The 5 Best STD Testing Centers in Calgary That’ll Prioritize Your Comfort and Well-Being over Everything Else
STD testing centers don’t seem to have the best reputation out there, with most people feeling too nervous to go. But according to a dear friend, it’s far from what most of us imagine.
As soon as she finished her appointment, she realized that there was nothing to worry or feel embarrassed about. It was apparently so easy that she even convinced me to book one of my own.
Well, it just so happens that Calgary is lucky enough to have a lot of good options. These are the places you should check out.
How much do STD testing services cost in Calgary?
Most STD testing services are typically free in Calgary, as long as you have a valid Alberta Health Care card. However, private clinics or mobile options can fetch up to $150 per individual.
1. Scrubs Health
Address: Holy Cross Centre, 2204 2 St SW M100
Phone: +1 855 833 3339
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Scrubs Health is the perfect choice for those who need their lab work done pronto. Even though they’re popular, most people still get appointments as soon as the day after they call.
This is why they’ve become everyone’s go-to for all types of diagnostics. For STD testing, you can go for their basic package, which checks for gonorrhea and chlamydia, or opt for the comprehensive one that includes HIV and hepatitis.
We think it’s nice that they can offer these as mobile services for those who wish to be discreet. According to clients, their staff is always punctual, and the whole thing is usually done in under 10 minutes.
If you’re lucky, you might even get your results on the same day.
But if you’re not, you’re probably going to be disappointed with their customer service. It seems they occasionally forget to notify patients when their results are ready and seldom respond to voicemails asking about it.
An extremely valuable and efficient service
“Booking was super easy online. Super convenient to be able to continue doing work right up to the minute they arrive. No long waits in a waiting room. Nurse arrived right on schedule and was done within 10 minutes of arrival. Pleasant and professional. Explained how to check results online within 24 hrs . An extremely valuable and efficient service. Thanks again.”
Wade Stewart, Google Review
My appointment today was seamless
“My appointment today with Scrubs was seamless. The technician was on time, patient, was able to find my vein first try (which never happens with me), and get my blood work completed in under 5 minutes, with a smile on her face, and while making me feel comfortable. I will absolutely use their services again because getting to a lab is incredibly difficult for me, and this service just made my life so much easier and less chaotic.”
Kayla McCauley, Google Review
2. Calgary Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic – Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
Address: 1213 4 St SW
Phone: +1 403 955 6500
Business Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM
- Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Friday, Saturday – 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
The Calgary Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre provides a wide range of support for various sexual health concerns. They have it all, from contraceptives to counseling.
You can go to them to test for essentially any type of STD, and what’s even better is that they offer treatment options, too. They usually recommend booking an appointment ahead of time, but you can just walk in if you don’t mind waiting a bit.
Although this isn’t a common complaint, we feel the need to warn you that you might be taken aback by some of the nurses. There have been a few instances where they’ve given unsolicited opinions.
But for the most part, clients love the staff at this place, especially the doctors. So many patients have shared how they felt safe, cared for, and respected, regardless of their age and concerns.
I had an amazing experience at this clinic
“I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Ren was my nurse and they treated me with kindness and a lot of reassurance. I had Farah as my Doctor and she was patient with me (and all my babbling) answering all my questions. Both the lovely humans I met today treated me with the upmost respect. The clinic was clean and tidy. Everyone was very nice that I met in-between as well! 10/10 reccomend! ❤️”
Roxanne Hawkes, Google Review
The staff were incredibly kind, patient, and attentive
“I visited because of an STI concern, and the staff were incredibly kind, patient, and attentive. They listened to all my concerns, let me lead the conversation, laughed at my jokes, and comforted my worries. I didn’t feel at all judged. They took are of me for more than just my immediate drop in concern, and (with my consent) looked into my medical history, and got me into an HPV vaccine program since I had missed those shots when I was a teenager. The service was totally free, and there was very little wait time even for a drop in. Really happy with this location, I would highly recommend it.”
Isaac Workman, Google Review
3. Rapid Test & Trace Canada
Address: 2841B 39 St SW
Phone: +1 647 692 0755
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Rapid Test & Trace Canada is the number one source of test kits in the city. They have a large selection of diagnostic devices, including ones for COVID, fertility, and STIs.
What makes these sets especially convenient is that they’re definitely confidential and typically reveal results within 1 to 2 minutes. Just collect a drop of your blood and follow the instructions in the box to see for yourself.
There’s one catch, though, which is that these products take a long time to arrive. Some clients have even had to follow up weeks after purchasing online.
Thankfully, their customer support is stellar and very responsive. They’ll even add a discount if your order takes more than a month in transit.
And if you’re really in a time crunch, we think you’ll appreciate their virtual consultations. You’ll be quickly connected to a practitioner who can provide certificates for purposes like traveling in less than an hour.
Excellent customer service
“Excellent customer service! I had a concern regarding an item I had ordered online, and was pleasantly surprised with their timely reply and quick resolution of the issue. Well done Rapid Test and Trace Canada!”
Donna Czosnek, Google Review
Great selection and impressive pricing
“Great selection, impressive pricing and all my orders were delivered super fast! Their customer service is also really friendly and helpful the one time I contacted them to ask some questions and get advice on choosing the right test.”
David McMichael, Google Review
4. Calgary Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic – Sunridge Professional Centre
Address: 2675 36 St NE #406
Phone: +1 403 944 7666
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
If you feel anxious about getting tested, I recommend going to the Calgary Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic at Sunridge Professional Centre. You won’t find kinder and more caring staff anywhere else.
So many people talk about how comfortable they were during their appointments, thanks to the doctors and the nurses who explained everything in detail. These experts work hard to make each procedure quick and painless.
It’s also a huge plus that they can squeeze in the people who only need to get tests done. They often accommodate walk-ins who want to get screened for any type of STD within an hour of their arrival.
But if that’s not your only reason for visiting, you won’t be happy. It’s common to wait for hours for their other services.
We think it’s still worth it, though, since this place offers plenty of good sexual health resources. Apart from diagnostics, they also provide STD treatment, free supplies, and confidential counseling.
Fantastic team at this location
“Fantastic team at this location! First time going here and loved it from the time I came in till I left! Robi(y)n did the first few tests and kept me laughing and talking the whole time and then Dr. Luft was amazing! We chatted about a few things made the test process simple and not awkward at all! Will definitely return here for future tests if need be! Keep up the fantastic work!”
Timothy Rose, Google Review
So grateful this resource exists
“I had an absolutely amazing experience here. Without getting into too many details, I just want to say that if you need support for something a bit personal or potentially uncomfortable, this is the place to go. The doctor and nurses were kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They made me feel at ease, answered all my questions, and the whole process was quick and completely pain-free. I’ve never felt this comfortable in a medical setting before. Huge thanks to the staff! Bonus: it’s a walk-in clinic with really convenient hours. So grateful this resource exists.”
Davina Johnsen, Google Review
5. Direct Health Solutions
Address: Regus One Executive Place, 1816 Crowchild Trail NW #700
Phone: +1 403 973 3188
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Those who want a personalized healthcare experience should look no further than Direct Health Solutions. With their mobile services, you can get a variety of health assessments in the comfort of your own home.
Their STD screenings cover conditions like chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. In the event that you test positive, their experts will connect you with facilities that can provide treatment and support.
Unlike other places, there’s no rush to quickly finish your appointment. Your schedule covers an hour, so you’ll have time to bring up your concerns and ask any questions you want.
Their knowledgeable staff would be happy to discuss all healthcare matters with you, including options and alternative medicine. And since they’ll be in your home, they really get to know your lifestyle and preferences.
That being said, these home visits aren’t covered by a healthcare card, so be prepared to shell out quite a bit of money.
At home blood work without the waiting and stress
“At home blood work without the waiting and stress! We have been using Direct Health Solutions for years because my child with special needs is not successful in any other setting. Our nurse Danielle shows up on time, she is proficient in the procedure and the whole visit takes less than 10 minutes. Danielle can also do flu shots and other vaccines in one appointment. We are so fortunate to have this option. Thank you!”
Lina Dilov, Google Review
I give them a solid 5 out of 5
“Direct Health Solutions – Prompt – Friendly Professional – Affordable. Finally, I have found health professionals who care. I just had Danielle, the Phlebotomist come to my downtown condo suite to take blood for an upcoming Hematologist appointment. Danielle is professional and extremely friendly. As she took my bloodwork, we chatted about a number of things – all of which made me feel calm and cared for. Direct Health Solutions is very affordable and crucial if you can’t leave your home or workplace for your medical needs. I give Direct Health Solutions a solid 5 out of 5. For Danielle, I would give her a higher rating if that were possible.”
Scott Korek, Google Review