PULLMAN, WA — Washington State University’s Cougar Health Services (CHS) has introduced rapid testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering students same-day results and reducing community transmission across Whitman County.

The new in-house testing system allows CHS to process samples for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea within half a day, compared to the previous two-to-three-day turnaround when samples were sent to external labs. Dr. Sunday Henry, CHS director of medical services, said the quicker results help ease student anxiety and enable faster treatment.

“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 rapid STI testing in college health centers, a move that aligns with national recommendations aimed at curbing infection rates among young adults.

According to Whitman County Public Health, the change is already making an impact. Deputy Director Corrin McMichael noted that rapid testing, coupled with educational outreach and data-sharing, has contributed to a decline in countywide cases. Whitman County, which historically had the highest STI rates in Washington, dropped from first to third in 2024, with chlamydia cases falling by 140 since 2019.

Public health officials emphasized that many people with STIs show no symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing for all sexually active individuals under 25. CHS offers multiple ways for students to access confidential testing, including through its online patient portal and trained nursing staff.

University leaders hope the program will normalize STI screening as a routine part of student care while strengthening community health outcomes.