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Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test
Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test
Screen for herpes, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection.
Fasting is not required for this test.
$89.00
+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee
What
Discreetly screen for the presence of Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Blood
Where
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
This test screens for herpes, an STD that can cause painful sores around the mouth or genitals. The test checks for both types of herpes: herpes type-1 most often causes oral herpes and herpes type-2 most often causes genital herpes, although herpes type-1 is responsible for an increasing proportion of genital infections. Although there is no cure for herpes, treatment can help relieve the symptoms and prevent future episodes.
How it works
FAQs
It is not always possible to know if you have herpes because you may or may not have symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
- Tingling, burning, or itching before the blisters appear
- Painful, fluid-filled blisters around the site of infection
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, or body aches
Often, the symptoms are mild and may be mistaken for other conditions such as pimples, warts, or ingrown hairs.
Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection.
While there is no cure for herpes, it can be treated with prescription medication. Even though the virus will remain in your body, medication will help to lessen your symptoms and decrease the number of outbreaks.
After your results are ready, you’ll have the option to talk with a healthcare provider at no additional cost to you to discuss next steps. You may also be eligible for HSV 2 treatment. It’s important to share your results with a healthcare provider who can offer further guidance about your health.
It is possible to pass herpes to your unborn child. The virus can infect your baby before and during childbirth and cause neonatal herpes—a herpes infection in a newborn baby. Neonatal herpes is rare but can lead to serious illness and is fatal in some cases. If you have herpes, your healthcare provider may put you on medication as you get closer to your delivery date in order to protect both you and your baby.
The best way to protect yourself is to practice safe sex. Using condoms or dental dams during sex will lower the risk of getting herpes. You may also consider:
- Asking your partner if they have any STDs
- Avoiding sex with someone who has sores on their genitals
- Avoiding oral sex with someone who has sores on their mouth or lips
If you do have symptoms, or if you had sex with someone who has genital herpes, you may consider getting tested or talking to your healthcare provider.
About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20% to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus.
About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20 to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus. HSV stays in your system once you have been infected. It may be "asleep" (dormant), and cause no symptoms, or it may flare up and cause symptoms. This test cannot tell whether you are having a flare-up. Positive results can be seen in persons who have never had symptoms. In addition, a negative result does not rule out infection with HSV.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
*Genital Herpes – CDC Detailed Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm