Simple and Reliable Sexual Health Screening (STD Test)
Sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs) can occur when bacteria, viruses, or parasites infect the body through sexual contact. While an infection can lead to a disease, being infected does not necessarily mean that the symptoms will be present. Some infections have noticeable signs that can alert to their presence, while others may not exhibit any symptoms at all. The most reliable way to find out if you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection is by an STD test.
Find more details of the STD test packages below to choose the best for your needs, ensuring greater peace of mind about your sexual health. Please also take a moment to read the FAQ at the bottom about when to get tested after a potential exposure, the necessary preparations, and more.
The STD screening process:
For accuracy, we recommend scheduling an STD test at least two weeks after potential exposure to the infection, provided no symptoms appear, as it requires a specific time to be detectable by testing (known as the window period).
Select your required STD test package
Select your preferred STD lab test package below and purchase it through our webshop. Soon after receiving the payment, we will contact you and schedule your STD test appointment.
Get the STD test at FirstMed
Visit FirstMed Budapest, near Széll Kálmán tér, for a quick, 15 to 30-minute appointment for sample collection. Our in-house lab performs or arranges evaluations.
Receive results
You will receive the STD test results by email within 45 minutes (Rapid) or 8 working days (PCR). If you tested positive, you can book a brief follow-up with a doctor (at an additional cost).
FirstMed’s STD tests are laboratory packages that include sample collection and processing them for testing. They do not cover the proper test specification, the indication of an investigation, the establishment of a diagnosis, or the interpretation of the results. If you have any symptoms or questions, book a doctor’s consultation. Based on the examination, the doctor may suggest cultures for laboratory testing and recommend additional tests for a thorough screening.
STD test packages:
STD Panel Quick Test from Blood
The STD Panel Quick Test is a highly sensitive, rapid antibody blood test, which checks for antibodies in the bloodstream as part of the body’s immune response to infection. It can detect the following STDs:
- Syphilis
- HIV (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B (HBV / HBsAg – Hepatitis B virus surface antigen)
- Hepatitis C (anti-HCV)
For optimal accuracy, get tested at least 2-3 weeks after potential exposure to effectively reveal HIV, and again 2-3 weeks later for detecting syphilis and hepatitis B and C.
STD quick blood testing procedure:
- Our lab staff takes a blood sample during a 15-minute visit.
- Our lab performs the evaluation.
- You get the preliminary lab results electronically within 45 minutes.
- A confirmatory evaluation is necessary if the result is positive, which usually takes 5 working days.
STD Panel PCR Test
The STD Panel PCR Test can detect the following infections by identifying specific DNA (genetic material) in a body fluid (non-blood) sample:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- HPV
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
Get an STD PCR test at least 2 weeks after potential infection or earlier in case of any symptoms.
The STD Panel PCR testing procedure:
- Our doctor takes a relevant sample during a brief 15-minute appointment, using a swab.
- Our lab arranges the evaluation by our external partner.
- You will get the test results electronically within 8 working days of your visit.
Before the visit, please read our brief preparation guidelines below.
STD Combo Test package
Comprehensive STD screening, including Quick and PCR tests, available at a reduced combined price.
STD Combo Test price: HUF 86,300
Tested positive for STD? Schedule a follow-up consultation.
Your health and well-being are our top priority. We do not leave you alone if you have tested positive. Return to our clinic, and our doctors will provide tailored medical support. Schedule a focused personal or online STD consultation with one of our general practitioners.
During this brief consultation, our doctor will inform you of potential treatment options and discuss the next steps. They may suggest medication, recommend a follow-up exam, or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment.
STD Follow-up Consultation price: HUF 26,500
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get tested for STDs?
If you believe you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection or disease (STI or STD), it’s better to get tested instead of worrying. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show symptoms, and the only way to confirm an infection is through testing. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases can negatively impact your health, but with the right care and attention, they can be effectively managed. Therefore, regular testing is essential.
Consider getting tested at the same time as your partner to reduce the risk of reinfection and avoid the “ping-pong effect.”
Which is the earliest time to have an STD screening after a potential exposure?
After a potential exposure, you may think you need to get tested immediately. However, it takes time for the immune system to react to an infection, which the STD tests can detect. This is called the ‘window period‘—getting tested too soon could cause a false negative result.
Consider the certain incubation times or window periods when making an appointment for your STD test:
- We recommend getting an STD test the earliest 2-3 weeks after potential exposure to the virus or earlier if you have symptoms.
- Then consider retaking the test 2-3 weeks later, as syphilis, hepatitis B, and C can be revealed only 4-5 weeks after infection.
Note that there is always a risk of a false-negative result. This may originate from a more extended incubation period or a possible sampling error. If your first STD test result is negative, we suggest getting tested again later for reassurance.
How to prepare for the STD testing?
Follow the guidelines below to prepare before getting tested, as they are essential for an accurate STD test result:
- Avoid sexual intercourse in the three days before the screening.
- Women should consider their monthly cycle for making an appointment, as STD sampling cannot be done during menstruation.
- You may eat and drink before the blood test for HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted diseases (but consider the above-mentioned urination restriction). This means you can request an STD screening appointment for the afternoon hours.
- Do not use ointments, medicines, or other substances (e.g,. antifungals) on your genitals from the day before your appointment, and let us know if you are taking antibiotics. These may alter the results of certain STD tests.
- Since STD PCR tests are performed using a swab, there are no restrictions on urination before the test.
For how long can STD tests detect an infection after exposure?
The STD PCR (antibody) test can detect an active infection as long as the pathogen (or its genetic material) remains present. It may turn negative only after successful treatment or viral clearance. If you have been infected at some point but haven’t received treatment, a PCR test can help reveal the presence of the infection.
STD PCR (antigen) tests can detect past infection even years later, so there is no upper limit. Once antibodies develop, they usually remain detectable indefinitely, even long after treatment.
To summarize:
- The STD PCR Test can detect current infections; results are positive as long as the organism is present.
- The STD Rapid Blood (antibody) test detects past or current infection and remains positive indefinitely (after the specific window period).
- There is no fixed “maximum time limit” — the key issue is the aforementioned minimum window period (i.e., how soon after exposure you can reliably test).
What are the most common STD and STI symptoms?
If you suspect a sexually transmitted infection, it’s important to recognize the most common signs and symptoms, such as:
- Sores, warts, or bumps on the body parts that were involved in sexual intercourse;
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis;
- Itching, pain, irritation, and/or swelling in or around the genitals;
- Flu-like symptoms like fever, aches, swelling, and fatigue.
To protect your sexual health and well-being, if you recognize any of these symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. Visit a doctor for a checkup and begin any required treatment immediately.
How the screening is carried out at FirstMed?
The STD testing process involves sample collection and laboratory evaluation, following these steps:
- Taking the sample (by our lab staff or doctors, depending on the test type);*
- Our in-house lab evaluaties the sample, or arranges the evaluation by external lab;
- We send the results by email, by 45 minutes or a week from your appointment, depending on the test type.
- Aftercare: If your test becomes positive, have an additional, focused consultation on the treatment possibilities.
Is it required to have a medical checkup or referral for STD testing?
At FirstMed, we do not require a preliminary medical consultation or a referral for STD testing.
Although you still need to visit a doctor for sample taking before STD PCR tests. Note that this visit is limited to taking the sample and doesn’t include consultation or examination, i.e., the specification of the proper test, the indication of an investigation, the establishment of a diagnosis, or the interpretation of the results.
If you have any symptoms or any questions regarding the testing, make an appointment for a consultation, when the doctor may:
- Check your symptoms, if you have any;
- Recommend the suitable test for your needs,
- Suggest whether/when you should take an STD test;
- Advise on how to prepare for the STD test;
- Recommend or start treatment if your test becomes positive;
- Answer any other questions you might have.
Are the STD test results accurate?
Accuracy of STD Panel Quick and PCR Tests at FirstMed
The rapid blood (antibody-based) and PCR (genetic detection) STD tests offered at FirstMed are highly accurate and reliable, with success rates typically ranging from 95% to 99% when administered properly. However, no test is infallible, and results can sometimes be misleading due to biological or timing factors.
Potential for false negative results
A false negative occurs when you have an STD, but the test incorrectly indicates you’re clear. This is more common if testing happens too soon after exposure, during the “window period”—the time needed for your body to produce detectable antibodies (for rapid blood tests) or genetic material (for PCR tests) (see above).
If your results are negative but symptoms persist (e.g., discharge, sores, or pain), request a medical exam as soon as possible—another condition might be at play, or retesting may be needed.
What should I do if my STD test result is positive?
If you receive a positive test result, inform your partner(s) immediately and consult a doctor. Return to us for a focused STD follow-up visit with one of our experienced general practitioners and begin treatment as soon as possible. Many sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be treated with antibiotics. While some conditions, such as HIV, remain incurable, they can still be effectively managed.
Read more in our STD Quick Guide.
Find more details on certain STDs, symptoms, window periods, and treatment options.
Information on STD Test prices
These special prices cannot be combined with any other special or discounted offer. You may not use them with prices under FirstMed’s Value Card or any FirstMed annual plan or direct billing to insurance service.
In some cases, culture may be needed to determine whether a particular bacterium is resistant to an antibiotic. This is not included in STD test packages and will incur an extra cost.
Cancellation policy
We offer a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate unexpected circumstances. If you need to cancel your appointment, you can do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled time and receive a full refund of your paid STD Test fee. However, cancellations within this period may involve a cancellation surcharge.
