Question 1

What's included in the STI Comprehensive Panel?

Accepted Answer

[HIV 4th-Gen](/tests/hiv-test), [Syphilis with confirmation](/tests/syphilis-test), [Chlamydia + Gonorrhea NAAT](/tests/chlamydia-gonorrhea), [Hepatitis B](/tests/hepatitis-b-test), [Hepatitis C](/tests/hepatitis-c-test), [HSV-1 + HSV-2](/tests/herpes-hsv-1-2). 7 individual tests covering the major bacterial, viral, and protozoal STIs.

Question 2

How is this different from the STI Basic Panel?

Accepted Answer

[STI Basic Panel](/tests/sti-basic-panel) at $85 has 3 tests (HIV, Syphilis, Hep C). Comprehensive at $249 adds Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (the two most common bacterial STIs), Hepatitis B, and Herpes — the complete workup recommended for new-partner screening or annual MSM testing.

Question 3

Should I include herpes testing?

Accepted Answer

CDC actually recommends AGAINST routine HSV screening in asymptomatic adults — false-positive rates are high and the psychological cost outweighs the clinical benefit. If you've never had genital ulcers, consider ordering [STI Basic Panel](/tests/sti-basic-panel) + [Chlamydia/Gonorrhea](/tests/chlamydia-gonorrhea) + [Hep B](/tests/hepatitis-b-test) instead of the full Comprehensive (which forces HSV testing).

Question 4

How soon after exposure should I test?

Accepted Answer

Different timeframes per pathogen: Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (1-2 weeks), HIV 4th-gen (2-4 weeks), Syphilis (3-6 weeks), Hep B/C (8-12 weeks), HSV antibodies (4-12 weeks). For complete post-exposure screening, test initial + repeat at 6 weeks + 3 months.

Question 5

How much does the STI Comprehensive Panel cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

On TestWell, the STI Comprehensive Panel is $249.99. Ordering the same 7 tests separately would be about $340. Quest Direct lists comparable bundles at $450, walk-in hospital labs typically bill $800-1500 for the same biomarkers without insurance. Free testing is available at community health centers and Planned Parenthood for many of these.

Question 6

Is this anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Your TestWell order is private — only you see your results. Positive results for reportable conditions (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) are reported by the lab to public health per state law, not by TestWell. We don't share data with insurance, employers, or partners.

Question 7

Do I need to fast?

Accepted Answer

No fasting required. For the urine portion (Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT), hold urination for 1-2 hours before sample collection and use first-catch (not midstream) urine.

Question 8

How often should I test?

Accepted Answer

Annually for sexually active adults with stable partners. Every 3-6 months for MSM, anyone with multiple partners, or anyone using PrEP. After any new partner before unprotected sex. After any unprotected exposure with unknown-status partner.

STI Comprehensive Panel

About This Panel

Clinical Use

Who Should Order This

Helps Evaluate

Tests Included in This Panel

Preparation Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Frequently asked questions

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