STI Testing

When should I test? In general, test before starting a new sexual relationship (“pre”) and after any unprotected sex (“post”).

At different times, risk of transmission of certain illnesses may be higher in specific populations, or through specific practices. If there are data that indicates increased risk for you by population or practice, your provider may recommend additional frequency of testing or other prevention regimens (such as vaccination or PrEP).

All people under the age of 25 who are sexually active, especially with a new partner, are recommended to get test for chlamydia, as well as know their HIV status. Tests for gonorrhea and syphilis may be recommended by practices or population.

See the card below for instructions on making an appointment in MySHR for self-directed testing.

If you do not have any symptoms, this is a good option for you. If you are experiencing symptoms, please make an appointment to consult a clinician. If you have survived a sexual assault, please ask for a Confidential Advocate, who will provide support services and options to you (this is a 24/7 service). Call 213-740-9355 (WELL); you can also use the secure message feature in MySHR to reach a Confidential Advocate.

Yes. HIV testing has no out-of-pocket costs for students. SHIP/Aetna students are covered through their plan, and students who are not in this plan are paid for through their participation in the Student Health Fee.
Yes. For more accurate results, HIV testing is recommended at the 4-week mark, post-exposure. Chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended 1-2 weeks post-exposure. Syphilis is recommended up to 4 weeks post exposure. Avoid testing too early.
No. Self-directed testing just involves answering screening questions in MySHR, and then heading to the lab to collect your samples.
At different times, illnesses can be circulating more rapidly in populations, so specific communities can be at elevated risk of exposure. Information about recent partners and circumstances can help your provider assess the right tests for you. Practices can help assess routes of potential exposure in your body for a pathogen to have entered.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing (genital contact) involves urine samples in a collection cup. Chlyamydia and gonorrhea testing (anal sex, as the receiving contact partner) requires an anal swab. Gonorrhea (oral sex, as the receiving contact partner) requires a throat swab. HIV and syphilis testing require a blood sample collection.
Your lab results will be available in MySHR, typically in three business days. Resulting time may vary due to high volume at the laboratories.
Send a secure message in MySHR to the Advice Nurse, this is the fastest and most secure way to get in touch with the medical care team.

There are rapid testing kits (oral swab, finger stick) and one at- home test kit approved by the FDA (oral swab) that are available for use. If taken within a correct window of time for detection of antigens or antibodies, they can be used as a method of knowing your HIV status. Learn about the different types of HIV tests from the CDC. A positive test result from a rapid test should always be followed by laboratory tests to confirm results. USC student on the campuses, through USC Student Health, have access to higher accuracy laboratory-based testing, so are encouraged to use these services. These lab tests are covered through SHIP/Aetna or the Student Health Fee (SHF), and have no out-of-pocket costs to students. If you have had a recent exposure to HIV (within 72 hours) contact Student Health to begin a PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) medication regimen to prevent HIV infection. If you receive a confirmed positive test result, your provider can discuss medication regimens to suppress your viral load so that it is undetectable, and with continued medication, untransmittable (U = U).

Your medical provider will start you on treatment—for the most common infections, gonorrhea and chlamydia, there are simple medications that will be prescribed for you. Your provider can even give you prescriptions for your partner/s, called expedited partner therapy (EPT) to they can also begin treatment right away. Telling your partner/s can be difficult and bring up strong emotions; these conversation starters can help.

STI Testing and Insurance Coverage

Under USC SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan, provided through Aetna), sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is covered under preventive screening and as also as part of clinical care diagnosis. Tiers 1 & 2 are 100% coverage, no deductible applies. [USC Student Health and other Keck Medicine of USC entities are Tier 1 providers.] Tier 3 is 50% coverage, deductible applies. Students enrolled in USC SHIP can receive unlimited STI screenings without patient cost share.

What this means for SHIP/Aetna policy members:

1) Routine screening STI testing that is recommended annually is covered, without cost to the patient. Tier designation of provider applies. [USC Student Health and other Keck Medicine of USC entities are Tier 1 providers.]

2) Additional frequency of testing as part of clinical care for potential exposure is covered, without cost to the patient, as this testing is part for diagnosis services (medical visit or consultation). Tier designation of provider applies. [USC Student Health and other Keck Medicine of USC entities are Tier 1 providers.] Exposure through unplanned unprotected sex, or as part of a prophylactic regimen for individuals in populations with higher risk of exposures, such as people on PrEP medications.

HIV Testing

HIV testing, both annual routine testing and as part of an HIV prevention regimen, is available to all students without out-of-pocket costs.

Note for students on all insurance plans:

• Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all insurance plans must cover HIV testing for everyone ages 15-65. Coverage for other STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, may vary, but these tests are often part of your preventive care benefits.

Additional resources in LA County (including for partners who are non-students):

• AHF Los Angeles is a leading nonprofit that offers STI testing and access to treatment; testing services are at no cost to patients. Locations, including mobile testing vans, are available throughout Los Angeles and at locations nationally.

• Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health provides an online pocket guide to free reproductive and sexual health hotlines and services.