What Is Included in a Full STD Panel?
A full STD panel typically includes HIV (1/2 antibody-antigen), syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis B and C — six core tests. Comprehensive versions add herpes I/II IgG, trichomoniasis, and sometimes Mycoplasma genitalium. Even 'full' panels usually exclude throat/rectal swabs and HPV unless requested — know what your panel skips before trusting its all-clear.
What's inside a standard 10-test panel
| Test | Method | Detects |
|---|---|---|
| HIV 1/2 Ab + Ag (4th gen) | Blood | HIV infection from ~18–45 days |
| Syphilis screen (RPR) + confirm | Blood | Treponemal antibodies ~3–6 weeks post-exposure |
| Chlamydia NAAT | Urine | C. trachomatis DNA |
| Gonorrhea NAAT | Urine | N. gonorrhoeae DNA |
| Hepatitis B surface antigen | Blood | Active HBV infection |
| Hepatitis C antibody | Blood | HCV exposure |
| Herpes I IgG | Blood | Past HSV-1 acquisition |
| Herpes II IgG | Blood | Genital-dominant HSV-2 antibodies |
| Trichomoniasis NAAT | Urine/swab | T. vaginalis |
| Hepatitis A (sometimes) | Blood | HAV exposure/vaccination status |
Typical pricing: $99–$250 depending on breadth — see cost comparisons.
What even full panels skip
- Extragenital sites: urine tests miss throat and rectum — oral/anal exposure demands site swabs (why it matters).
- HPV: no approved male test exists; cervical screening follows separate Pap/co-test intervals (Pap vs STI testing).
- Mycoplasma genitalium: increasingly offered but still selective due to resistance stewardship.
- BV/yeast panels: women's vaginal-health panels run separately from STI screens.
- HIV RNA early detection: standard 4th-gen misses the first ~two weeks; add RNA when recent exposure matters.
The honest disclaimer every panel carries: herpes blood tests can't date infections or predict outbreaks; positive HSV results need thoughtful interpretation (herpes context here).
Customizing to your actual exposure
Match the panel to reality rather than buying blind breadth:
- Oral exposure? → add pharyngeal swabs.
- Anal exposure? → rectal swabs non-negotiable.
- Within 2 weeks of a specific incident? → add HIV RNA.
- Planning pregnancy? → confirm hepatitis B immunity status alongside.
- Symptoms present? → targeted symptom panels plus examination beat generic bundles.
Build timing around windows via the chart, then pick your venue in where to test.
Frequently asked questions
Sources & further reading
- 📚 CDC — Screening recommendations by risk — www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm
- 📚 ASHA — Testing guidance — www.ashasexualhealth.org