Herpes Test
Our Herpes Test detects antibodies to the herpes simplex viruses, with online results in ~2-5 days.
We test for:
Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I) and
Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II)
Benefits:
Collection Methods
Finger prick
FSA & HSA cards accepted.
Our herpes test looks for antibodies to the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses using a finger prick blood sample. Antibodies are a sign that you have been exposed to a virus at some point but do not necessarily mean that you are experiencing an outbreak of oral or genital herpes. HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes (cold sores) but in some cases can cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes.
About this test
About this test
What is herpes?
Genital herpes is a common STI caused by two types of viruses – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
What is Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1)?
Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1) can cause oral herpes, resulting in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, most people with oral herpes do not have any symptoms. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex.
What is Herpes Simplex 2, (HSV-2)?
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) can cause genital herpes. Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Sometimes herpes sores can appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is known as having an “outbreak”.
Symptoms of genital herpes include:
Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals or rectum
The blisters usually break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal.
Symptoms of oral herpes include:
Painful, fluid-filled blisters on the lips or under the nose.
Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, body aches, or swollen glands) also may occur during the first outbreak of herpes. Repeat outbreaks can occur but are usually shorter and less severe. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is also important talk to your a healthcare provider. They may recommend a swab test of the area as well as provide treatment options for outbreaks.
This test looks for antibodies
Our herpes test looks for antibodies to the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus using a finger prick blood sample. Antibodies are a sign that you have been exposed to a virus at some point but do not necessarily mean that you are experiencing an outbreak of oral or genital herpes. HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes (cold sores) but in some cases can cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes.
It’s possible to get a false positive
The chance of a false positive herpes test result is much higher than when testing for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. This is because current herpes tests are not as exact as tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
It can take time for antibodies to appear
There is a window period between infection and when antibodies appear so false negatives are possible. Herpes antibodies can take up to 16 weeks to appear after exposure, however in rare cases this can be up to 6 months.
This test is not suitable for everyone
This test is generally not recommended for people without symptoms. One reason for this is that exposure to the herpes virus is very common. 67% people under the age of 50 have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus type 1 at some point.Once you have been exposed to the virus, you will have antibodies, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.
This test is also not suitable if you are pregnant or for anyone under the age of 18. If you are pregnant and think you could have genital herpes, it is very important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and establish if this test is suitable for you.
If you require urgent care or have any concerns, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The CDC recommends that blood tests for herpes may be useful under the following circumstances:
You have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes, or
You have (or have had) a sex partner with genital herpes, or
Your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need to investigate further to confirm it.
If you suspect that you have an active herpes infection, it is also recommended to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a swab of the area and will be able to provide guidance on treatment options if required.
If you would like to talk to a certified provider about herpes, you can schedule a virtual consultation with our team.
Collect your sample in the morning, on a Monday-Friday, and return it on the same day.
You must be at least 18 years of age to use this kit.
With over 10 million tests taken, the reviews are in
If you have anxiety about going to the doctor and requesting a STD screening, this is a really good alternative... Also, I was able to use my HSA to pay! Overall great experience!
Very efficient. Would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for reassurance.
The service this company provides, in my opinion, is better than some doctors I have been to. No exaggeration.
Easy to use, and quick to ring me with results and a chat about my concerns. Would recommend to anyone!
There were no special clinics near me that dealt in checking for STDs/HIV. Without this accessible and affordable method, it would have been a lot harder for me to get checked.
So so easy! Wish I'd done it sooner just for peace of mind! Was cheaper than going to the doctor for a test and better still you don't have to have a conversation about your sex life!
I felt pretty selfish for having never been tested solely because I was scared. The speedy delivery + return + processing didn't keep me on the edge of my seat for longer than a week.
I'm STD-free, and it’s the best feeling to be able to know that.
Discreet, simple, and saves so much time and trouble. Not to mention no moderately embarrassing conversations with your doc, if you're someone who is as shy as I am about sexual history conversations!
Everything was good and a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you, LetsGetChecked, for this wonderful service. My anxiety about getting tested and the “what if” fear that I had is gone.
This was a very discreet and straight forward way to get a test done and to get quick, professional results. They couldn't have been more helpful.
Discreet packaging for tests that could be embarrassing. Once my results were back I got an email and text 10/10 would take another test.
How it works
Collect your sample
Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.
Review online results
Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within ~2-5 days.
Get medical support
Our dedicated clinical team are here to support you and may call you to explain your results and provide guidance on your next steps.
A team you can trust
Meet your dedicated, at-home clinical team. Our team of 30+ experts is here to help guide you on your health journey.
Dr. Robert Mordkin
Chief Medical Officer
Rick Aguayo
Nurse Practitioner
Tiffany Liles
Nurse Practitioner
Still have questions?
Here are some questions we usually get about LetsGetChecked. If you would like yours answered, please contact us ›
Activating the test connects you to the unique alphanumeric barcode within your LetsGetChecked sample collection kit. The laboratory cannot process your sample if the test is not activated and linked to you. You should only activate your test when you are ready to take your sample.
Yes. LetsGetChecked has a team of board-certified physicians who will review your order and results and have created detailed result breakdowns for your testing journey.
Our clinical team is on standby throughout the testing process and, if your test results are abnormal, you may receive a call to discuss your results and next steps.
Please ensure that the sample is collected in the morning, on a Monday-Friday, and returned immediately using the carrier method provided within the sample collection kit. Each of our health tests includes a prepaid shipping envelope to return your samples to the laboratory.
Please do not collect or return samples on a Saturday or Sunday.
Please note: Sample collection kits have an expiration date on the side of the kit box in year, month, and day format. If your kit has expired, you will be unable to activate it.
Keeping your personal data secure is important to us. We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure security and confidentiality of your information, and only share your information where required to deliver our products and services or where we have a legal basis to do so. All samples are disposed of following analysis.
Your samples are processed in the same labs used by primary care providers, hospitals and government programs.
LetsGetChecked laboratories are CLIA approved and CAP-accredited, which are the highest levels of accreditation.
Sample collection kits are manufactured within our ISO 13485 accredited facility, the highest level of accreditation for medical devices.
We don't accept insurance at this time. We work to keep our tests as affordable as possible and our test costs are generally lower than the costs incurred from a trip to a healthcare provider.
We accept many Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cards. They can be used in the same way that a debit or credit card would be used at checkout.
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