Infectious Disease Testing: HIV, Hepatitis, STIs, and More — Confidential Care in Plano
Knowing your status is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Dr. Sophia Rahman offers confidential STI, HIV, and hepatitis testing in Plano, TX — judgment-free, straightforward care.
Testing for HIV, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections is a routine part of primary care. It isn’t a statement about your lifestyle — it’s responsible medicine. In Plano, TX, I offer confidential infectious disease testing in a clinical environment where you can ask questions openly and get clear answers.
The only thing worse than a positive result is a positive result that goes undetected for years.
Why Testing Matters
Most sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms in their early stages, sometimes for years. HIV can be completely asymptomatic for a decade while gradually depleting immune function. Hepatitis C causes silent liver damage over time. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if left untreated.
Testing is how we catch these conditions when they’re treatable, manageable, or curable — before complications develop.
What We Test For
HIV
HIV testing is recommended at least once for all adults between 15 and 65, and annually for people at higher risk. Modern HIV treatment is so effective that people on therapy can achieve an undetectable viral load, live a normal lifespan, and cannot transmit the virus sexually.
I offer fourth-generation combo tests that detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, allowing detection as early as 18 days after exposure.
Hepatitis B and C
- Hepatitis B: A vaccine-preventable viral infection. I screen for active infection, prior immunity, and chronic carrier status. For patients who aren’t immune, we discuss vaccination.
- Hepatitis C: The CDC recommends all adults 18 and older be screened at least once, and annually for those with ongoing risk factors. Hep C is now curable with a short course of direct-acting antivirals — but only if we find it.
STI Panel
A standard STI panel includes:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Most commonly tested via urine or swab. Both are bacterial and treatable with antibiotics when caught.
- Syphilis: A blood test (RPR or VDRL). Syphilis rates are rising nationally; it’s important to screen regularly if you’re sexually active with new partners.
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Blood testing is available, though interpretation requires context — I walk through what a positive result means and what it doesn’t.
- Trichomoniasis: Common, easily treated, and often missed because symptoms can be subtle.
Who Should Be Tested and How Often
- Sexually active adults with new or multiple partners: annual comprehensive screening
- Pregnant women: comprehensive STI panel is standard prenatal care
- Men who have sex with men: more frequent testing, typically every 3–6 months, depending on activity level
- Anyone with symptoms: unusual discharge, sores, burning, or pelvic pain
- Anyone who requests testing: no additional justification needed
Confidentiality
Results are part of your medical record, covered under HIPAA. I do not volunteer your results to anyone without your consent. If a reportable condition requires public health notification (as some STIs legally do), I explain that process with you directly.
After a Positive Result
A positive test is the beginning of a care plan, not the end of a conversation. I review what the result means, discuss treatment options, and address questions about partner notification and prevention. You’re not sent home with a lab printout and a pamphlet. We work through it together.
Testing is straightforward, confidential, and available now. Book an appointment at sophiarahmanmd.setmore.com. We’re located at 1212 Coit Rd, Suite 105, Plano, TX 75075. Accepting new patients in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Murphy, and surrounding Collin County.