New Private STD Testing Service Geared Towards Students Launched

By Danielle Wirsansky on April 23, 2019

STD’s have been on a four-year rise and common STD’s (including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) have reached epidemic levels. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a record 2.3 million cases of diagnosed STDs in 2017 alone. Studied also showed that half of all new STD cases are acquired by young people between the ages of 15-24. And even more, one in four sexually active adolescents has a sexually transmitted disease.

In order to combat this increasing wave of STD’s, national company Quest Diagnostics has launched three new sexually transmitted disease (STD) laboratory test packages that individuals can purchase online for some of the most prevalent STDs in the United States, according to a recent press release.

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“Our research shows consumers believe that the ability to purchase certain tests and receive results would facilitate better communication with their physicians and improve their health. Greater access to accurate testing, diagnoses, and treatment is particularly critical in sexual and reproductive health, where medications can often quickly cure many common STDs,” said Cathy Doherty, senior vice president and group executive, clinical franchise solutions and marketing, Quest Diagnostics. “With these services, Quest is meeting consumers where they are, empowering them to access and take actions from diagnostic insights to improve their health.”

Part of the issue that Quest Diagnostics is trying to combat is the stigma surrounding STD’s that make young adults hesitant or uncomfortable to discuss STD’s or get tested for them by medical professionals.

“Too many people are not being screened for STDs, and one reason is a reluctance to discuss risk with healthcare providers,” said Damian “Pat” Alagia, III, MD, FACOG, FACS, an OB/GYN and medical director of woman’s health for Quest Diagnostics. “Services that empower individuals to access STD testing extend physician-based care so more people can receive the evaluation and treatment they need.”

To get more information about the service, check out QuestDirect.QuestDiagnostics.com.

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