The Student Health Services (SHS) lab, CLIA-approved and on-site, provides a range of services, including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, pregnancy testing, serology, and microbiology. Special tests are sent to an external lab. Our skilled staff ensures quality and patient comfort.

SHS Lab Update: New Policy on Lab Orders (Effective July 1, 2024)

Highlanders!

The SHS laboratory now requires orders from SHS healthcare providers only, effective July 1, 2024.

What this means for you:

• If you have an external lab order, visit the SHS front desk for options.
• Establish care with your SHS PCP to get any necessary lab tests done here.
• UC SHIP users: Find in-network labs using the Sydney app: https://www.anthem.com/member-resources/sydney-app

Questions? Contact us at 951-827-3031 (option 2) or the patient portal.

We're here to help!

Laboratory Orders Offered:

• Lab Services

  Chemistry
  Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  General Chemistry 13
  Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  Hematology
  Occult Blood
  HCG Urine

  Urinalysis
  Reducing Substances
  Urinalysis with Microscopic Examination
  Urine Drug Screen 12
  Wet Mount

  HIV Antigen/Antibody Testing

  Serology
  Infectious Mononucleosis testing
  RPR

  Microbiology
  Chlamydia
  COVID Testing
  Culture (blood, urine, etc.)
  Gram Staining
  QuantiFERON Tuberculosis
  Rapid Flu
  Rapid Streptococcus A

  Miscellaneous
  Hepatitis Panel
  Obstetric Prenatal Panel
  PAP Thin Preparation
  PAP + HPV
  STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) Panel

STD Prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are highly preventable.

Here's the scoop on preventing STDs, including HIV:

1. Abstinence or Monogamy: The best ways to avoid STDs, like HIV, are to either hold off on sexual activity or stick to a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who's infection-free. Keep in mind that some infected individuals might not even know they're carrying an STD since they often don't show symptoms.

2. Condoms Are Your Friends: If you're sexually active, using latex or polyurethane condoms consistently and correctly is your go-to defense. These handy protectors can significantly lower the risk of catching an STD. Remember, even one slip-up with an infected partner can lead to transmission.

3. Free Condoms: Good news! You can grab FREE condoms at Student Health Services to help you stay safe.

So, play it smart, protect yourself, and make informed choices to keep your college experience healthy and enjoyable.

Lab testing for STDs is available for all eligible students. To schedule STD testing, please visit the patient portal. Not on campus but still want to get tested? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to find a clinic in your area.

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

  Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  PrEP is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill (brand name Truvada) contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection. 

  When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently.

  PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. But people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up every three months. Watch this video this video to from the CDC to learn more about PrEP.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. If you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested and answer yes to any of the following questions, you should get an HIV test because these things increase your chances of getting HIV:

  • Are you a man who has had sex with another man?
  • Have you had sex — anal or vaginal — with an HIV-positive partner?
  • Have you had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test?
  • Have you injected drugs and shared needles or works (for example, water or cotton) with others?
  • Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
  • Have you been diagnosed with or sought treatment for another sexually transmitted disease?
  • Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB)?
  • Have you had sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions or someone whose sexual history you don’t know?

  You should be tested at least once a year if any of those listed items apply to you. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (for example, every three to six months). HIV testing is done via blood and is free for all eligible students 

  Visit this PublicHealth.org webpage to see where we are in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

• Chlamydia

  Chlamydia
  Chlamydia is a common STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb). Both men and women at risk should be tested if participating in unprotected intercourse or having symptoms. Testing can be done via urine in men and women and/or with a cervical swab in women. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about chlamydia.

   

• Gonorrhea

  Gonorrhea

  Screening is recommended annually for all sexually active women 25 years and younger by some authorities, and only for those at increased risk by others. Both men and women at risk should be tested at other times if participating in unprotected intercourse or having symptoms. Testing can be done via urine in men and women and/or with a cervical swab in women. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about gonorrhea.

• Syphilis

  Syphilis
  Any sexually active person can get syphilis through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs. You should get tested regularly for syphilis if you are pregnant, are a man who has sex with men, have HIV, and/or have partner(s) who have tested positive for syphilis. Testing is done via blood. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about syphilis.

• Genital HPV Infection

  Genital HPV Infection
  Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause serious health problems, including genital warts and certain cancers. However, in most cases, HPV goes away on its own before causing any health problems. Testing is done on women through pap smear screenings. HPV tests are done automatically with certain pap abnormalities and can be ordered for women over 30 choosing to be screened every five years. There is no routinely utilized test for males. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about HPV.

• Genital Herpes Simplex Virus

  Genital Herpes Simplex Virus
  Two types of tests are used to test for the herpes virus, symptomatic and asymptomatic. In symptomatic testing, a sample can be obtained from drainage from sores/vesicles on the skin. In asymptomatic testing, a blood test is available for antibodies against Type I and Type II herpes, however, results are difficult to interpret, can be inaccurate, and do not accurately distinguish between new and prior infections. Herpes virus testing is not routinely done. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about herpes.

• Hepatitis B

  Hepatitis B
  Hepatitis B is spread through sexual contact as well as exposure to infected blood. Most individuals received the Hepatitis B vaccination series as children, if not it is recommended that all individuals be vaccinated. Testing is done via blood. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about Hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis C

  Hepatitis C
  Hepatitis C is spread mostly through exposure to infected blood; less frequently spread by sexual contact. Testing is done via blood. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about Hepatitis C.

Laboratory Results

For a copy of your lab results, please submit a request for your medical records to be sent directly to your provider.