An STD screening test is a medical procedure that assesses whether a patient has a sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD or STI). STD screening tests can be performed using either a blood draw, a urine sample, or a swab. In some cases, a positive diagnosis for an STD can be arrived at with a visual inspection for things such as genital warts or pubic lice. Blood tests are used to test for STDs such as hepatitis B and C (hepB and hepC), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. Less often, blood tests can also be used to test for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). During such tests, the medical professional or clinician will take a small vial of blood, most likely from your arm, using a small needle. The blood sample will then be sent to a medical laboratory for testing. You will be notified as soon as your results come back, which could take between seven to ten days. Swab tests can detect such STDs as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis. During swab tests, your medical provider will likely use a long swab that is similar to a Q-tip to take a sample of fluid from your anus, throat, or vagina, depending on which area of the body is most likely to contain the STD. You can expect results to return from swab tests within a week, upon which you will be notified. Urine tests can also detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. In general, urine tests are far more pleasant than swab tests, as they only require that you pee into a collection cup or tube. The results are then sent to a laboratory, which should come back within one week.