Full STI Panel Testing: What’s Included?

A full STI panel is a group of tests that screen for the most common sexually transmitted infections at once. Getting a comprehensive panel is the smartest and most reliable way to understand your sexual health status.

Why a Full Panel is the Smartest Way to Test

Deciding to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a responsible and proactive step for your health. In my practice, patients often ask if they can just test for one specific thing, but comprehensive testing is almost always the better approach.

Many STIs have no noticeable symptoms, and it's quite possible to have more than one infection at the same time (per CDC). Testing for just one thing based on a specific concern might miss another, silent infection that requires treatment.

The Problem with Single-Infection Testing

Many common STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you could have an infection and feel perfectly fine for weeks, months, or even years (per MedlinePlus). During this time, you could unknowingly pass it to a partner.

Because symptoms can be misleading, nonspecific, or entirely absent, testing for a single infection is a gamble. A full STI panel removes the guesswork and provides a clear, reliable picture of your current sexual health.

The CDC estimates that nearly 20% of the U.S. population had an STI on any given day in 2018, with many cases going undiagnosed precisely because they are asymptomatic (per CDC).

Furthermore, having certain STIs can increase your risk of acquiring others. For example, an untreated infection like chlamydia or syphilis can make it easier to get or transmit HIV (per CDC).

What's Included in Our Standard STI Panel?

Our $189 Standard STI Panel is designed based on public health guidance and clinical best practices. It includes six professional, lab-drawn tests to screen for the most prevalent and clinically significant infections.

This panel, collected at a local Labcorp facility, tests for:

1. Chlamydia: A common bacterial STI, often without symptoms, that can harm reproductive health if untreated (per CDC).
2. Gonorrhea: Another common bacterial STI, often co-infecting with chlamydia and also frequently asymptomatic (per CDC).
3. Syphilis: A bacterial infection cured easily in early stages but can cause severe organ damage if ignored (per USPSTF).
4. HIV (4th Generation): Detects HIV-1/2 antibodies and the p24 antigen, allowing for earlier detection (per CDC).
5. Hepatitis B: A viral liver infection that can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer (per WHO).
6. Hepatitis C: A viral liver infection that often becomes a chronic condition and can cause significant liver damage (per CDC).

This collection of tests provides a robust and essential baseline for any sexually active person.

Upgrading to the Comprehensive STI Panel

For an even more complete picture, our $269 Comprehensive STI Panel adds three additional tests to cover other common infections. I often recommend this for individuals with a new partner, multiple partners, or who want the most thorough screening available.

This upgraded panel adds testing for:

• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1): Often linked to oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes (per CDC).
• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2): The most common cause of genital herpes, detected via a blood antibody test (per ASHA).
• Trichomoniasis: A very common and curable parasitic STI, often asymptomatic, especially in men (per CDC).

The table below shows a clear comparison of what each panel includes.

Included Test	Standard Panel ($189)	Comprehensive Panel ($269)
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea	Yes	Yes
Syphilis	Yes	Yes
HIV (4th Gen)	Yes	Yes
Hepatitis B & C	Yes	Yes
Herpes Simplex 1 & 2	No	Yes
Trichomoniasis	No	Yes

Comparing Your Options: Clinic vs. Private Lab Order

Getting tested is always the right move, but the traditional healthcare process can sometimes be a barrier. Patients often share frustrations about appointment delays, insurance hassles, and surprise bills.

Our service is designed as a more direct, private, and predictable alternative. You skip the doctor's visit and go straight to the lab.

Feature	Traditional Clinic Visit	LabTestsOnDemand at Labcorp
Privacy	In-person consult; test is on your insurance record.	Discreet online order; no insurance claim is filed.
Cost	Unpredictable; depends on copay, deductible, and coverage.	$189 or $269 flat fee. Paid upfront, no surprise bills.
Speed	Wait for appointment, then wait for results.	Order online in minutes, visit Labcorp today, results in 1–3 days.
Convenience	Requires a scheduled doctor visit, then a separate lab visit.	Skip the doctor's office; go straight to any local Labcorp.

Both paths lead to a professionally collected, CLIA-certified lab test. Our model simply removes the friction and uncertainty from the process.

Who Should Get Screened? Official Guidelines

Regular screening is a cornerstone of both personal and public health. While your individual circumstances are unique, major public health organizations provide clear guidelines.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in all sexually active women 24 years or younger and in older women who are at increased risk for infection (per USPSTF).

You should consider getting a full panel if you fall into any of these groups:

• You are a sexually active person under 25.
• You have a new sexual partner or multiple partners.
• You are a man who has sex with men (more frequent screening is recommended, per CDC).
• You are pregnant (screening is a standard part of prenatal care, per ACOG).
• You have ever shared injection drug equipment.
• You simply want a clear and updated picture of your health status for peace of mind.

Ultimately, anyone who is sexually active can benefit from screening. The goal is to detect infections early, get treated if necessary, and prevent transmission to others.

If you believe screening is right for you, you can get a full screening with our Standard STI Panel and walk into any Labcorp location, often on the same day. There's no need for an in-person doctor's visit or insurance paperwork.

How Our Labcorp-Based Process Works

We've simplified the entire testing process into three easy steps. It's private, efficient, and requires no doctor's visit or insurance review.

1. Order Online: Choose your panel on our website and pay the flat fee. You will immediately receive your lab order and a map of nearby Labcorp locations.

2. Visit Labcorp: Walk into any Labcorp location with your lab order. You do not need an appointment. A phlebotomist will professionally collect your sample in about 15 minutes.

3. Get Results: Your physician-reviewed results will be available in your secure online portal within 1–3 business days of your lab visit. We'll send you an email as soon as they are ready.

Our entire service is designed to make responsible health decisions easier and more accessible for everyone.

Sources

• CDC.gov, "Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)," https://www.cdc.gov/std/
• MedlinePlus.gov, "STD Testing," https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/std-testing/
• USPSTF.org, "Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Screening," https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/chlamydia-and-gonorrhea-screening
• USPSTF.org, "Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Screening," https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-screening
• ASHAsexualhealth.org, "Herpes," https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes/
• WHO.int, "Hepatitis B," https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
• ACOG.org, "Routine Tests During Pregnancy," https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/routine-tests-during-pregnancy
• CDC.gov, "HIV and Other STDs," https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm