Mountain West · STD Testing
STD Testing in Montana
STD Testing can be ordered without a referral from your own doctor, and this guide covers what to expect. STD testing checks for common sexually transmitted infections using blood, urine, or swab samples. It helps you know your status and get appropriate care if needed.
Lab requirements in Montana
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the STD Testing in MT. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Preparation varies depending on which tests are being done; some may require you to avoid urinating for a certain time before giving a urine sample, while blood tests may not need special…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Preparation varies depending on which tests are being done.
- some may require you to avoid urinating for a certain time before giving a urine sample, while blood tests may not need special preparation. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the laboratory that will collect your sample.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
STD testing refers to a group of laboratory tests that look for evidence of sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and others. Depending on which infections are being checked, the test may involve blood, urine, or a swab from the affected area. A clinician or public health guidelines can help determine which tests are appropriate for you.
What it measures
- Chlamydia — Detects the bacteria that cause chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Gonorrhea — Detects the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, which can infect the genital tract, rectum, and throat.
- Syphilis — Detects antibodies or direct evidence of the bacterium that causes syphilis.
- HIV — Detects antibodies or antigens to the virus that causes AIDS.
- Hepatitis B — Detects markers of hepatitis B virus infection.
- Hepatitis C — Detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus.
- Herpes — Detects antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.
- Trichomoniasis — Detects the parasite that causes trichomoniasis, often through a urine or swab sample.
What the test involves
Sample collection depends on the specific tests ordered: many STD tests use a standard blood draw from a vein in your arm, while others require a urine sample or a swab from the throat, rectum, or genital area. The collection process is usually quick and may be done at a laboratory or clinic.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order STD testing if you have symptoms that could suggest an infection, if you have had a potential exposure, or as part of routine sexual health screening. Testing is also commonly done for people who want to know their status or who are starting a new relationship.
Preparation
Preparation varies depending on which tests are being done; some may require you to avoid urinating for a certain time before giving a urine sample, while blood tests may not need special preparation. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the laboratory that will collect your sample.
How results are reported
Results are typically reported as positive or negative for each infection tested, and sometimes include additional information such as viral load or antibody levels. Reference ranges and reporting formats can vary between laboratories, so your results should be interpreted in the context of the lab that performed the test.
Before you go
- Which specific STD tests are included in the panel you are ordering.
- Whether any special preparation, such as avoiding urination before a urine test, is needed.
- How and when you will receive your results, and whether a follow-up visit is required.
Cities
STD Testing in Montana communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.