STD/STI Screening Panel
Blood and urine tests screening for sexually transmitted infections that can affect pregnancy.
📅 When Performed
First prenatal visit, sometimes repeated third trimester
⏱️ Results Timeline
3-7 days
Overview
STD screening is a routine part of prenatal care because many sexually transmitted infections can affect pregnancy and be passed to baby. Even if you've been in a monogamous relationship, screening is recommended as some infections can be dormant for years.
Testing typically includes HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Some providers also test for hepatitis C. Many of these infections have no symptoms but can seriously harm your baby if untreated.
Early detection and treatment of STDs during pregnancy can prevent transmission to baby and reduce complications. Most infections can be safely treated during pregnancy.
🎯 Purpose of Test
- •Screen for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B
- •Test for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- •Prevent transmission to baby
- •Allow treatment during pregnancy
- •Reduce risk of pregnancy complications
- •Ensure healthy pregnancy and delivery
🔬 How It's Performed
- 1.Blood draw tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, sometimes hepatitis C
- 2.Urine sample or vaginal/cervical swab for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- 3.Part of comprehensive first prenatal panel
- 4.Results in 3-7 days
- 5.High-risk women may be retested third trimester
- 6.Confidential results
👀 What to Expect
- →Standard blood draw and urine/swab collection
- →Part of routine prenatal care
- →Results discussed at next appointment or by phone
- →If positive, treatment started immediately
- →Partner treatment also necessary
- →Follow-up testing to confirm cure
- →Third trimester repeat for high-risk women
✓ Normal Results
Negative for all infections tested
⚠️ Abnormal Results
- •Positive result requires immediate treatment
- •HIV: Start antiretroviral therapy, plan for special delivery precautions
- •Syphilis: Penicillin treatment, can cure with early treatment
- •Hepatitis B: Baby receives vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth
- •Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: Antibiotics safe in pregnancy
- •Partner must be treated
- •Repeat testing after treatment
- •Additional monitoring during pregnancy
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
- •No risks from testing
- •Standard blood draw and urine/swab
- •Psychological stress if positive result
- •Stigma concerns (all testing is confidential)
📝 How to Prepare
- →No special preparation
- →Part of first prenatal visit
- →Important regardless of relationship status
- →Honest discussion with provider about risk factors