STD Testing: Panels, Prices, and What to Know (2026)
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is one of the most commonly ordered categories at online lab portals. Tests range from single-infection tests (HIV, chlamydia) to comprehensive panels covering 8–13 infections in one order. Prices vary enormously — and "comprehensive" panels at different portals cover very different infections. This hub links all our STD pricing and guide pages and gives you an honest overview of what to compare before ordering.
Key takeaways
- STD panels are not equivalent across portals — a "$139 comprehensive panel" and a "$289 comprehensive panel" cover different infections.
- Jason Health's 5-test panel ($108, fee-inclusive) and 8-test panel ($123) offer solid coverage at lower prices than most competitors' "comprehensive" panels.
- HealthLabs' 10-test panel ($139) covers the ten most common STIs and is one of the most thorough options at a reasonable price.
- For HIV testing alone, HealthLabs and Walk-In Lab both offer 4th-generation HIV tests at $49.
What STD panels cover
STD panels vary widely. The key infections tested across common panel tiers are:
- Core 5–6 infections: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis (RPR), HIV 1/2, and sometimes herpes HSV-1/2
- Extended 8–10 infections: Core infections plus hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis
- Comprehensive 12–13 infections: All of the above plus additional infections like hepatitis A, Mycoplasma genitalium, or early-detection HIV RNA
Because panels differ in scope, you should compare what infections are included, not just the price or panel name. A "basic" panel at one portal may include more than a "comprehensive" panel at another. See the STD Panel Cost Comparison for a full side-by-side breakdown.
According to the CDC, STIs affect millions of Americans annually, and many infections have no symptoms — regular screening is the only way to know your status for many infections.
Panel price overview
Comprehensive panel prices across portals (these are not equivalent tests — see what's included):
| Provider | Panel name | Listed price | Fees note | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Health | Full 5 Test Panel | $108.00 | $18 fee included in price | Chlamydia/Gonorrhea RNA, Syphilis RPR, HIV-1/2 Antigen+Antibody |
| Jason Health | Full 8 Test Panel | $123.00 | $18 fee included in price | Chlamydia/Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hep B Surface Antigen, Hep A IgM, Hep C, HIV-1/2 |
| HealthLabs | Comprehensive STD Panel (10 Tests) | $139.00 | None stated | Ten most common sexually transmitted infections |
| Ulta Lab Tests | STD Basic Panel | $181.90 | +$12.95 fee at checkout | 3 tests, 5 biomarkers (curated common STDs) |
| RequestATest | Standard STD Panel #1 | $229.00 | None stated | HIV 4th Gen, Herpes 2, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea |
| DirectLabs | STD Basic Panel | $239.00 | None stated | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes (HSV 1&2 IgG), Syphilis RPR |
| LabReqs | Comprehensive STD Panel | $289.00 | None stated | Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Herpes 1&2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C |
These panels are not identical — compare what each covers, not just the price. Rank by price alone is misleading here.
Common individual test prices
| Test | Cheapest option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV (4th Generation) | HealthLabs or Walk-In Lab | $49 | Detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen |
| Chlamydia & Gonorrhea (urine) | LabReqs or HealthLabs | $99 | Urine-based combined test |
| Herpes HSV 1/2 IgG | LabReqs | $59.99 | HerpesSelect IgG blood test |
| Syphilis RPR | LabReqs | $39.00 | RPR test with reflex to titer if positive |
Honest verdict
Verdict
- Best value for broad coverage: HealthLabs' 10-test panel at $139 offers the most thorough coverage at a competitive price point. Jason Health's 8-panel ($123, fee-inclusive) is also strong if you don't need the same scope.
- For targeted testing (post-exposure or specific infection): Order individual tests rather than a panel to keep costs down and get the right tests. See STD testing after exposure for guidance on timing and which tests to order after a potential exposure.
- HIV alone: HealthLabs ($49) and Walk-In Lab ($49) are the most affordable for an HIV-only test.
All STD testing pages
STD Panel Cost Comparison (2026)
Detailed side-by-side pricing for all major portals' STD panels — with what each panel actually includes.
Compare prices →STD Testing After Possible Exposure
Window periods, which tests to order, timing guidance, and honest pricing for post-exposure scenarios.
Read the guide →STD / STI Testing Basics Guide
Blood vs. urine tests, window periods, CDC screening recommendations, and how confidential testing works.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Are online STD test results confidential?
Yes. Online lab portals are HIPAA-covered entities, and test results are delivered to your secure online account. Results are not shared with employers or insurance companies for direct-to-consumer (self-pay) orders. Positive results for certain infections may require reporting to local health departments depending on state law — this happens at the lab level, not through the portal notifying third parties.
How long does an STD test take to get results?
Most portals deliver STD results within 1–3 business days after the sample is collected. Turnaround varies slightly by portal and test type. HIV RNA early detection tests may take a few days longer due to the more complex assay.
What does "4th generation HIV test" mean?
A 4th generation (or "duo") HIV test detects both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen — a protein present during early infection before antibodies fully develop. It has a shorter window period than older antibody-only tests: typically 18–45 days after exposure. Most modern HIV tests ordered through online portals are 4th generation.
Should I order a panel or individual tests?
If you want broad screening without a specific exposure in mind, a panel (like HealthLabs' 10-test at $139) is convenient and often cheaper than building individually. If you had a specific exposure — for example, unprotected sex with a known partner — you may want targeted testing with timing appropriate to each infection's window period. See STD testing after exposure for post-exposure guidance.
Sources
- CDC — STI Screening Recommendations — https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm
- CDC — STI Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates — https://www.cdc.gov/sti/php/communication-resources/prevalence-incidence-and-cost-estimates.html
- MedlinePlus — STI Tests — https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sexually-transmitted-infection-sti-tests/
- WHO — Sexually Transmitted Infections — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- Provider pricing sourced from each provider's public website, May 2026.