Self-Directed Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Students with sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms should see a clinician to discuss the best tests and treatment options. Call 831-459-2500 for an appointment or visit our Same Day Care department.   

At UCSC a student concerned about STIs who has no symptoms can go the Health Center lab and order testing for sexually transmitted infections without seeing a clinician. Here is the process:

1. 1. Determine the tests you need:
      • Self-directed testing is available for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphillis.
      • The order form reviews the basic recommendations for testing
      • If you need more information before you decide what tests you would like:
        • CDC
        • Planned Parenthood
        • SHOP
   2. Test the right body parts:
      • Some of these tests can be done with either a urine test or a vaginal swab. A vaginal swab is more accurate. You do not need to do both a urine and a vaginal swab. 
      • Gonorrhea can be transferred with oral sex. If you need a throat swab for gonorrhea see a nurse in Same Day Care who can swab your throat. Ask reception for a “swab it” visit. 
      • If you are having anal sex you may need to do rectal swab.  
   3. Test at the right time:
      • We recommend three weeks between unprotected sex and testing.  Testing prior to this time is not considered accurate.
      • For more information about when to test, watch this video
   4. Understand the costs:
      
      • For students with UCSHIP and no symptoms, these tests are completely covered by your insurance.
      • For students with Cruz Care or have waived UC SHIP, these tests cost money. Learn more about the costs here. Fees are posted to your student account. 
   5. Complete the order form:
      • Go to your Health E-messenger, click Messages on the menu, select new message, select Self Directed STI Testing
      • Complete the questionnaire and submit.
   6. Go to the Lab:
      • Self-directed testing is available during these hours.
      • Be patient: our lab is busy and sometimes patients with serious health problems will be called into the lab before someone who is waiting for STI testing.
      • You will be able to collect your own vaginal or rectal swab in our private lab bathroom. 

A word about Herpes:

• Herpes blood tests are not offered for self-directed testing.
• Herpes blood tests can be falsely positive. This means the test can indicate that a person has been exposed to herpes but the test can be wrong. 
• For these reasons we do not recommend herpes blood tests.
• For more information about herpes

A word about Student Health Outreach and Promotion(SHOP):

• FREE and anonymous rapid HIV testing (results in 20 minutes)

• Condoms (cheap prices!)

• Assistance with contraception education and appointments

• Reproductive health information and resources

• Pregnancy tests, lube, dental dams and gloves (cheap prices!)