Campus Life

University Health Services to launch 'self-test' option for STDs on March 3

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- University Health Services will launch a “self-test” option on March 3 for students wanting to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

For a small fee, the new self-testing model will allow students to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea without scheduling an appointment or being seen by a clinician. Instead, students will go directly to the lab on the fourth floor of the Student Health Center at University Park to be tested. They should request a “self-test" or present a self-test flyer to the receptionist who will hand them the test to be completed in a nearby restroom. 

Students are advised to arrive by 4 p.m. at the latest Monday through Friday and to not urinate at least one hour prior to testing. 

Self-testing is only for those students who are not experiencing any symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. It is important to remember that most people who have an STD don’t have symptoms; testing regularly protects individuals and their partners. 

“We hope the self-testing option makes students more comfortable with testing for STDs,” said Dr. Robin Oliver, a gynecologist at University Health Services. “The self-test is something they can do conveniently and privately.”

Self-testing isn’t for everyone. Appointments are recommended for those who are experiencing symptoms, those with known exposure in the past week to an infected partner or those who request oral or anal testing. 

The fee for the self-testing of chlamydia and gonorrhea is $18. Students can either pay at the time of service or UHS can bill the student’s account (charges will not list specific reasons for the visit).

Students with health insurance can submit a copy of the bill to their insurance company but should be aware that private insurance companies sometimes notify the subscriber (often parents) as to what tests are done for covered individuals.

Students will receive test results within two weeks of their appointment either by secure message or phone call. If they test positive, UHS will recommend an appointment to discuss treatment options.

Details about the test procedures are on UHS’ website at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/gettested.

Last Updated January 13, 2016

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