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Genital herpes is caused by two viruses called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
If you haven’t had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure, since the incubation period is 2 to 12 days.
This means herpes may not be detectable for up to 12 days after you are exposed to it.
You can schedule an in-person appointment with a doctor, who can use a few different tests to determine your diagnosis. These tests may include:
- viral culture test
- virus antigen detection test
- antibody test
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
An at-home test, on the other hand, can be done by yourself in private.
You can order a herpes test kit online — which may include a swab test or finger prick blood test — and send the sample back in the mail. Most companies will send your results within 5 days.
- Best budget option: myLAB Box
- Best report: Everlywell
- Best in-person testing option: Priority STD
- Best for fast results: STD Check
- Best herpes test subscription: LetsGetChecked
- Best additional options: HealthLabs
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.
HSV-1 can also cause oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who already has it.
Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into your body through oral sex.
It generally takes anywhere from 4 to 7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called herpes lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:
- pain during urination
- itching
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the infection to others.
When researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys.
Here are the criteria we considered:
- Popularity: We included tests purchased by hundreds, if not thousands, of customers.
- Reviews: All products have an excellent average customer rating from people who are happy with their experience.
- Privacy protocols: It’s essential that medical information is private and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), so all the companies we considered have strict policies in place.
- Results: We included services that offer fast, digital results within 5 days or less that people can access easily through a digital platform.
- Accuracy: We only considered products with a high accuracy rate.
- Value: We looked for services that provide the best bang for your buck.
- Company reputation and transparency: We only included products from trusted brands that our team has vetted. This means there’s been no recent recalls or lawsuits, and the products meet our medical and business standards.
FYI: We did include a couple of options that may call for you to leave home to pick up your test kit, so they may not fall 100% into the at-home category. But they are solid options, nonetheless.
Best budget option
myLAB Box
- Price: $89
- Results in: online results in 2 to 5 days
- Collection method: finger prick
- Type of sample: blood
- Follow-up care: physician consultation for positive results
With a finger prick, myLAB Box’s at-home genital herpes test is pretty straightforward. Online lab results are provided within 1 to 5 days.
When you order a kit, you’ll receive materials to take your finger prick sample in discreet packaging. It also comes with simple instructions and a prepaid envelope to send the sample off for testing.
If your results are positive, you can schedule a free consultation with one of myLAB Box’s physicians. The company works with labs that are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Act of 1988 (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP). Plus, the website itself is HIPAA compliant.
Note: Testing is not available yet in New York as the company is waiting for its state application to be approved.
Pros
Cons
- not available in New York
- results may take up to 5 days
Best report
Everlywell
- Price: $149
- Results in: online results in 2 to 5 days
- Collection method: finger prick and vaginal swab or urine sample
- Type of sample: blood, vaginal swab, urine
- Follow-up care: physician consultation for positive results
For $169, people with a vagina can test for seven common STIs at once, including HSV-2. Tests require two samples: a finger prick and a vaginal swab, since the test is for various STIs.
For the same price, people with a penis can also test for herpes by purchasing the company’s STD Test for Men. It looks for the same seven STIs as the other test. Sample types include a finger prick and a urine sample instead.
The kit includes prepaid shipping both ways, digital results, and detailed instructions. Once your kit arrives, you’ll need to register it on Everlywell’s website using the unique ID number included in your box.
In your kit, you’ll receive all you need to collect a finger prick sample and either a vaginal swab packet or a urine cup and urine sample tube.
After shipping your sample, you’ll receive digital results on your account within a few days. If your results are positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication if necessary. Everlywell will also send you a personalized report detailing what STI you may have.
The site is HIPAA compliant and physician reviewed. This means your information is kept private, and medical information is approved by independent, board certified healthcare professionals.
Pros
- tests for a range of STIs
- simple, at-home testing
- free, physician follow up if positive
Cons
- high price point
- must take own samples
Best in-person testing option
Priority STD
- Price: $99
- Results in: online results in 24 to 72 hours
- Collection method: urine and blood sample
- Type of sample: urine and blood sample
- Follow-up care: physician consultation and treatment available for positive results
Priority STD has a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot with more than 1,300 reviews.
You can order the Priority STD individual herpes online or by phone, which normally requires a waiting period of at least 12 days after exposure.
After scheduling an order, you’ll be directed to find a lab near you. There are over 4,000 labs to choose from, and you can use the site’s online scheduling system to make an appointment.
STI test results are processed online through a secure patient login, typically within 24 to 72 hours after collection.
Pros
- excellent reviews
- fast results
- no need to take own samples
Cons
- must visit clinic in person
Best for fast results
STD Check
- Price: $45 (or $90 for HSV-1 and HSV-2)
- Results in: online results in 1 to 2 days
- Collection method: blood draw
- Type of sample: blood
- Follow-up care: phone consultation with a doctor for positive test results
STD Check has more than 4,500 testing sites nationwide. You can choose an individual test like HSV-1 or HSV-2 for $45 each. You can also order a 10-test panel, which includes the most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The company is known for its fast test results, which are sent to your online account in 1 to 2 days.
Once you complete your order online, you can select a local testing center based on your ZIP code. According to the company, in-person tests only take 5 minutes.
Your test and results will be completely confidential. If your test results are positive, a physician can answer questions about your diagnosis.
Pros
- accessible price point
- physician to answer questions
- fast results
Cons
- must visit clinic
- labs not available in all locations
- doesn’t accept insurance
Best herpes test subscription
LetsGetChecked
- Price: $119 (or $83 monthly for subscription)
- Results in: online results in 2 to 5 days
- Collection method: finger prick
- Type of sample: blood
- Follow-up care: phone consultation with clinical team
When you join the LetsGetChecked subscription service, testing is easy and convenient as you receive everything you need to take your sample in a discrete kit through the mail. Plus, you’ll save 30% on the full price of the kits.
There are also helpful videos on the website that explain the instructions in clear, straightforward language so you can be confident you’re taking your sample correctly.
As with all other testing services on our list, LetsGetChecked is privacy and HIPAA compliant. Your results will be available online in 2 to 5 days. Should your results be positive, you can contact one of the nursing team who can help you determine a treatment plan.
Pros
- convenient
- fast results
- substantial savings with subscription
Cons
- doesn’t accept insurance
Best additional options
HealthLabs
- Price: $45 (or $79 for HSV-1 and HSV-2)
- Results in: online results in 1 to 3 days
- Collection method: blood draw
- Type of sample: blood
- Follow-up care: certified health specialists can walk you through your results
HealthLabs is another in-person testing option with more than 4,500 testing sites across the country. Your options for herpes testing are individual HSV-1 or HSV-2 tests for $45 each or both for $79. Or, you can opt for a comprehensive 10-test STI panel, which includes syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis A, B, and C.
You can also opt for an array of other tests covering fertility, hormones, drugs, allergies, and more.
It’s easy to arrange herpes testing with HealthLabs. Simply order online, select and visit a convenient testing center, and receive your results online within 1 to 3 days. You can then call one of the certified health specialists who can talk you through your results and answer any questions.
Pros
- inexpensive option
- easy to arrange
- fast results
Cons
- must visit a lab
- labs not available in all locations
| Tests | myLAB Box | Everlywell | Priority STD | STD Check | LetsGetChecked | HealthLabs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $89 | $169 | $99 | $45 (or $90 for HSV-1 and HSV-2) | $119 (or $83 monthly for subscription) | $45 (or $79 for HSV-1 and HSV-2) |
| Collection | finger prick blood sample | finger prick and vaginal swab or urine sample | blood draw and urine collection | blood draw | finger prick blood sample | blood draw |
| Results | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 1 to 3 days | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 5 days | 1 to 3 days |
| Follow-up | physician consultation | physician consultation | physician consultation | physician consultation | phone consultation with clinical team | consultation with certified health specialist |
If you’re considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:
- Types of tests. Herpes tests are available as single tests for HSV-1 or HSV-2, a combination test for both, or as part of a comprehensive STI panel that covers a range of infections.
- Results. Some services offer results in as little as 1 day, while others may take up to a week.
- Accuracy. All the tests on our list boast high accuracy rates. Opt for a company that uses
(CLIA) accredited labs, so you know you’re getting accurate results. Don’t settle for anything less. - Privacy and confidentiality. Choose a brand that complies with strict policies to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
- Consultations. Wherever possible, opt for a company that provides follow-up care. Should you test positive, it’s helpful to have access to a professional who can advise you on treatment options.
- Pricing. Tests can range in price from $45 for a single test to over $200 for a comprehensive panel. Consider what tests you need and whether you want to bundle them together to get the best value.
Your HSV test results will likely be reported as negative (sometimes called “normal”) or positive (sometimes called “abnormal”):
- Negative. The herpes virus was not found. However, you may still have an HSV infection if your results were negative. It may mean the sample didn’t have enough virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to order another test.
- Positive. HSV was found in your sample. It may mean you have an active infection (i.e., you currently have sores) or contracted the virus in the past (i.e., you have no sores).
If your test results are positive for HSV, talk with a doctor about your next steps.
Talk with a doctor if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatment. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.
Your doctor will let you know whether you should test for herpes or another STI, and they can help you get treatment if needed.
Are at-home herpes tests accurate?
These tests use the same type of samples used in a doctor’s office. The accuracy of a herpes test primarily depends on when you get tested.
When should I get tested?
The best time to get tested for herpes if you haven’t had an initial outbreak is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.
A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.
Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.
Who should get tested?
Anyone who has herpes symptoms or thinks they’ve been in close contact with someone who has herpes should get tested.
How can I prevent transmitting herpes?
Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting most STIs by 98%, condoms don’t prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom.
If you’re experiencing an active outbreak, you can
- avoiding sexual activity (kissing and oral, vaginal, and anal sex) until symptoms go away
- washing your hands thoroughly and applying medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores
Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms.
Are at-home herpes tests private?
Yes. All of the tests listed here are completely confidential and private.
Your results will not be reported to your insurance company and, therefore, will not be placed on your permanent medical records.
The package you receive will only have the shipping label — no test name or visuals that indicate what it is for. These online platforms are also HIPAA compliant.
What should I do if my test results are positive?
Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. They’ll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.
If your results are positive, it’s important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.
When should I talk with a doctor?
If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.
If you’ve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.
Will I have to pay for the test out of pocket?
You’ll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.
Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.
Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.
However, most at-home testing sites aren’t currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means you’ll have to reach out yourself.
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD don’t accept insurance, so it’s a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.
Can you be exposed to herpes and not get it?
Yes. Research suggests that in couples where only one partner has genital herpes, the other partner contracted genital herpes within 1 year in only
You can prevent transmission by:
- taking daily antiviral herpes medication
- avoiding kissing and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse during an outbreak
- using a barrier method during outbreak-free periods
There’s no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.
Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect other people who you’re involved with sexually from contracting the virus.
Bonnie Azoulay Elmann is a freelance writer with six years of experience. She’s written for Glamour, Marie Claire, Health, and more publications. You can find her work here.
FAQs
What is the most reliable herpes test? ›
PCR test: The PCR test can tell if you have genital herpes even if you don't have symptoms. The PCR test looks for pieces of the virus's DNA in a sample taken from cells or fluids from a genital sore or the urinary tract. This is a commonly used test to diagnose genital herpes and is very accurate.
How accurate are at home herpes tests? ›At-home herpes tests are considered unreliable by medical professionals. In addition, blood tests take 2-12 days for incubation, so as a result, they might not suitable for detecting new infections.
Are there home tests for herpes? ›LetsGetChecked offers at-home testing kits for herpes. Receive online results in 2–5 days. It's easy, affordable, and discreet.
Are there any rapid herpes tests? ›A self-diagnostic test for infection by Herpes-2, also known as Genital Herpes, or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). This rapid test kit detects HSV-2 IgG antibodies in blood. Certified by global medical standards: TÜV ISO 13485 (ISO's International Medical Devices Standard) Certified.
How accurate is IgG test for herpes? ›The IgG test is about 94% accurate in detecting the infection. About 19% of the time, its results are false positive (that is, the test is positive for herpes infection when the person does not have herpes). By contrast, the herpes IgM antibodies tests give almost 50% false-negative results.
How often are herpes tests wrong? ›A test that is 90% sensitive will correctly identify 90 people out of 100 who have the disease. Ten people will have a false-negative result.
How long after being exposed to herpes Will you test positive? ›If you've been exposed to the herpes virus, it can take anywhere from 2 to 12 days for symptoms to appear and for the virus to be detected on a test. In this article, we'll explore all you need to know about when to get tested for herpes, and how you can prevent the spread of herpes to your sexual partners.
Can you test positive for herpes and not have it? ›False positive test results show that a person has an infection or condition when they do not. This can happen with many kinds of diagnostic tests. However, the chance of a false positive herpes test result is much higher than when testing for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
How accurate is herpes urine test? ›If enough antibodies are detected, then the tester is positive for the corresponding virus. Even without signs of an outbreak, our FDA-cleared herpes type 1 & 2 testing will be 97%-99% accurate between 4-6 weeks post exposure. It will remain 99% accurate after 6 weeks.
Can you have herpes without blisters? ›Many cases of genital herpes don't show up as blisters. They can appear as a small area of rash, cracked skin, or some other skin condition on the genitals. Although herpes sores heal, the virus stays in the body, and you can have more outbreaks. These are called 'recurrent episodes'.
Can a urine test detect herpes? ›
We can also test for herpes from a urine sample if you have urethral symptoms, and other possible causes (such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea) have been eliminated. The urine screen is not recommended if you have visible lesions that can be swabbed.
Should I get tested for herpes without symptoms? ›Herpes. For herpes, according to CDC guidelines, testing only occurs if there are symptoms and there are several reasons for this distinction. First, research shows diagnosing herpes in someone without symptoms does not change that person's sexual behavior and doesn't prevent herpes from spreading.
Can you test negative for herpes and still have it? ›Normal Results. A negative (normal) test most often means you have not been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2. If the infection occurred very recently (within a few weeks to 3 months), the test may be negative, but you may still be infected. This is called a false negative.
How soon do herpes antibodies show? ›It can take up to 3 months after a possible herpes exposure for this test to be positive. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Does having herpes antibodies mean you have herpes? ›If your test result is positive, it can mean that you have an active herpes infection without symptoms. It can also mean that you had an HSV infection in the past. The antibody blood test is not as reliable as culturing a sample from a herpes sore.
What is the difference between HSV-1 IgG and HSV-2 IgG? ›Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.
Is there a blood test to detect herpes? ›PCR is used to copy your DNA from a sample of your blood, tissue from a sore or spinal fluid. The DNA can then be tested to establish the presence of HSV and determine which type of HSV you have. Blood test. This test analyzes a sample of your blood for the presence of HSV antibodies to detect a past herpes infection.
Do most people test positive for herpes? ›"For HSV-1, close to 100 percent of people in the U.S. are antibody-positive because they have been exposed at some point in their lives, though only a percentage of these individuals will actually get cold sores," says Adam Friedman, the residency program director at the George Washington University School of Medicine ...
What can be misdiagnosed as herpes? ›- A different STI which causes visible lesions, such as Syphilis or genital warts (HPV)
- Irritation caused by shaving.
- Ingrown hairs.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Pimples.
- Yeast infections.
- Haemorrhoids.
- Bug bites.
Herpes is challenging to cure because of the nature of the virus. The HSV infection can hide away in a person's nerve cells for long periods of time before reappearing and reactivating the infection.
How long can you have herpes without knowing? ›
Many people with the herpes virus do not experience any symptoms when first infected. If symptoms do occur they usually take between 2 and 12 days after contact to appear. Sometimes symptoms may not be noticed until months, or sometimes years, after being in contact with the virus.
What kind of leg pain does herpes cause? ›Radiculopathy caused by HSV-2 infection typically affects the lumbar or sacral nerve roots and is often recurrent. In addition to radicular pain, paresthesias, urinary retention, constipation, anogenital discomfort, and leg weakness may be observed.
Can you be immune to herpes? ›In Short, No, You Can't Be Immune to Herpes
Current scientific research shows that herpes is highly contagious and that everyone is at risk of infection. It's also extremely common, infecting anywhere from more than 50% of people (in the case of HSV-1) to around 11% of people (in the case of HSV-2).
But it is still possible to spread the infection even when no ulcers are present. One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples.
How do you keep herpes dormant? ›- Get plenty of sleep. This helps keep your immune system strong.
- Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition also helps your immune system stay strong.
- Keep stress low. Constant stress can weaken your immune system.
- Protect yourself from the sun, wind, and extreme cold and heat.
It might be annoying, but herpes doesn't get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can. If you don't get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.
What stage of herpes is itchy? ›The Prodrome Stage
During this initial stage of herpes, the virus progresses to the surface of the skin, which often causes redness, itchiness, tingling, pain, or burning in and around the affected area.
HSV PCR is a single test that both detects the presence of HSV DNA and determines which type is present in the positive samples. There is no mechanism, therefore, for testing for HSV-1 without simultaneously testing for HSV-2.
How accurate is herpes urine test? ›If enough antibodies are detected, then the tester is positive for the corresponding virus. Even without signs of an outbreak, our FDA-cleared herpes type 1 & 2 testing will be 97%-99% accurate between 4-6 weeks post exposure. It will remain 99% accurate after 6 weeks.
Can you test negative for herpes and still have it? ›Normal Results. A negative (normal) test most often means you have not been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2. If the infection occurred very recently (within a few weeks to 3 months), the test may be negative, but you may still be infected. This is called a false negative.
Can herpes 2 test be wrong? ›
False positive test results show that a person has an infection or condition when they do not. This can happen with many kinds of diagnostic tests. However, the chance of a false positive herpes test result is much higher than when testing for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Is there a blood test to detect herpes? ›PCR is used to copy your DNA from a sample of your blood, tissue from a sore or spinal fluid. The DNA can then be tested to establish the presence of HSV and determine which type of HSV you have. Blood test. This test analyzes a sample of your blood for the presence of HSV antibodies to detect a past herpes infection.
When is the best time to test for herpes? ›How soon can you be tested? The incubation period for herpes is 2 to 12 days, which means that the best time to get tested for the herpes virus — if you haven't had an initial outbreak — is after 12 days.
Can you see herpes in urine? ›Can a urine test detect herpes? No. Urine tests are not used to detect herpes. Urine STD screenings test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Can you test positive for herpes and not have it? ›Herpes tests aren't the only ones with a risk of false positive results. False positives can occur for any test that diagnoses viral infection based on antibodies, i.e., your body's immune reaction, rather than direct detection of the virus.
How do you keep herpes dormant? ›- Get plenty of sleep. This helps keep your immune system strong.
- Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition also helps your immune system stay strong.
- Keep stress low. Constant stress can weaken your immune system.
- Protect yourself from the sun, wind, and extreme cold and heat.
"For HSV-1, close to 100 percent of people in the U.S. are antibody-positive because they have been exposed at some point in their lives, though only a percentage of these individuals will actually get cold sores," says Adam Friedman, the residency program director at the George Washington University School of Medicine ...
How long can you have herpes without knowing? ›Many people with the herpes virus do not experience any symptoms when first infected. If symptoms do occur they usually take between 2 and 12 days after contact to appear. Sometimes symptoms may not be noticed until months, or sometimes years, after being in contact with the virus.
Why is there no cure for herpes? ›Herpes can hide in the nerve cells for a long time before activating, which makes finding a cure challenging. Research on vaccines is ongoing. Most people with herpes do not show symptoms, but the infection can also cause painful ulcers and blisters. Those without symptoms can still pass the infection to others.
What if I test positive for herpes but never had an outbreak? ›If your test result is positive, it can mean that you have an active herpes infection without symptoms. It can also mean that you had an HSV infection in the past. The antibody blood test is not as reliable as culturing a sample from a herpes sore.
How long before herpes shows up in blood test? ›
While the blood test shows us that someone has been exposed to Herpes, it cannot tell where the exposure has taken place or whether the person will ever develop symptoms. It may take as much as three months after exposure for the antibody test to turn positive.
Can a pap smear detect herpes? ›Pap smear also helps in detecting or at least gives a clue to the presence of STIs such as trichomoniasis, Candida, Actinomyces, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Can you donate blood with herpes? ›Yes, you can donate blood even if you have herpes — but only if you're not having an outbreak of symptoms and if it's been more than 48 hours since you finished an antiviral treatment.
Is there a cream for herpes? ›Topical acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and genitals (sex organs). Although topical acyclovir will not cure herpes simplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster.