STD Testing in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to nearly 6 million people and faces a health crisis that’s often overlooked in the United States—sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Tracking rates of congenital syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, the state is grappling with an issue that affects many of its residents, especially young adults. The most recent CDC STD Surveillance report highlights that adults, ages 20-24 have the highest rates of STDs in the country.
College campuses across South Carolina are centers of activity, but they’re also hotspots for the spread of these infections. University of South Carolina-Columbia, with over 43,000 students, and Clemson University, with nearly 32,000 students, are two of the largest universities in the state. These institutions alone account for a significant portion of the young adult population in South Carolina, making the focus on STD prevention, testing and education even more critical.
Per the CDC STI Surveillance Report in 2022, the state ranks 32nd in the nation for congenital syphilis, with 25 cases. South Carolina also reported 14,352 cases of gonorrhea, and 35,525 cases of chlamydia, ranking 6th and 4th in the United States respectively.
Fortunately, South Carolina has some helpful resources and testing options for its citizens. Low-cost or affordable std tests are available statewide, and information regarding these diseases and treatment options is available via the South Carolina Department of Health.
If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the only way to know if you have an STD, allowing you to get the necessary treatment to prevent serious health complications and help stop the spread to your partners. Fortunately, many STDs are curable – syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis are great examples. For those that can’t be cured, treatments are typically available to help manage your symptoms.
STD Testing Options in South Carolina
In South Carolina , there are several ways to get tested for STDs, each with varying levels of convenience, cost, and confidentiality. Here’s an overview of options near you:
Private STD Clinic:
Visiting a private clinic is a discreet and dependable method for STD testing in South Carolina. These clinics often require no appointment, offer a broad range of test panels, and provide fast results, usually within 1 to 2 days. With over 6,000 locations nationwide, they are highly accessible. Most importantly, your privacy is strictly protected—personal health information is kept confidential, and communication is handled securely.
Local Clinics:
There are also public and community clinics in South Carolina that provide low-cost or free STD testing services. These clinics are great for affordability, though they might require appointments and have longer result turnaround times. While these clinics are committed to patient confidentiality, it’s a good idea to ask about their specific privacy policies and data handling practices to ensure you’re comfortable with how your information will be managed.
At-Home STD Testing:
At-home STD testing kits offer a high level of privacy and convenience. You can purchase them online or at local pharmacies in South Carolina, collect your sample privately at home, and send it to a certified lab for analysis. Depending on the company, results are typically available within a few days to 10 days. These services are designed with discreet packaging and secure online portals for results, ensuring that your personal health information remains confidential throughout the process.offers a convenient and private way to conduct your std tests.
What Are My 3 STD Testing Options?
Private STD Testing
- Available at over 4,500 nationwide labs (e.g., LabCorp, Quest)
- FDA-approved tests, no appointment required
- Results in 1–2 business days
- Full privacy and confidentiality guaranteed
- Doctor follow-up and prescriptions if needed
At-Home STD Testing
- Test yourself privately at home
- Available online or at pharmacies
- Results in 2–5 days
- Risk of user error and delayed treatment
- Doctor consultation may not be included
Local STD Testing Clinics
- Offered at Planned Parenthood, clinics, and health centers
- Walk-in or by appointment
- May offer free or low-cost options (income-based)
- Results may take 7+ days
- Privacy may be limited in shared waiting rooms
- Fewer test options available
STDTest.com vs Other Clinics
STDTest.com | Walk-In Clinics | |
Appointment: | Not Required | Often Required |
Results: | 1–2 Days | 3–7 Days |
Confidential Billing: | ||
Confidential Billing: | Included | Not Always Available |
Pricing: | From $24 | Varies / income-based |
Locations: | 4,500+ Labs | Limited |
Looking for fast, affordable STD testing near you?
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At-Home STD Testing Kits
You can opt for an at-home STD test kit as they provide a convenient and private method to screen for sexually transmitted infections without the need to visit a clinic. These kits are perfect for individuals who prefer managing their health from the comfort of their home.
How It Works:
Select Your Kit
Pick a kit either online or at a Fort Mill store depending on the infections you wish to screen for. Some kits target infections such as syphilis while others offer a wider panel, for testing multiple STIs.
Collect Your Sample
Follow the instructions to collect a sample – this could involve providing urine, a finger-prick blood sample, or using a swab on the genitals, throat, or rectum.
Send It In
Use the prepaid envelope to send your sample to the lab.
Receive Results
Get your results within a few days through a secure online portal, phone, or app.
Next Steps
After receiving a test result various services are available to provide assistance, such as consultations with healthcare experts, treatment choices or recommendations for care. It is advisable to schedule a follow up appointment with your primary healthcare provider for further consultation and guidance.
Why Choose At-Home Testing Kits:
Privacy
Test at home without visiting a clinic.
Convenience
No need for appointments or travel.
Things to Consider:
Panel Size
Ensure the kit covers all the STIs you want to test for.
Speed
Taking the test(s) and mail time may delay results vs. clinic options.
STD Statistics and Trends in South Carolina
How South Carolina STD Rates Compare to Other States
STD | State Rank | New Cases | Rate per 100,000 | US Avg Rate per 100,000 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chlamydia | 4th | 35,525 | 673 | 495 |
Gonorrhea | 6th | 14,352 | 272 | 194.4 |
Syphilis | 21st | 1,033 | 20 | 17.7 |
Congenital syphilis | 32nd | 25 | 44 | 102.5 |
HIV | 9th | 718 | 14 | 11.30 |
STD Testing in Other Cities in South Carolina
What STDs Can You Get Tested For?
Knowing which STD tests are necessary is important for your well-being. Viral infections are chronic and can be managed with available medications and therapies. Bacterial infections may require retesting to ensure that treatments have been effective as expected.
STD | Type of Infection | How It’s Tested | Walk-In Clinics |
Oral Herpes | Viral | Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
Genital Herpes | Viral | Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
HIV | Viral | Blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
Gonorrhea | Bacterial | Blood, swab, or urine tests | 3 Months post treatment |
Chlamydia | Bacterial | Blood, swab, or urine tests | 2 Months post treatment |
Syphilis | Bacterial | Blood tests | 3 Months post treatment |
Hepatitis A | Viral | Blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
Hepatitis B | Viral | Blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
Hepatitis C | Viral | Blood test | N/A (lifelong infection) |
Trichomoniasis | Parasitic | Urine test | 2 Weeks post treatment |
Frequently Asked Questions about STDs
How do I know if I have an STD?
If you’ve been sexually active, it’s important for your sexual health to know if you have an STD. You may experience some of the more common symptoms if you have an infection:
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination or sex.
- Sores, bumps, or rashes in the genital area, mouth, or anus.
- Persistent itching in the genital area.
- Swelling or redness in the genital area.
It’s critical to know that many STDs can be asymptomatic, with some diseases up to 80% being undetected per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). To avoid worsening symptoms or infecting partners, get tested for confirmation. Positive test results are really the only true way of determining an infection. Regular testing is crucial, especially if you have multiple partners or are engaging in unprotected sex.
When should you test for STDs?
STD | Incubation Period After Exposure |
---|---|
Oral Herpes | 2–12 days |
Genital Herpes | 2–12 days |
HIV | 2–4 weeks |
Gonorrhea | 2-7 days |
Chlamydia | 7–21 days |
Syphilis | 10 – 90 days |
Hepatitis A | 15–50 days |
Hepatitis B | 4–25 weeks |
Hepatitis C | 2 weeks – 6 months |
Trichomoniasis (Trich) | 5–28 days |
What do STD test panels test for?
The most comprehensive 10-test panel will provide a confirmation of infection status across different bacterial or viral diseases, including HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen), herpes type 1 & type 2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
How much do STD tests cost in South Carolina?
STD testing costs can vary widely in South Carolina based on the type of test(s) you purchase, speed of results and appointment times, and location.
Private STD testing offers walk-in appointments, comprehensive test panels and fast results. You can expect to pay no more than $250 to get a 10-test panel in South Carolina. Results are delivered quickly, within 1-2 days.
At-home testing is also an option, with popular online manufacturers offering test panels for up to $350. The primary benefit of this option is testing in the convenience of your own home. Simple blood tests, urine samples or swaps are taken and mailed back to the lab. Results are typically available in 7-10+ days.
Local low-cost or potentially free clinics also are available. However, these locations may require appointments, may not test for all STDs and are not as immediate as private testing.
Can you get same-day STD tests in South Carolina?
Yes! Private testing offers same-day, no appointment necessary STI testing in South Carolina. Once you purchase your selected tests (no doctor script required), you can just walk into the private lab with your order.
How fast do you get STD test results in South Carolina?
STD test result times will vary based on the type of test. Private STD testing in South Carolina will deliver results within 1-2 days. At-home test results could be 7+ days, and local clinics will vary based on a number of factors.
Are appointments needed for STD testing in South Carolina?
If you choose private STD testing as your preferred option, you don’t need an appointment to get your testing done. Just purchase the order and walk into one of the 5,000+ CLIA-Certified labs across the United States.
Local STD clinics may require appointments and should be checked on a case-by-case basis. At-home tests are also an option. Both will likely take longer to test and receive your results.ear
Sources
- CDC – Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- CDC, 2022 STI Surveillance Report – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- WHO – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- WebMD – Oral Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
- National Institutes of Health – The Stages of HIV Infection
- Medscape – Gonorrhea Clinical Presentation
- Iowa.gov – Chlamydia
- Minnesota Department of Health – Hepatitis
STD Testing in Cities Near South Carolina
Cayce, SC10 miles
Lexington, SC11 miles
West Columbia, SC12 miles
Oak Grove, SC13 miles
Red Bank, SC13 miles
Columbia, SC14 miles
Dentsville, SC16 miles
Irmo, SC17 miles
Forest Acres, SC18 miles
Highland, SC18 miles
Waccamaw, SC18 miles
Woodfield, SC18 miles
Horrell Hill, SC20 miles
Saint Mathews, SC25 miles
Pontiac, SC27 miles
Eastover, SC27 miles
Orangeburg, SC30 miles
Saluda, SC37 miles
Aiken, SC37 miles
Winnsboro, SC38 miles
Bamberg, SC38 miles
Lugoff, SC38 miles
Newberry, SC40 miles
Barnwell, SC42 miles
Camden, SC43 miles
Edgefield, SC44 miles
Sumter, SC48 miles
Red Hill, SC49 miles
North Augusta, SC49 miles
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