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Herpes Testing

Herpes

Herpes (HSV 1 and HSV 2)

Blood tests can be used when a person has no visible symptoms but has concerns about having herpes. Blood tests do not actually detect the virus; instead, they look for antibodies (the body’s immune response) in the blood. The herpes test looks for antibodies for two types of herpes—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2).

The test cannot determine whether the site of infection is oral or genital. Nearly all cases of oral herpes are caused by HSV 1, but that type can also cause genital herpes, so a blood test alone cannot tell you whether an HSV-1 infection is oral or genital. However, since most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, a positive result for type-2 antibodies most likely indicates genital herpes.

Herpes testing is not recommended for people without symptoms in most situations. A blood test, like the one offered here, might be useful if:

  • you have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes
  • you have (or have had) a sex partner with genital herpes
  • your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need a test to confirm it

There are limitations to blood testing for HSV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), testing may be inaccurate if done too soon after an infection. The recommend testing at least 12 weeks after a suspected infection. A wrong result is also possible when the person has a low risk of infection.

$89.00

FAQs

The “window period” for testing refers to the time it takes for a test to be able to detect an infection after exposure. So, you should test after the window periods below to ensure your test is accurate. If you have already tested before the window period, you should repeat the test, especially if the initial test is negative.

For herpes, it is recommended to wait 12 – 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.

Testing is done with a blood sample. A step-by-step guide for providing the sample is available here.

You will receive a text or email message notifying you that your results are available. To access your results, you will log in to a secure web portal. 

You should be notified within approximately 10 days. If your kit was sent over 10 days ago and has still not been logged as received, please contact us and we will send you a replacement kit.

A negative or “undetected” result means that an infection was not detected at the time your sample was collected. If you tested before the end of the window period for a possible exposure, testing again once outside the window period may be recommended. Learn more about what your results mean.

A positive result means that you do have a herpes infection. Your test will indicate which type of herpes (1 or 2), but can’t determine whether the site of infection is oral or genital. Learn more about what your results mean.

You’ll need to follow up with a health care provider to get treatment. While there is no cure for herpes infections, there are various treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and control outbreaks. You can request a free telehealth appointment via your Dx YourWay patient portal or bring your results to your own health care provider. If you don’t have a health provider, you can search for a clinic near you here.