of insurance you have (some clinics accept insurance, while others offer self-pay options)
Whether the clinic offers rapid testing (which may cost more)
Some urgent care clinics offer affordable pricing, but it’s best to check ahead.
How long should I wait to get tested for STDs?: On average, signs of an STI don’t show up in your system for a few weeks after exposure. If you suspect you have an STI, find your local urgent care to inquire when you should go in to be tested.
How long after being exposed to an STD do you have symptoms?: It all depends on the type of infection. Some STIs start showing symptoms within a few days, while others can take weeks, months and even years. This is why it's very important to have regular STD testing if you are sexually active, as your doctor may be able to detect signs of an STI before you even start experiencing symptoms.
How often should I get tested for STDs?: We generally advise all sexually active individuals get an annual STD test. Testing may be more or less frequent depending on your sexual status, age and other considerations.
Are at-home STD tests reliable?: While many at-home STD tests can provide accurate and reliable results, it can be very easy to receive false or unclear results if you do not follow all the instructions properly. And once you have your diagnosis, you're on your own to figure out how to treat your STI. Visiting your doctor or local urgent care for STD testing is the best option, as you know the results will be 100% accurate, and you can start treatment right away.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

When it comes to your sexual health, ignorance is never bliss. Don’t close your eyes and ignore any worries about whether you may have an STI. Not only is it your responsibility as a sexually active adult to protect your current and future sexual partners from disease, but if you do have an STI and don’t receive treatment, it can lead to serious health complications.

Take charge of your health and well-being by visiting your local AdventHealth Centra Care location for STD testing near you.