When you are tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) it is important to get your results in a timely manner. Most of our tests are available in three to five days so there is no need to wait long to learn about your health status. Your results will be fully confidential and delivered in the strictest of confidence. Most results can be delivered via phone, but you can also stop in and receive them personally if you prefer.
It is important to note that if you receive a positive result for chlamydia, HIV, syphilis or gonorrhea that this must be reported to the NYS Department of Health. However, this is the only other entity that will receive your results. If your result is negative, no other action will be taken.
Most STD testing is accurate, but there is no test that is 100 percent accurate. There is a small chance that you will receive a false-negative result or a false-positive result. A false-negative result indicates that the test states that there is no infection when there actually is one. A false-positive results indicates that there is an infection present when there is not one. Both of these results are unusual and in the majority of cases, the result you receive is correct. If you are ever not confident with your STD testing results, you can be retested.
There is not a single test that can be used to diagnose all possible STDs. When an STD is suspected, a specific test will be done as each STD requires a specific test. There are also cases where there are no practical screening examinations for an STD. The following tests are used to diagnose STDs:
- Swabbing or urinalysis are used for gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Visual examination is used for genital warts and herpes
- Blood testing is used for HIV and AIDS, hepatitis and syphilis.