Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing

Testing options at Decker Student Health Services Center

  • Free testing
    • Gonorrhea and Chlamydia  
      We use the binx io test.  This test is only approved for use on vaginal collected swabs or urine samples for students with a penis.  It cannot be used for throat or anal testing (see “Other Testing” below).
    • HIV  
      We use the Oraquick HIV Rapid Test on a blood sample obtained by fingerpick.  See last page and the heading “HIV Testing.”
    • Trichomonas
      We are able to perform a vaginal swab to look for trichomonas using a microscope.
  • Other testing

    Using your health insurance, the DSHSC can order any other STI test that is necessary and send it to an outside lab. 

    • Molecular testing for genital, oral or anal gonorrhea and chlamydia
    • Blood testing for HIV 1/2 antibodies plus antigen
    • Molecular testing for trichomonas
    • Blood testing for syphillis
    • Molecular testing for herpes
    • Molecular testing for mycoplasma and/or ureaplasma infections

Testing recommendations

The Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) offers a broad range of services for sexual health. An important part of these services are devoted to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If you have symptoms

Make an appointment at the Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) and get tested immediately.  Schedule an appointment by going to the patient portal, select the clinic “Decker Student Health Services Center,” then the appointment reason that fits your symptoms best.

If you are without symptoms

  • All sexually active adults and adolescents from age 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
  • If you have a vagina and you are younger than 25 years you should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once a year.  Those who have more than one partner in a year should consider getting tested more often.
  • If you have a vagina, you are 25 years or older, and you have risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has had an STI, you should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once a year.
  •  If you have a penis and you are gay, bisexual, or have sex with other people with penises you should:
    • Get tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently (e.g. every 3 to 6 months).
    • Get tested at least once a year for HIV,  and you may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
  • Anyone who engages in sexual behaviors that could place them at risk for infection or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
  • People who have had oral or anal sex should talk with their healthcare provider about throat and rectal testing options.
  • You can make an appointment for asymptomatic STI screening at the DSHSC by going to the patient portal, selecting the appointment reason “Sexually Transmitted Infection Without Symptoms – In-person Appointment.”

Should I consider making an appointment discuss pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Each of the medical providers at the DSHSC are able to prescribe PrEP. It is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use when you have a continuing risk of exposure to HIV. 

The DSHSC recommends making an appointment to discuss PrEP if you engage in any of the following behaviors: 

You have had anal or vaginal sex in the last six months AND

    • You have not consistently used a condom, OR
    • You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the last six months, OR 
    • You have a sexual partner with HIV

You inject drugs AND

    • You have an injection partner with HIV, OR 
    • You share needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment

You have been prescribed post-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PEP) AND

    • You have continued risk behavior, OR 
    • You have used multiple courses of PEP

You wish to start PrEP even if none of these risk factors apply to you.

More information

STI prevention information (CDC)

STI information (NYSDOH)

STI testing - what to expect

STI frequently asked questions

Decker Student Health Services Center PrEP information