Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test

What

This test discreetly screens for the presence of HSV 1 and 2, a common sexually transmitted infection that leads to painful sores around the mouth or genitals.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of samples to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture—a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

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.

This test may be useful if you:

Want to determine if you have developed antibodies for either HSV-1 or HSV-2
Are a person with recurrent genital symptoms
Have a prior clinical diagnosis of genital herpes without laboratory confirmation
Are a person whose partner has known genital herpes
Are a person with multiple sex partners
Are a person with a HIV infection
Are a man who have sex with men

PLEASE NOTE

Herpes Simplex Virus – 2 serologic screening is not recommended among the general population. Additionally, if an active lesion (sore) is present, please seek further testing from your doctor as direct detection of virus (by methods such a culture, PCR, or DFA) is preferred.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are 2 different viral infections that may cause oral or genital herpes. HSV-1 is most often responsible for oral herpes (cold sores) but can spread to the genitals through oral sex. HSV-2 is most often responsible for genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection that may lead to multiple painful ulcers on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. People with HSV may never have symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread from person to person.

There is no cure for oral or genital herpes, but there are treatment options that can help shorten or prevent outbreaks. Taking medication as prescribed may also reduce the chance of spreading HSV to other people. If left untreated, you may continue to experience symptoms.

People with HSV often do not have symptoms, which makes it easy to pass the virus to other people. Those who do have symptoms may see blisters around the mouth, genitals, or rectum around 2 to 6 weeks after being exposed.

Symptoms may 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

The Herpes Test is for anyone who is sexually active. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can pass an STD along to another person without knowing. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

Over 2000+ locations focus on your safety, confidentiality and convenience.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

Browse tests

Enter your zip code to find a Quest Diagnostics location closest to you.

Find a location

We will email you when your confidential results are available.

View results

Take control of your health

Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your reliable results online fast

View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

FAQs

How do I know if I have herpes?

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.

Can herpes be treated?

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.

I'm pregnant. Can I pass herpes to my baby?

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.

How do I protect myself from getting herpes?

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

How often should I get checked for herpes?

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.

How common is HSV?

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.

Does HSV ever go away?

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.

Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test

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