Private Herpes 1 & 2 Testing Near You

What this test is for

Genital herpes is caused by two related viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, and the CDC estimates that most people who carry either have never been diagnosed. The infection is usually mild or silent, first outbreaks are often mistaken for something else, and the virus can be passed on when no sores are present. Testing is how people find out.

This is a type-specific IgG blood test that looks for the antibodies your body makes against HSV-1 and HSV-2 and reports each separately, so you learn which type you carry and what to expect from it. You do not need to have a sore to test.

Who it is right for

The test is most useful if you have had blisters, sores or unexplained symptoms that were never diagnosed, or if a current or recent partner has herpes. The CDC does not recommend routine herpes blood testing for people with no symptoms and no known exposure, because a low-level positive can be a false positive; if you are not sure it is the right test for you, call (866) 872-1888 and talk it through with a care advisor first.

How the test works

A quick blood draw at any of our partner labs – no swab, no exam. Sign in at the kiosk with your name and date of birth, give the sample, and you are done in about five minutes. The result reports HSV-1 and HSV-2 separately. A positive HSV-1 result cannot tell you whether the infection is oral or genital, and a low positive HSV-2 result should be confirmed with a second test before it is taken as final.

Because the test looks for antibodies, it cannot tell you what a sore is on the day it appears. If you have a blister or sore right now, call: a care advisor can tell you whether to test today, wait, or see a clinician who can examine and swab the sore directly, which is the most accurate test during an outbreak.

Before you go: No preparation at all: no fasting, nothing to bring. Drink water as usual; it makes the blood draw easier. Every test we offer is FDA-cleared and run in a CLIA-certified laboratory, the same tests a hospital or doctor’s office would order.

When to test

Antibodies to herpes build slowly, so testing too early is the most common way to get a false all-clear. The timing is on our When to Get Tested page, or call (866) 872-1888, tell a care advisor what happened and when, and they will tell you which day to go in and whether a repeat test later makes sense.

After a positive result

Herpes is managed, not cured, and for most people it becomes a small part of life. A member of our care team calls you, explains which type you have and what that means, and arranges a consultation with a physician who can prescribe antiviral medication – at the start of an outbreak to shorten it, or daily to keep outbreaks rare and reduce the chance of passing the virus on. Partners should know so they can decide about testing, and if you are pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider so it can be managed around delivery.

Getting tested privately

We do not bill your insurance. Your testing information is handled confidentially by the physicians and laboratories providing your care. Your lab visit does not announce why you are there: our partner labs collect samples for many different kinds of testing, and to other people in the waiting room you are simply another person having a routine lab visit. The charge on your card shows as RSC Health, and your result goes only to your private online account. Order online, or call (866) 872-1888 and a care advisor will place the order with you and find a lab near you.