Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is a routine service offered by Student Health Services. It’s very common for students to come in for an STI testing appointment, and we encourage all sexually active students to have an STI panel performed yearly. You may want to test more often if you have a new partner, multiple partners, or frequent encounters.

Our Wednesday STI Clinic is a great option for routine visits, but if you have any concerning symptoms or it doesn’t work for your schedule, you can access STI testing any time student Health Services is open.

How to Get Tested:

The first step is to make an appointment by calling Student Health Services at 401-863-3953. Call and say hello, I’d like to schedule an STI testing appointment. The Health Services staff member will ask for your name, date of birth, and whether the appointment is routine or if you have had any known STI exposure or symptoms. The staff member will then assist you in scheduling an appointment. 

At Your Appointment:

STI testing can consist of bloodwork, urine tests, throat and/or self vaginal swabs. It’s helpful to drink water at least an hour before your appointment in case you need a urine test. 

During your appointment we can also discuss contraception methods, and some of the extensive resources available at Brown such as, BWell’s, Ship N Shag which allows you to order condoms to be shipped to your dorm room.

Insurance for Lab Tests:

We’ll also talk about what health insurance you have. If you have the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), your tests will be fully covered, and can be conducted by the Brown University Health laboratory (formerly LifeSpan) on the ground floor of our building. You'll provided you with a urine cup and/or swabs, instructions for collecting your samples, and a bag so  you can discreetly carry your samples to the lab. At the lab you’ll simply provide your name and they will take your samples, and complete blood work if needed.

If you have another insurance plan, you may want to contact them to know what laboratory services will be covered and if there is any out-of-pocket cost. If Brown University Health is an in network lab for your insurance, you can use the lab in our building, if not, we will provide you with lab orders that you can take anywhere for testing.

Read more about lab testing in the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Your Results:

It typically takes 24-48 hours to get lab results. If your test is negative you’ll receive a notification via secure messaging in the Student Health Services Patient Portal. If any of your tests are positive, we will call you to discuss treatment options. Even with a positive test, there is no need to panic! Most STIs can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics. We can also help expedite treatment for partners you may have exposed by offering you a second prescription to give to your partner. For some STIs the recommended treatment includes retesting after a certain amount of time. 

Additional Options & Questions:

You can text the Sexual Health Awareness Group (SHAG) any STI-related questions by texting keyword SHAG to 401-234-0771 to connect with a trained peer educator.

If you have any additional questions about the testing process or insurance coverage, call Student Health Services at 401-863-3953, which is featured on the back of your Brown ID.

If you do not want to be tested at Student Health Services, visit the BWell Health Promotion website for off-campus STI testing options.