Navigating STD Testing Options at UCLA

Maintaining sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. For students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), understanding the available resources for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing is essential. This article provides a detailed overview of STD testing options at UCLA, primarily focusing on services offered by The Ashe Center and related research findings.

The Ashe Center: Your Primary Resource

The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center (The Ashe Center) is a primary healthcare resource for UCLA students, offering a wide range of services including STD testing, gynecological exams, and family planning assistance.

Laboratory Services

The Ashe Center's laboratory provides a variety of tests, including self-collection options, ensuring accessibility and convenience for students.

Important Information for Lab Visits

BruinCard: Always bring your BruinCard to your lab appointment.
Appointments: While appointments aren't needed for lab visits, a valid order from an Ashe Center provider is required.
Check-In: Proceed directly to the Lab/Radiology reception window at the rear of the 1st floor.
Test Results: Most blood and urine test results are available on MyStudentChart within three business days. Your provider will contact you if results are sensitive or require further action.

Accessing Your Results

MyStudentChart: Check the Medical Records section of MyStudentChart for your results.
Secure Messaging: Contact your clinician via MyStudentChart for questions or missing results.
Sharing Results: Print your results from MyStudentChart to share with non-Ashe Center clinicians or submit a request to have your medical records sent directly.

Fasting Labs

If your test requires fasting, avoid food and drinks other than water for nine hours prior to your blood test. Continue taking prescription medications as prescribed.

Sharps Disposal

The Ashe Center Lab and Bruin Health Pharmacy do not accept disposable sharps. Instead, use the designated location at the UCLA SAFE Center:

Read also: Find the Best SAT Center

WEST LOS ANGELES UCLA SAFE CENTER: 550 Charles E. Young Dr., LA
Operating Hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 8 AM - 2 PM

Lab Hours

Monday: 8am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 8am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am-12pm, 2pm-4:30pm (Closed 12-2pm)
Thursday: 8am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-4:30pm

It's advisable to call (310) 825-4981 to confirm current hours due to potential staffing changes.

Specific STD Tests: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea PCR

One of the key STD tests offered is the Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR, which is available for various specimen types.

Test Details

Orderable Test Codes: LAB8916 (Genital Swab), LAB8917 (Genital Cytology), LAB8918 (Respiratory Upper), LAB8919 (Urine), LAB8921 (Rectal)
Synonyms: Chlamydia Direct GC PCR, GC Direct, Gonorrhea DNA Detection, LGV DNA
Test Includes: Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae via PCR
Performing Laboratory/Facility: UCLA Healthcare Clinical Laboratory - Brentwood
Availability: Monday - Friday

Use and Limitations

Use: Rapid diagnosis of infections caused by C. trachomatis (e.g., cervicitis, PID, urethritis, nongonococcal urethritis, and sexually transmitted diseases) and N. gonorrhoeae. This test boasts higher sensitivity compared to culture and nonmolecular assays.
Limitations: Not approved for conjunctival and most respiratory specimens. Not suitable as a test of cure or in suspected cases of sexual abuse. A negative result does not exclude infection.

Public Health Reporting

When a specimen tests positive for C. trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the LA County Public Health Morbidity Unit requires a STD Confidential Morbidity Report to be completed by both the performing laboratory and the Health Care Provider. The required form and instructions are available online at LA County CMR.

Specimen Collection

Specimen Type: First voided urine; Endocervical, urethral, vaginal, anal/rectal, and pharyngeal swabs in Universal Viral Transport.
Volume: 20-30 mL of first voided urine; one swab in Universal Viral Transport.
Minimum Volume: 10 mL first voided urine; one swab in Universal Viral Transport, 3 mL Cytyc PreservCyt® (ThinPrep®) or SurePath® liquid cytology media
Storage Temperature: Room temperature

Stability

Specimen type	Refrigerated (2 - 8°C)	Room Temp (15 - 25°C)	Frozen (-20°C)	Frozen (≤-70°C)
Urine	7 days	24 hours	N/A	N/A
Swabs	7 days	7 days	N/A	N/A
SurePath	1 month	1 month	N/A	N/A
ThinPrep	1 month	1 month	N/A	N/A

Special Instructions

Patients should not have urinated within the previous hour for urine samples. Use a sterile urine container for urine collection and the Universal Viral Transport Kit for swabs.

Causes for Rejection

Specimens collected in the wrong container, improperly stored, leaking, or excessively delayed in transport will be rejected.

Read also: Standards for Educational Testing

Reference Range

Chlamydia trachomatis PCR: Not detected
Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR: Not detected

Additional Services at The Ashe Center

The Ashe Center offers a range of gynecological and related services, including:

Breast and gynecologic exams (Pap smears)
Birth control advice and prescriptions
Pregnancy testing and counseling
Screening for STIs
Medication abortion
Diagnosis of gynecological disorders

Scheduling Appointments

Appointments can be scheduled through MyStudentChart or by calling (310) 825-4073.

Fees

For a detailed list of fees, refer to the Fees page.

Cervical Cancer (Pap) Screening

The Ashe Center also provides cervical cancer screening via Pap smears. The CDC guidelines recommend:

Ages 21-29: Start Pap tests at age 21. If the result is normal, you may wait three years for the next test.
Ages 30-65: Discuss testing options with your doctor, including HPV tests, co-testing (HPV and Pap test), or Pap test only.
Older than 65: Screening may not be necessary if you've had consistent normal results in the past and no history of cervical precancer, or have had your cervix removed for non-cancerous conditions.

Free Menstrual Hygiene Products

The Ashe Center, in partnership with the Student Wellness Commission, provides free menstrual hygiene products (pads and tampons) on clinical floors 1-3, near restrooms and clinic station counters.

Read also: UCF Student Wellness Resources

Vending Machine Access to Birth Control

In collaboration with ASUCLA, Student Health Education & Promotion, and UCLA Vending Services, a vending machine in Ackerman A-Level offers cheaper and more convenient access to birth control products and educational materials on sexual health.

Understanding Student Knowledge and Preferences: A UCLA Study

A study conducted at UCLA in Spring 2017 assessed the knowledge of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections among female undergraduates, along with their STI screening behavior and preferences.

Methodology

The study involved an online survey sent to 5,000 randomly selected female undergraduate students at UCLA. The survey collected demographic information, health care seeking behavior, sexual activity, STI knowledge, and STI screening preferences.

Key Findings

Knowledge Gaps: Overall knowledge about STIs was low. Only 27.7% of participants scored >80% correct on knowledge questions of CT and NG infections. Many participants were unaware that most people infected with CT or NG are asymptomatic.
Factors Influencing Knowledge: Students in later years of university and those who were sexually active and had been tested for STIs were more likely to have higher knowledge scores.
Testing Preferences: Cost was the most significant factor influencing willingness to use an STI test, with participants preferring free tests. Specimen type (urine vs. vaginal swab) and location of testing (home vs. clinic) also played significant roles.

Implications

The study highlights the need for increased STI education programs on college campuses to improve knowledge and increase screening rates. It also suggests that accessible and affordable testing options, such as free testing and self-collection methods, may improve uptake.

Family Planning Services at UCLA Health

UCLA Health provides comprehensive family planning services, including abortion care, miscarriage management, full-scope contraceptive care, and confidential support.

Comprehensive Services

Gynecological Services: Breast and pelvic exams, Pap smears, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries.
Obstetrical Care: Checkups throughout pregnancy, with expertise in high-risk pregnancies.
Genetic Testing: Pre-conception genetic counseling for individuals with a family history of genetic disorders.
Abortion Care: Medical and surgical options, with comprehensive support services.
Birth Control Counseling: Information on various birth control methods, including combined hormonal contraceptives, emergency contraception, injections, implants, IUDs, and permanent birth control.

Commitment to Accessibility

UCLA Health offers translation services in many languages and welcomes patients of all ages and genders, including LGBTQ+ couples.

Innovative Approaches: Birth Control Tales

The family planning team at UCLA Health developed Birth Control Tales (BC Tales), an informative series of cartoons about various birth control methods, to connect with a larger audience and explain birth control methods in a clear and engaging way.

Financial Assistance

UCLA Health accepts several insurance plans, including commercial HMO and PPO plans, Medi-Cal, and Family PACT.

Making an Appointment: Simulated Practice

To prepare students for making clinic appointments, The Ashe Center recommends a practice scenario:

Brainstorming: Identify key points to cover when calling for an appointment.
Role-Playing: Practice making an appointment with a partner, simulating different scenarios.
Worksheet: Complete an appointment worksheet to reflect on the experience.

Additional Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Supports mental health needs.
Nutrition Services: Provides guidance on healthy eating habits.
Telehealth Video Visits: Offers remote consultations with Ashe Center providers.

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