STD test panel

What it measures

Each test in the panel looks for something different. HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis tests look for antibodies, antigens, or viral genetic material in blood. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas tests look for the organism's genetic material in urine or a swab. Panel contents differ a lot by seller, so read the list of included tests before you buy, and add anything you need.

What is included

• HIV testScreens for HIV using both antibodies and an early viral protein.
• Syphilis testScreens for syphilis and confirms a positive with a second test.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea testFinds the two most common bacterial STIs in urine or a swab.
• Hepatitis C testScreens for hepatitis C and checks whether the virus is active.

Who should consider it

• Anyone with a new partner or more than one partner
• People who want a check before stopping condoms with a partner
• Anyone whose partner tested positive for an infection
• People with symptoms such as discharge, burning, sores, or a new rash (see a clinician too)
• Anyone who wants peace of mind and a baseline

How to read your result

• Each infection gets its own result. Read them one by one.
• A negative result covers only the infections the panel tested and only up to the date of any exposure that has had time to show up.
• Testing too soon after an exposure can miss an infection. CDC lists specific window periods for each test, and repeat testing may be needed.
• A positive screen for HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis needs confirmation before anyone calls it a diagnosis.

Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.

When to get care right away. If you had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, go to an urgent care, emergency room, or sexual health clinic today and ask about PEP (post-exposure prevention medicine). PEP works best when started as soon as possible, and a home or online test cannot replace it.

What to do next

If anything comes back positive, contact a clinician or your local health department. Most of these infections are treatable, and several are curable with a short course of medicine. Tell recent partners so they can get tested too. Many health departments help with partner notification and offer free or low-cost testing and treatment.