Waiting for the results of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test can cause considerable anxiety. Healthcare providers will communicate the results to you, whether the outcome is positive or negative. While the specific methods and timelines for notification vary based on the clinic, the type of test performed, and local regulations, a standardized process is always followed. This ensures you receive the necessary health information for prompt action and appropriate medical management.
How Results Are Communicated
The method your clinic uses to communicate test results often depends on the outcome. Negative results, indicating no infection was detected, are frequently delivered through a secure patient portal or an automated message system. You should always confirm your clinic’s specific policy at the time of testing, as some clinics only contact patients for positive results.
If a test yields a positive result, the notification process is more direct and personal. This sensitive information is usually communicated via a phone call from a healthcare professional or requires an in-person follow-up visit. This direct contact ensures you understand the diagnosis and can immediately discuss treatment options and next steps. The typical waiting period for lab-processed results is generally between one and 14 days, though rapid tests for infections like HIV can provide results in as little as 20 minutes.
Privacy Regulations and Who Contacts You
Protecting your personal health information is governed primarily by federal laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA mandates that STD test results are treated as confidential medical information and cannot be shared with family, partners, or employers without your explicit written consent. When contacting you by phone, the provider must take reasonable steps to verify your identity before disclosing results, often by asking for personal identifiers like your date of birth.
The person contacting you will be an authorized member of your healthcare team, such as the ordering physician, a nurse, or a medical assistant. If the infection is legally reportable to public health authorities (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV), a public health official or Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) may also be involved. These officials adhere to the same strict privacy laws and are trained to handle these sensitive conversations.
Action Plan Following a Positive Diagnosis
Upon receiving a positive diagnosis, the conversation with your healthcare provider will immediately shift to an action plan for treatment and management. For bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, the plan involves prescribing a course of antibiotics. You must complete the entire course of medication to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
For viral infections, like herpes or HIV, the focus is on long-term management since these conditions cannot be cured. Treatment involves antiviral medications that suppress the virus, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission. The provider will also schedule a follow-up appointment, often for retesting or monitoring the viral load. This discussion also provides emotional support and answers questions about living with the diagnosis.
Responsibilities Regarding Partner Notification
A necessary part of the action plan is addressing partner notification, sometimes referred to as contact tracing. This process ensures that sexual partners who may have been exposed can get tested and treated, which is crucial for public health and preventing reinfection. You have the option to inform your current and past partners yourself, or you can opt for assistance from the local health department.
If you choose to use the health department’s services, a Disease Intervention Specialist will confidentially reach out to your partners. They will inform the partner that they may have been exposed to an STD and encourage them to seek testing and treatment, but they will not disclose your identity. Some states offer Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT), where a patient receives medication or a prescription to give directly to their partner without a separate medical examination.