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Find a Local Lab →A full STD panel is the simplest way to get tested when you are not sure what you were exposed to. But “full” is a marketing word, not a medical one, and panels differ. This guide shows exactly what the common panels include, what they leave out, who needs which, and when to take them.
The 10-test panel
The standard comprehensive panel covers the ten infections most people need checked:
| Test | Sample | Detectable from |
|---|---|---|
| HIV 1 & 2 (4th generation antigen/antibody) | Blood | 18–45 days |
| Syphilis | Blood | 3–6 weeks |
| Chlamydia | Urine | 1–2 weeks |
| Gonorrhea | Urine | 1–2 weeks |
| Herpes 1 (HSV-1) IgG | Blood | 12+ weeks |
| Herpes 2 (HSV-2) IgG | Blood | 12+ weeks |
| Hepatitis A | Blood | 2–7 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | Blood | 6 weeks |
| Hepatitis C | Blood | 8–9 weeks |
Ten tests, one urine sample, one blood draw, about 5 minutes at the lab. $139 through private online testing, results in 1 to 2 days.
The 13-test panel
Adds three tests to the ten above:
- Trichomoniasis (urine): the most common curable STI, missing from most standard panels. Worth adding for anyone with vaginal exposure or unexplained discharge.
- Mycoplasma genitalium (urine): an increasingly recognized cause of urethritis and cervicitis that does not show up on other tests.
- HIV RNA early detection (blood): detects HIV from about 10 days after exposure, weeks before an antibody test can.
$259. Choose this if the exposure was recent and you want the earliest possible HIV answer, or if you have symptoms that chlamydia and gonorrhea might not explain.
What no panel includes
- HPV. No general HPV test exists for men, and for women it is part of cervical screening, not STD panels.
- Throat and rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea. Urine tests only detect genital infection. After oral or anal exposure, ask a clinic for site-specific swabs.
- Bacterial vaginosis and yeast. Common causes of discharge that are not STIs; diagnosed at a clinic.
- Pubic lice and scabies. Diagnosed by examination.
Which panel do you need?
- New partner, no symptoms, general peace of mind: 10-test panel at 6 weeks after the most recent exposure, with a herpes retest at 12 weeks if herpes is a concern.
- Recent high-risk exposure and you want the earliest HIV answer: 13-test panel, or the 10-test panel plus the HIV RNA test on its own ($129).
- Symptoms now: 13-test panel now (trich and mycoplasma are common culprits when chlamydia and gonorrhea are negative), then retest the bacterial infections at 2 weeks and HIV and syphilis at 6 weeks if the first round was negative.
- You know exactly what you were exposed to: skip the panel and order the individual tests. See the cost guide for per-test prices.
- Routine screening every 6 to 12 months: 10-test panel is the usual choice; add trich if you have vaginal exposure.
Timing: when to take the panel
Each test has its own window period, so the timing of a single panel is a compromise:
- 2 weeks after exposure: chlamydia and gonorrhea reliable; everything else too early.
- 6 weeks: chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV (4th gen), syphilis, and hepatitis B reliable. The best single date for a full panel.
- 12 weeks: herpes antibody and hepatitis C reliable; conclusive for everything.
If you can only test once, 6 weeks. If you have symptoms or high anxiety, test now for the early answer and again at 6 weeks.
Reading panel results
Each test is reported separately. Negative means not detected at that time; if you tested before a window closed, that result is not final. Positive results come with a doctor consultation through private testing, and treatable infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich, mycoplasma, syphilis) can be prescribed for where appropriate. Herpes and hepatitis positives get explanation and referral; HIV positives are confirmed with a follow-up test and connected to treatment.
Panel cost comparison
| Where | 10-test equivalent | Results | On insurance record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private online lab | $139 | 1–2 days | No |
| Urgent care | $200–$400 | 2–5 days | Yes |
| Doctor’s office | $150–$400 (screening may be free with insurance) | 2–7 days | Yes |
| Mail-in kit | $150–$250 | 5–7 days | No |
| Health department | Free to sliding scale (menu varies) | Days to 2 weeks | No |
The bottom line: a full STD panel is ten tests for $139 or thirteen for $259, taken 6 weeks after exposure for the most reliable single result, with a herpes retest at 12 weeks for a complete answer. It does not cover HPV or throat and rectal infections, so ask for swabs when those apply.
Frequently asked questions
What does a full STD panel test for?
The standard 10-test panel covers HIV 1 and 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes 1, herpes 2, and hepatitis A, B, and C. A 13-test panel adds trichomoniasis, mycoplasma genitalium, and the HIV RNA early-detection test.
How much is a full STD panel?
$139 for the 10-test panel and $259 for the 13-test panel through private online testing, with no insurance. At urgent care or a doctor's office the same tests typically cost $200 to $400 once the visit and lab fees are added.
What is not included in a full STD panel?
HPV (no general test exists), throat and rectal swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine only detects genital infection), bacterial vaginosis, and yeast. Ask a clinic for site-specific swabs if you have had oral or anal exposure.
When should I take a full STD panel after exposure?
For a single test, 6 weeks after exposure catches chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis reliably. For a complete picture, add a herpes retest at 12 weeks. If you have symptoms, test now and again at 6 weeks.
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See Tests & Prices →This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an evaluation by a licensed clinician. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, seek care promptly. RapidSTDTests.com is an informational referral website and may be compensated when you order testing through our links.