There is no one test for all STDs. Generally, an STD test involves a blood sample, a urine sample or a culture, each taken by a health care provider.
When you see your health care provider, find out exactly what you are being tested for so you know whether there are any tests missing. If your health care provider doesn’t mention a test you want, you need to request the test specifically and give permission to have it done.
There are home test kits for HIV and hepatitis C available at some drugstores and online. You have to prick your finger and send the blood sample to a lab to be tested. You call the lab a few days later for results. They also provide anonymous counseling over the phone. One brand name is Home Access which currently costs around $45. However, we highly recommend going to a clinic for HIV testing. Just in case you test positive, it is much better to have some immediate support from someone knowledgeable and caring who can talk to you about it. Also, a clinic can test you for all other STDs as well and provide things like free condoms.
