Herpes Test

What does this test include?

We will test for the following Herpes infections:

• Herpes Simplex I
• Herpes Simplex II

Herpes is best diagnosed by taking a swab sample from a suspicious lesion.

A Herpes blood test is also available, but the result of this test will only determine if you have come into contact with the virus in the past. More information can be found on the Herpes blood test page.

What if I test positive for Herpes?

We will refer you to our sister clinic who will prescribe an appropriate anti-viral treatment to be sent out for next day delivery.

How long does the test result take?

This PCR test is a specialist test that needs to be done in a referral laboratory. Results take 3 – 4 working days from the time that we receive your sample back.

How reliable are the results?

We use one of the UK's leading pathology laboratories, where all tests have been internally validated and are either UKAS accredited or an application for accreditation has been submitted.

If you have herpes but the virus is not active, this is likely to produce a negative result on the tests offered (other than the IgG antibody blood test).

If you have symptoms such as blisters or sores, then we strongly advocate a symptomatic lesion test that is designed to detect herpes and syphilis. This can be found on the symptomatic lesion test page.

A urine-based herpes test is also offered, but this would only be appropriate if you have some urethral discomfort, all other options have been excluded, and there are no visible lesions that can be swabbed. A urine screen should not be used if there are visible lesions.

Where there is some urethral discomfort or signs of an unusual discharge, then we recommend the Full STI Screen, which also covers Herpes 1 and 2.

Please note that the primary recommendation for diagnosing herpes is a swab from active lesions.

If you require specific advice on which test is best for you, please contact the help desk by email, with a detailed explanation of your symptoms and what has been tested so far.

How long should I wait after a risky event?

We only recommend this test if you are displaying potential symptoms such as small blisters or sores around your genital area.