Apart from being the largest city in Western New York and the seat of the Erie County, Buffalo is at the very center of the largest STD outbreak ever. The Erie County Department of Health reported 1,371 cases of chlamydia in 2017 while gonorrhea cases rose by 38%. Having said that, 2017 saw a small decline in the number of reported cases of syphilis.
Since education and prevention cannot help with STD outbreaks, it is important to focus on early STD detection and therapy in order to treat the infections and prevent them from spreading.
STD Testing Options In Buffalo, NY
When it comes to specific screening options in Buffalo, NY, you can choose between at-home STD testing, online STD services with clinics, STD testing at clinics, and free/low-cost STD testing.
At-home STD testing is the most convenient STD screening method by far. These providers send personal test kits to your home address and allow you to perform the entire sample collection procedure in the comfort of your home. In other words, you will be able to order a test, collect your sample, and receive your results without leaving your home, waiting in crowded draw centers, and discussing your sexual activities with strangers. Once the laboratory receives your sample, your personal report will be generated in 1-5 days, depending on the test in question.
Online STD testing providers with clinics follow the same testing protocol, but they operate without at-home testing kits. This means you can still order your test online, but you have to visit a physical clinic in order to provide relevant samples. However, you do not have to make any appointments, there is no waiting in lines, and the whole process takes less than 15 minutes. Your report will be available online in 1-5 days and you will remain 100% anonymous.
When it comes to private and state clinics, you will have to make an appointment, the turnaround times are longer due to overcrowded labs, and you will also have to account for some extra expenses like doctor’s fees and copays for prescriptions. The results are rarely available online, so you will have to make a second trip to the clinic in order to inspect your report. Finally, the doctors have to report your results, which then become a part of your permanent health record.
Lastly, some clinics and health centers in Buffalo, NY, offer free STD testing, but they usually implement some type of qualification mechanism (sliding scale) based on your income, visible symptoms, and other relevant factors. Basically, you can only get free STD testing if you have no reportable income or exhibit serious symptoms associated with some of the most common STDs in the US.
| Austin, TX | At-Home STD Testing | Online STD Testing With Clinic | STD Testing At Clinics | Free STD Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $80+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | $24+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | Single tests: $10-$30 w/ insurance; $50-$200 w/o insurance, STD panels: $300-$400 | Free, but you have to qualify |
| Insurance Accepted | N/A | |||
| Sample Collection | Your home | Partnered draw centers | Clinic | Facilities of the testing provider |
| STD Panels Available | ||||
| Appointments | ||||
| Same-Day Testing | Free clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so maybe | |||
| Anonymous Testing | ||||
| Testing Accuracy | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Turnaround Time | 1-5 days | 1-3 days | Up to 2 weeks | Depends on the number of samples in the lab |
| Online results | Rarely | |||
| Free Private Consultations | ||||
| Free Presciptions |
Now that you know all there is about different STD testing options in Buffalo, NY, let us take a look at some of the most prominent providers:
At-Home STD Testing
MyLab Box is a premium online service that allows its users to test potential exposure to STDs without ever leaving their homes. The company features a wide array of reliable FDA-approved single kits and convenient panels and delivers results with 99.99% accuracy in just 1-5 business days. The testing process is 100% discreet and helps you avoid awkward sessions with your doctor, sitting in crowded waiting rooms, and talking about your sex life with strangers.
- True at-home STD testing in Buffalo, NY
- Testing kits made in the US
- CLIA-certified labs in all 50 states
- Free shipping
- Free doctor consultations and prescriptions
- Partnership with more than 1,000 pharmacies nationwide
Online STD Testing With Clinic
STDCheck is one of the best STD testing providers on the market with more than 4,500 testing centers nationwide. Unlike regular clinics, it allows you to place your order online, pick the closest draw center, and provide the relevant sample in just 5 minutes without ever waiting in lines, talking about your symptoms or explaining why you suspect potential exposure to STDs.
- 100% confidential testing
- FDA-approved testing solutions/CLIA-certified labs
- Same-day STD testing/results in 1-2 business days
- Individual tests + panels
- Numerous payment options
- STD Test Recommender
- Free doctor consultations + sessions with care advisors
Some of the STDCheck testing centers in Buffalo, NY include:
Quest Diagnostics
455 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
(Mon-Fri 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM);
1317 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; lunch between 11:300 AM – 12:30 PM);
155 Lawn Ave, Buffalo, NY 14207
(Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; lunch between 12:00 PM and 12:45 PM);
2629 Delaware Ave, Delaware Place Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14216
(Mon-Fri 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sat 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
STD Testing At Clinics
Here are some STD testing clinics available in Buffalo, NY:
Erie County Sexual Health Clinic
608 William St, Buffalo, NY 14206
(Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Confidential STD Testing Centers
455 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
(Mon-Sat 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Evergreen Health
206 S Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tue 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Free STD Testing
If you do not have health insurance and cannot afford STD testing in Buffalo, NY, you may be able to get free screening at:
Planned Parenthood
West Seneca Medical Center – Wimbledon Plaza, 240 Center Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224
(Mon 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tue-Thu 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wed 11:00 Am – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 Am – 1:00 PM)
Planned Parenthood
Buffalo Medical Health Center – 2697 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
(Mon 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tue-Thu 9:00 Am – 5:00 PM; Wed 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri 9:00 Am – 1:00 PM)
Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic
461 William St, Buffalo, NY 14204
(Wed 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)