STD Screening Panel — Expanded

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The CDC reports chlamydia as the most commonly reported STD in the United States. However, some men and most women with chlamydia may never experience symptoms, which makes it underreported and very easy to spread from person to person. For men, testing for chlamydia is usually done with a physician-collected swab; for women, with a physician-collected or self-collected vaginal swab; or, for both men and women, a sample of urine. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. If chlamydia is not treated, it usually does not go away on its own. It can stay within the body for years without symptoms, and may flare up and cause serious complications. In men, untreated chlamydia can spread to the testicles and epididymis (tubes that carry sperm from the testicles). In women, untreated chlamydia can spread to reproductive organs and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy. Infertility may result in both men and women.

Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The CDC reports gonorrhea as the second most commonly reported STD in the United States. However, both men and women may never experience symptoms, which makes it underreported and very easy to spread from person-to-person. It can cause infection in the genitals, throat, and rectum. Testing for genital gonorrhea is usually done with a sample of urine or a penile or vaginal swab. Gonorrhea is easily treatable, but usually will not go away on its own. If gonorrhea is treated early, it is unlikely to lead to complications; however, if it is not treated, it can spread and may cause serious complications. In men, untreated gonorrhea can spread to the testicles and prostate gland. In women, untreated gonorrhea can spread to reproductive organs and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy. Infertility may be a result in both men and women.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Men and women may never experience symptoms of syphilis, which makes it very easy to spread from person to person. It can cause infection in the genitals, throat, and rectum and can lead to sores, rashes, and lesions on your body. Testing for syphilis is usually done with a sample of blood (collected by finger prick). Syphilis is treatable, but usually will not go away on its own. Treatment with antibiotics is very effective; however, if your test results are positive, it is important to start treatment immediately and get tested frequently. If syphilis is not treated, it can cause damage to the brain, eyes, heart, nerves, bones, joints, and liver.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted viral infection. Without treatment, HIV infection may cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks the immune cells and weakens the body's defenses against infection. Initially, men and women infected with HIV may have no or mild symptoms for many years, which makes it easy to spread through unprotected sex. The virus can pass from person to person through contact with HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or blood.Testing for HIV is done with a sample of blood (collected by finger prick). There are 2 types of HIV found in the US, HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common. Our test checks for both types of HIV. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. HIV does not go away on its own. If left untreated, HIV can cause damage to the immune system and may develop into AIDS.

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is spread from person to person by mixing bodily fluids through sexual contact and sharing needles. HBV may affect a baby during childbirth. Approximately 90% of infants who become infected with HBV are likely to develop a chronic infection. Hepatitis B can be a short-term infection for some people, but for many others, it may become a long-term, chronic condition. Initially, HBV can cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, aching joints, persistent fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Chronic infections may significantly impair liver function and lead to serious health conditions, such as severe liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. There is no cure for HBV, but vaccination can prevent infection. HBV antigens cause the body's immune system to react and make antibodies. Screening is performed with a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test that detects whether these HBV-specific antigens are present in the bloodstream. Negative results indicate no antigens were found and may suggest that there is no active or past infection. If HBV antigens are detected, another test, HBV DNA (also known as polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing), is performed. A positive test for HBV DNA is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread through contact with infected blood. HCV can affect infants during childbirth. In some cases, Hepatitis C can be a short-term infection. However, it becomes a long-term, chronic condition for more than half of those with HCV. This infection may significantly impair liver function and can lead to chronic health conditions, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. An antibody test for HCV (also known as anti-HCV tests) is performed to detect whether HCV-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies are present in the bloodstream. A negative anti-HCV test result indicates that a person has never been exposed to the virus. If HCV antibodies are detected, the test is followed by HCV RNA (also known as polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing). A positive test for HCV RNA is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Trichomoniasis is a nonviral sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The CDC reports trichomoniasis as the most common curable STD. Women are more likely to get this infection than men; however, both men and women may never experience symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread from person to person during sex. Trichomonas vaginalis commonly infects the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra in women and inside of the penis in men. Testing for trichomoniasis is done with a sample of urine or a vaginal swab. Collections may differ in men and women. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Untreated, it can stay in the body for years without symptoms and can be passed along to sexual partners without you knowing it. In both men and women, untreated trichomoniasis can lead to inflammation of the genital and urinary organs, infertility, and increased risk of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In pregnant women, trichomoniasis may lead to premature labor and delivery.