Compare Lab-Drawn STD Tests

Accurate, fast, and private STD testing at certified laboratories. Order online, visit a nearby lab to have your sample drawn, and get reliable results in a few days. Find the best test for your needs, screening needs, and budget.

Lowest Price STD Tests

Looking for affordable STD testing with lab accuracy? These are the lowest-price lab-based STD test panels from top providers — perfect if you’re testing for one or two infections and want to save money.

How Do Lab-Drawn STD Tests Work?

Lab-drawn STD tests combine the convenience of online ordering with the accuracy of professional laboratory testing. Here’s how the process works:

1. Order Online

Choose a testing provider and select your test panel. You don’t need a doctor’s appointment—your order is reviewed by a licensed clinician.

2. Visit a Local Lab for Sample Collection

After you place your order, you’ll receive instructions to visit a nearby lab for sample collection. Most locations don’t require an appointment. Common samples include urine, blood, or swabs, depending on the infections being tested.

3. Get Your Results Online

Your samples are tested using high-sensitivity methods like NAAT (nucleic acid amplification tests) or 4th-generation antigen/antibody tests. Results are usually available in 1 to 3 business days and are delivered securely online.

Lab-drawn tests are ideal if you want fast, medically-reviewed, and accurate results—especially for infections like HIV, syphilis, and herpes that require blood testing.

Most Comprehensive At-Home STD Panels

These test kits offer the most complete STD screening available at home — covering multiple infections in one sample collection. Ideal for full peace of mind or regular health maintenance.

How to Choose a Lab-Drawn STD Test

The best STD test for you depends on your recent sexual activity, symptoms (if any), and how confident you want to be in your results. Lab-drawn testing is the most accurate option available — and choosing the right test type can help you avoid missed infections and give you peace of mind.

Why Full STD Panels Are the Safer Choice

Full panels are ideal when:

  • You’ve had unprotected sex or multiple partners
  • You’re not sure which infections to test for
  • You want complete reassurance or a clear health baseline

 

A full panel typically includes 6 to 11 tests, depending on the provider. At a minimum, we recommend screening for the following infections — all of which are commonly transmitted and often asymptomatic:

Chlamydia – The most commonly reported bacterial STD in the U.S. Chlamydia is often silent but can cause serious reproductive harm, especially in women. It’s easily treatable with antibiotics when caught early.

Read more about chlamydia »

Gonorrhea – Frequently occurs alongside chlamydia. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or painful joint infections. Lab tests using urine or swabs are highly accurate.

Read more about gonorrhea »

Syphilis – Often missed without screening, syphilis can progress in stages and cause serious long-term damage if left untreated — including neurological issues. Blood-based testing is essential, even without symptoms.

Read more about syphilis »

HIV (4th-Generation Test) – Modern 4th-generation HIV tests can detect infection earlier than older methods — often within 18 to 45 days of exposure. HIV is manageable when caught early, but early detection is critical for treatment and preventing transmission.

Read more about HIV »

Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) – Most people with genital herpes don’t know they have it. Blood testing can identify both types of herpes, even without visible sores. Knowing your HSV status can help reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading it to partners.

Read more about herpes »

Hepatitis B and C – These viruses can be sexually transmitted and may cause liver damage over time. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, and both are treatable if detected early. Screening is especially important if you have multiple partners or a history of STDs.

Read more about hepatitis B »

Read more about hepatitis C »

When a Single STD Test Might Be Enough

A single-infection test can be appropriate if:

  • A recent partner told you they tested positive for a specific STD
  • You’re having symptoms strongly linked to one infection
  • You’re retesting after treatment for a known infection

 

For example, if a partner tested positive for chlamydia, or if you’re experiencing symptoms that match a prior infection, a targeted test may be sufficient.

But many STDs don’t cause symptoms. You could be infected — and contagious — without knowing it. If there’s any uncertainty, it’s safer to test for multiple infections at once.

Bottom Line

If you’re unsure which STD you might have been exposed to — or if you simply want to protect your health and your partners — start with a comprehensive lab-drawn panel. It’s the most responsible option medically, and the easiest way to rule out multiple infections in one visit.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Lab-Drawn STD Testing Providers

Compare trusted STD test providers offering lab-based sample collection, physician-reviewed results, and fast turnaround times. Use this table to evaluate accuracy, infections included, support options, and pricing — all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lab-drawn STD test?

A lab-drawn STD test is ordered online and performed in person at a certified laboratory, where a healthcare professional collects your sample. Tests may include blood, urine, or swabs, depending on which infections you’re screening for. Results are reviewed by a medical provider and typically returned within 1–3 business days.

Yes. Lab-drawn tests are generally more accurate because they use professional-grade equipment and are performed in CLIA-certified labs. Tests like NAAT and 4th-generation HIV screening are considered the gold standard for detecting infections early and reliably.

Most providers return results within 1 to 3 business days after your sample is collected. Some offer same-day or next-day results for certain infections.

No. When you order through a lab-drawn STD testing service, a licensed physician will review and approve your order. You don’t need to book a doctor’s appointment beforehand.

Yes — but it depends on the provider. Some services (like STDCheck or PrioritySTD) include physician consultation and can prescribe treatment directly. Others may refer you to your primary care doctor or a local clinic. We highlight which providers offer follow-up care in our comparison table.

At a minimum, full screening should include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Many panels also include trichomoniasis and hepatitis B and C. These infections are common, often asymptomatic, and can have long-term health effects if not treated.

It depends on the infections you’re testing for:

  • Urine: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis
  • Blood: HIV, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B and C
  • Swabs (rare in lab-drawn tests): Oral, vaginal, or rectal testing in some cases

The testing provider will give detailed instructions after you place your order.

Yes. Your order, lab visit, and results are kept confidential. Reputable providers follow HIPAA regulations, and your results are not shared without your consent.

Most direct-to-consumer STD testing services do not accept insurance upfront. However, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement, depending on your plan. Always check with your provider.

A basic panel usually includes 3–5 tests (typically chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV). A full panel includes more infections — often 8 to 11 — and is recommended for people without symptoms, with multiple partners, or starting a new relationship.

Usually not. Most lab locations accept walk-ins during business hours. After you place your order, you’ll receive a lab form and instructions. You can also schedule a time slot if preferred.

This depends on the infection. Testing too early can result in false negatives:

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea: 5–7 days
  • HIV (4th gen): 18–45 days
  • Syphilis: 3+ weeks
  • Herpes: 4–6 weeks for antibody detection

If you’ve had recent exposure, retesting may be recommended after the window period.

Yes. Lab-drawn STD tests use the same testing methods and laboratory partners (e.g., NAAT, ELISA, 4th-gen HIV) that many physicians use when you get tested through a clinic or hospital.

Some providers allow you to use a pseudonym or avoid linking results to your insurance or regular healthcare provider. However, full medical anonymity is not guaranteed due to lab and physician involvement.

Yes, as long as you use a reputable provider. All services featured on this page partner with certified labs and include physician oversight. Ordering online is safe, secure, and often faster than going through a clinic.