Herpes Testing
Our herpes test detects antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, with online results in ~2 to 5 days.
We test for:
Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I) and
Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II)
Collection Methods
Finger Prick
This testing from LetsGetChecked 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.
What to know
What to know
What is herpes?
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
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.
Things to know before testing
This testing looks for antibodies
This testing from LetsGetChecked 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 result is much higher than when testing for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. This is because current testing methods 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 option is not suitable for everyone
Our testing for herpes 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 service 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.
When to collect your sample
Blood testing 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-Thursday, and return it on the same day.
How it works
Collect your sample
Activate your collection kit and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.
Review accurate results
Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 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.
Still have questions?
Here are some questions we usually get about LetsGetChecked. If you would like yours answered, please contact us ›
Activating the kit connects you to the unique alphanumeric barcode within your LetsGetChecked sample collection kit box. The laboratory cannot process your sample if the kit is not activated and linked to you. You should only activate your kit when you are ready to take your sample.
Yes. LetsGetChecked has a team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare clinicians 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 the next steps.
A capillary (finger prick) blood sample is required. This sample is collected from the comfort of your home using the sample collection kit and easy-to-follow instructions provided.
The sample must be collected in the morning on a Monday - Thursday and returned on the same day. Each of our kits includes a prepaid delivery envelope to return your samples to the laboratory.
Please do not collect or return samples on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Your samples are analysed with CE-marked tests in the same labs used by primary care providers, hospitals, and government programs.
LetsGetChecked laboratories are CPA-approved and ISO certified, which are the highest levels of accreditation.
Our home sample collection kits are manufactured within our ISO 13485 certified facility, the highest level of accreditation for medical devices.
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.
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.