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.
Targeted STD testing makes the most sense when you have a specific concern. Maybe a recent partner told you they tested positive for one infection. Maybe you’re experiencing symptoms clearly tied to a known infection — like unusual discharge or a visible sore. Or maybe you’re retesting after treatment to make sure the infection is gone. In these cases, a single STD test can offer clarity without over-testing.
However, it’s important to be cautious. Many STIs have overlapping symptoms — or no symptoms at all. If you’re not 100% sure what you were exposed to, or if you’ve had multiple partners, it’s still smart to consider a full panel. But for targeted cases, a single test is efficient, cost-effective, and actionable.
You choose the infection you want to test for — chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, and others — and place your order online. A licensed clinician reviews your request, and then you either go to a nearby lab or receive a home collection kit.
Sample types vary. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are usually tested through urine. HIV, herpes, syphilis, and hepatitis require blood. Some herpes and HPV tests use PCR to detect viral DNA directly.
Most providers return results in 1 to 3 business days. Results are delivered securely online. Some companies also offer treatment or prescriptions if your test is positive. See our comparison table for which providers offer follow-up care.
The following infections are the most common targets of single STD testing. Each link takes you to a complete guide on symptoms, testing accuracy, and what to do if you test positive:
Chlamydia – Often tested via urine. Read more »
Gonorrhea – Tested via urine or swab. Read more »
Syphilis – Blood-based antibody test. Read more »
HIV (4th-Gen) – Detects early infection. Read more »
Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) – IgG blood test or PCR if symptomatic. Read more »
Trichomoniasis – NAAT test on urine or swab. Read more »
Hepatitis B & C – Antibody and PCR blood tests. Read more »
Not all testing providers are created equal. Use this table to compare test accuracy, speed, pricing, and whether follow-up treatment is included.
Both home testing and lab-based testing are accurate and legitimate ways to test for STDs — but they’re not identical.
require you to visit a local lab where trained professionals collect your sample. These tests often use the same high-sensitivity equipment your doctor would order, such as NAAT or 4th-gen HIV tests. Results are fast, and lab testing is ideal for infections that require larger or venous blood samples.
allow you to collect a sample yourself — usually urine, a swab, or finger-prick blood. Dried blood spot (DBS) cards are increasingly used in at-home HIV and hepatitis tests. These methods are highly accurate when performed correctly, and specimens are mailed to certified labs for analysis. Some DNA-based tests, like PCR for herpes, can also be done at home depending on the provider.
That said, not all infections are equally suitable for home testing. Syphilis, hepatitis C, and herpes often have better accuracy through lab-drawn blood. Home collection may also result in specimen errors if instructions aren’t followed precisely. Still, for many infections — particularly chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV — home tests are a safe, private, and convenient option.
Understanding how tests work builds trust in your results. Here are the most accurate technologies used in today’s single STD testing:
NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test): Widely used for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trich. It finds tiny traces of genetic material — detecting infections even when there are no symptoms.
4th-Generation HIV Tests: These detect both the p24 antigen and HIV antibodies, making them effective 18–45 days after exposure. This is now the standard method in most lab settings.
IgG and IgM Antibody Tests: These identify your body’s immune response to infections like herpes, syphilis, and hepatitis. IgM shows up early; IgG sticks around long-term.
PCR and DNA-Based Tests: These look for the actual DNA of a virus — like HSV or HPV — and are helpful when antibody tests aren’t clear or when symptoms are visible.
The window period varies depending on the infection. For example:
Testing too early can lead to false negatives. Learn more on our STD Testing Window Guide.
Yes, especially if your symptoms clearly suggest a specific infection. For instance, burning during urination might indicate chlamydia or gonorrhea. See our Symptom Checker and STI Library for guidance on matching symptoms to tests.
They can be—especially if the test uses NAAT or PCR methods and is processed by a CLIA-certified lab. For high-accuracy options, visit our Home STD Test Comparison.
Yes. Retesting is often recommended:
Check retesting guidance in our Chlamydia and Gonorrhea pages.
Yes. For example:
Visit How STD Tests Work for full details on test methods and sample types.
Most direct-to-consumer services don’t bill insurance up front, but some let you submit for reimbursement. Learn more in our Guide to Paying for STD Tests.
Yes. Many STDs can persist without symptoms and still cause long-term harm or spread to others. Read more about Asymptomatic STIs.
You’ll either receive a prescription directly (if the provider includes physician support) or be referred to a clinic. Explore next steps and treatment options in our Treatment After Testing.
If you’ve had a known exposure or specific symptoms, a single test may be appropriate. But if you’re unsure what you were exposed to, a Full STD Panel gives broader coverage and peace of mind.
Results are typically delivered through a secure portal within 1–5 business days. Some services include physician consultation. Our How to Read STD Results Guide explains how to interpret your results.
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