Services
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Options
The following tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are available at UC Davis Student Health Services and may be requested during an office visit with a provider. The costs provided below are in addition to the cost of an office visit, treatment supplies or medications.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend yearly chlamydia testing of sexually active young persons. At Student Health Services, the chlamydia test is done in conjunction with a gonorrhea test. This test may be performed on a urine specimen or a swab specimen that is collected during an office visit or a woman’s pelvic exam. If asymptomatic, this test may be added to any primary care visit with a physician or nurse practitioner. It takes 1-3 weeks after exposure to show a positive test. Results come back within a week. The cost is regularly $20 (does not included visit fees).
Herpes
Many patients request this blood test because herpes can be present without symptoms in both men and women. This test checks for previous exposure to the herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses but it does not indicate how long the infection has been present or the location of the infection. Since it is an antibody test, it can take 3 to 12 weeks from time of exposure to be present in the blood. Results come back within a week. The cost is $30 (does not included visit fees).
If you are having symptoms of herpes, your provider can swab the lesions to check for virus present. Results come back within one to two weeks. The cost is about $85 (does not included visit fees).
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The CDC does not recommend routine screening for HPV in young persons. A woman’s Pap test may be used to check for HPV if the Pap is abnormal. Please discuss HPV testing and HPV vaccine with your provider.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Everyone who is sexually active should know their HIV status and the CDC recommends HIV testing for all patients. Since it is an antibody test, it can take up to six months after exposure to show a positive test but 95% of individuals will have an accurate test after three months. This test is easy to obtain in two ways:
- Confidential Testing - You may choose a blood test from our lab, and you will need to return in two weeks for results. The cost is $10 (does not included visit fees).
- Anonymous Testing - During the school year, you may get free anonymous testing at Health Education & Promotion in the Cowell Annex behind Cowell Student Health Center. This is not a blood test but is a swab of the inside of your mouth. A preliminary result is provided in 30 minutes and if it is negative, there is no need for further testing. If it is positive, further testing is needed.
More information is available about HIV testing, the difference between a confidential and anonymous HIV test, details regarding HIV testing options through Student Health Services.
Syphilis
This infection is very rare but it can be quickly and easily detected with a blood test in our lab. It takes 3-12 weeks after exposure to show a positive test. Results are back within a few days. The cost is $10 (does not included visit fees).
How to Get Tested
Please speak with your medical provider if you would like to have any of the above tests or wish to receive additional information. If you would like to be seen by our medical staff, please contact our Appointment Desk (530.752.2349) to schedule an appointment.
Additional Web Resources
- Student Health Services - Health Topics
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Social Health Association
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