Rapid STI testing enhances student care and community health

A new rapid testing tool at Washington State University's Cougar Health Services (CHS) transforms the way students are screened and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - reducing wait times, encouraging more students to get tested, and helping curb transmission across the wider Whitman County community.

By providing same-day results for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, CHS is not only easing students' stress but also speeding up treatment and stopping the spread of infection. The new testing system reflects WSU's commitment to student wellbeing and public health innovation.

"When testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, we find students can experience a lot of emotion and angst around the possibility of testing positive," said Dr. Sunday Henry, director of CHS and director of medical services. "We want to provide them with the results as soon as we can."

Thanks to a recently installed rapid STI testing machine, CHS can now collect samples, process them in-house, and return results within half a day - far faster than the previous two-to-three-day wait while samples were sent to an external lab. The test is effective for all genders and allows providers to take faster action.

"The speed of getting back your test results is critical for STIs," Henry said. "The longer it takes, the greater the chance that someone will spread the infection, and it delays their treatment if they test positive."

WSU is among the early adopters of STI rapid testing in college health centers nationwide, a move that aligns with national best practices in reducing the spread of infections among young adults.

A community-wide impact

Corrin McMichael, deputy director of Whitman County Public Health, says rapid testing - combined with collaborative data-sharing and educational outreach - has made a meaningful difference. WSU students make up nearly half of the county's population, meaning their testing behaviors have a significant impact on countywide health metrics.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, Whitman County has historically had one of the highest STI rates in the state. But in 2024, the county reported a drop in its statewide ranking - from #1 to #3 - following declines in chlamydia and gonorrhea cases. Specifically, chlamydia cases have fallen by 140 since 2019.

"Historically, one of the barriers to a strong public health response to STIs has been getting people tested and getting the results quickly enough to influence their behavior," McMichael said. "When people receive treatment, they not only eradicate the disease, but they also learn how to prevent it from happening again."

Accessible, confidential, and encouraged

Most people with STIs show no symptoms - but untreated, these infections can spread or lead to serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all sexually active people under the age of 25 be screened for chlamydia. Henry emphasized that most insurance plans cover the cost of testing, and CHS offers multiple ways to make the process as accessible and comfortable as possible.

"Many students aren't comfortable calling or walking in to make an appointment," she said. "That's why we encourage them to use our online patient portal. We also have nurses trained in the rapid testing process for those who might prefer that option."

Ultimately, CHS hopes the ease and speed of rapid STI testing will help normalize screening as a routine part of student health - and reinforce the shared responsibility of protecting both individual and community wellbeing.