Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 has been associated with oral herpes(cold sores), whereas HSV-2 has been associated with genital herpes. Our herpes test looks for the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus using a finger prick blood sample.
About this test
About this test
Symptoms
After the initial disease, HSV remains dormant in certain nerve cells of the affected area of the body for life. The dormant virus may reactivate and cause recurrences. Should symptoms occur they may inlcude:
Bleeding easily
Painful urination
Flu-like symptoms
Pain during sexual intercourse
Rash on the genitals and/or anus
Itching or irritation on the genitals and/or anus
Unusual blisters or scabs around the mouth, genitals and/or anus
When to test
This test will detect antibodies to HSV-I and HSV-II. Antibodies typically take 4-12 weeks to appear after exposure to the infection, however, it can take up to 16 weeks. If you are concerned that you have been exposed to the infection, you should wait 16 weeks to ensure you are no longer in the window period.
You should also consider getting tested if:
You used a needle or syringe to inject drugs into your body that someone with herpes has already used
You become sexually active
You have had unprotected sex
You are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease
You are entering into a new sexual relationship
You have received a notification from a previous partner that they are infected
If you suspect that you have an active herpes disease, a swab by a healthcare provider may be required
The sample must be collected in the morning, on a Monday-Friday, and returned on the same day.
This test is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
Infections
Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I)
Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I) is a virus which can cause infectious blisters in and around the mouth and on the face. This test uses a blood sample to detect HSV-I antibodies. The body develops antibodies against an HSV-I disease and these antibodies remain in your system for life.
Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II)
Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II) is a virus which can cause infectious blisters on the mouth, face, genitals and rectum. This test uses a blood sample to detect HSV-II antibodies. The body develops antibodies against an HSV-II disease and these antibodies remain in your system for life.
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 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.


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

Kristin O'Connor
Nurse Manager

Jennifer Reichert
Clinical Pharmacist

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.
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.