Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections should be straightforward, but the traditional process often feels anything but. Scheduling an appointment, sitting in a waiting room, having an awkward face-to-face conversation, and then waiting again for results creates enough friction that many people simply avoid getting tested altogether. The CDC estimates that there are nearly 26 million new sexually transmitted infections in the United States every year, and a significant portion go undiagnosed because of these barriers.
Telehealth removes most of those barriers. Through an online visit at Innocre, a board-certified provider can discuss your risk factors, determine which tests you need, and send lab orders directly to a lab near you. You walk into the lab, give a sample, and your results come back to your provider for a confidential review. No uncomfortable waiting room. No unnecessary in-person appointment just to get a lab slip.
How Online STD Lab Orders Work
The process at Innocre is designed to be efficient, private, and clinically thorough. Here is how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: Book a telehealth visit. Go to innocre.org and schedule an appointment. You can select a time that works for your schedule, and same-day availability is often open.
Step 2: Discuss your needs with your provider. During a secure video visit, your provider will ask about your sexual health history, any current symptoms, the reason you are seeking testing (routine screening, new partner, potential exposure, etc.), and your risk factors. This conversation is confidential and judgment-free. The goal is to determine which tests are appropriate for your situation.
Step 3: Lab orders are placed. Based on your consultation, your provider sends electronic lab orders to a laboratory network. You will receive instructions on where to go for your specimen collection.
Step 4: Visit a local lab. You go to a nearby lab draw site at your convenience. Major laboratory networks like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp have thousands of locations nationwide, and most accept walk-ins. Depending on the tests ordered, you may need to provide a blood sample, urine sample, or both. The visit at the lab typically takes fifteen minutes or less.
Step 5: Results review. Results are usually available within one to five business days depending on the specific tests. Your Innocre provider reviews every result and discusses them with you—either through the patient portal or during a follow-up telehealth visit. If any results are positive, your provider will discuss treatment options, prescribe medication if appropriate, and advise on partner notification.
Which STD Tests Can Be Ordered?
Your Innocre provider will recommend testing based on your individual risk factors, symptoms, and screening guidelines. Common tests that can be ordered through a telehealth visit include the following.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
These are the two most commonly reported bacterial STIs in the United States. Testing is done through a urine sample or swab. Both infections are treatable with antibiotics, and early detection prevents complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The CDC recommends annual screening for all sexually active women under 25, and for anyone with new or multiple partners.
Syphilis
Syphilis rates have been rising significantly in recent years. Testing requires a blood draw. Syphilis progresses through stages and can cause serious health problems if untreated, but it is highly curable with antibiotics when caught early.
HIV
HIV testing is recommended at least once for everyone between ages 13 and 64, and more frequently for those at higher risk. Testing is done through a blood sample. Fourth-generation HIV tests can detect infection as early as two to four weeks after exposure. Early detection is critical because modern antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to undetectable levels and prevent transmission.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Both are blood-borne infections that can be transmitted sexually. Hepatitis B is preventable with vaccination, and hepatitis C is now curable with antiviral medications. Testing is done through a blood draw.
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Herpes blood testing detects antibodies to HSV-1 (typically oral herpes) and HSV-2 (typically genital herpes). It is important to know that routine herpes screening is not recommended by the CDC for asymptomatic individuals due to limitations in blood test accuracy. However, if you have symptoms or a known exposure, your provider can order targeted testing and discuss the clinical significance of results.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and is one of the most common curable STIs. Testing can be done through a urine sample or swab. It is particularly recommended for women with symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, or irritation.
Who Should Get Tested?
STD screening is not just for people who have symptoms. In fact, many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you can have an infection and transmit it to others without ever knowing. The CDC recommends routine screening for several populations. All adults and adolescents ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. All sexually active women under age 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea annually. Anyone with a new sexual partner should consider a comprehensive screening panel. Men who have sex with men should be tested at least annually, and more frequently depending on number of partners. Pregnant women should be tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and chlamydia early in pregnancy. Anyone who has had unprotected sex or a condom failure with a partner of unknown status should consider testing.
Beyond these guidelines, anyone who simply wants peace of mind after a potential exposure or between relationships should feel empowered to get tested. Knowing your status is a responsible act of self-care.
Testing Timelines: When to Get Tested After Exposure
Different STIs have different window periods—the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect infection. Testing too early can produce a false negative. Here are general guidelines for timing. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can typically be detected one to two weeks after exposure. Syphilis may take one to three weeks for early detection, with more reliable results at six weeks. HIV fourth-generation tests can detect infection two to four weeks after exposure, with most being reliable by six weeks. Hepatitis B surface antigen can be detected one to nine weeks after exposure. Hepatitis C antibodies may take two to six months to appear, though RNA testing can detect earlier. Herpes antibodies typically take two to twelve weeks to develop after infection.
Your Innocre provider will help you determine the right timing for testing based on your specific situation and may recommend repeat testing at a later date to ensure accurate results.
What Happens If a Test Is Positive?
If any of your results come back positive, your Innocre provider will contact you to discuss the findings in detail. The conversation will cover what the result means clinically, what treatment is recommended (many STIs are curable with a short course of antibiotics), whether a follow-up test is needed to confirm the diagnosis, how to notify sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, and any lifestyle modifications or precautions to take moving forward.
For treatable infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, your provider can prescribe medication during the s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get STD testing without going to a doctor's office?
Yes. Through a telehealth visit at Innocre, a provider can order STD lab panels based on your risk factors and symptoms. You then visit a local lab (such as Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp) for the blood draw or urine sample. No traditional office visit is required for the lab order itself.
What STD tests can be ordered through telehealth?
Common STD panels include testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and trichomoniasis. Your provider will recommend the appropriate tests based on your risk factors, symptoms, and sexual health history.
Where do I go to get my STD labs drawn?
After your telehealth visit, your lab order is sent electronically to a laboratory network such as Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp. You visit a local draw site at your convenience — most locations accept walk-ins. Your provider will help you identify a convenient location.
How do I get my STD test results?
Results are typically available within 1 to 5 business days depending on the specific tests ordered. Your Innocre provider reviews all results and discusses them with you during a follow-up telehealth visit or through the patient portal. You will never receive abnormal results without a provider explanation.
Is STD testing through telehealth confidential?
Yes. All telehealth visits and lab results at Innocre are handled through HIPAA-compliant systems. Your sexual health information is kept strictly confidential. Lab results are shared only with you and your provider.
How long after exposure should I wait to get tested for STDs?
Window periods vary by infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can usually be detected 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. HIV fourth-generation antibody/antigen tests are reliable around 18 to 45 days after exposure. Syphilis testing is typically accurate by 3 to 6 weeks. Your provider can guide you on the right timing based on the type of exposure and the tests being ordered.
Can I get treatment for an STD through telehealth if my results are positive?
Yes, for most common bacterial STDs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea (often combined with an intramuscular injection at a partnering pharmacy or clinic), trichomoniasis, and syphilis treatment can be initiated through telehealth. Some infections, like complicated gonorrhea or pelvic inflammatory disease, require in-person care. HIV management is referred to specialized providers.
Does InnoCre prescribe PrEP through telehealth?
Yes. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily oral tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada or Descovy) can be initiated and managed through telehealth in Maryland, Washington, and Delaware. Initial and follow-up labs (HIV, kidney function, hepatitis B, STD screening) are required every 3 months. Long-acting injectable PrEP requires in-person administration.
Will my STD test results show up on my insurance or affect my coverage?
If you use insurance, lab claims may appear on an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) sent to the policyholder. Many patients choose to pay out of pocket through InnoCre's flat-fee model to maintain privacy. Lab results themselves are protected health information and are not shared with insurers in a way that affects coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
How often should sexually active adults get tested for STDs?
The CDC recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing for all sexually active women under 25 and women older than 25 with risk factors, and at least annual HIV testing for everyone aged 13 to 64. Men who have sex with men should be tested every 3 to 6 months. New or multiple partners is also a reason to test, regardless of age.
Atul S. Vellappally, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Founder, InnoCre Telehealth. Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with doctoral-level training in evidence-based and precision medicine. Licensed in Maryland, Washington, and Delaware.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
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