Best For Couples: Mylab Box
MyLabBox
Type of Testing:Self-collected samples
STI Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, HIV, mycoplasma. PreP and vaginal discharge options are available.
Time to Receive Results:2 to 5 days
Cost: $79 to $369, $499 for a couples kit, coupons available
Like NURX, My Lab Box offers kits that allow you to self swab the mouth and rectum, not just test for genital STIs. They also have several additional test options, such as a kit that provides tests for both parts of a couple, and tests to diagnose different causes of vaginal discharge. It has some information about each STI, but no good information about testing windows. Physician consults are available if you test positive, and it may be possible to get a prescription for treatment. Otherwise, a certified STI counselor is available, but not a physician.
Can You Test For Herpes At Home
Herpes affects millions of people worldwide and while there is no cure for the infection, detection and the right treatment can help prevent or shorten outbreaks – it will also make it less likely for a person to pass the infection on to their partner.
While some healthcare providers may diagnose herpes with a physical exam, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in some cases they will take a herpes blood test which can check for herpes antibodies. If you would prefer to test from the comfort of home, the most reliable way is with an at-home Herpes Test.
LetsGetCheckeds at-home Herpes Test can detect herpes simplex antibodies and can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Its important to wait up to 12 weeks after the time of exposure before taking the test. Antibodies can take a while to become detectable so waiting will make sure you get the most accurate results. Of course, if youre sexually active – regular testing is a must.
The test will arrive in discreet packaging with a return envelope and clear instructions. Online results will be available within 5 days and our dedicated clinical team will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. Should you need more information about taking your sample, you can find out more here.
What Samples Are Required
When you receive your sample collection kit, simply follow the enclosed instructions to collect your sample.
Once you have collected your sample, carefully package the sample in the protective packaging, place it into the pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope and return it to our UK laboratory.
If you would like confidential advice on how to collect your sample, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to assist you
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How Accurate Is A Herpes Test
Our Herpes test is 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.
The test meets the highest possible quality standard for STI testing, including laboratory testing methods and sample types used for testing.
Better still, all our STI/STD tests have been developed in accordance with stringent guidelines as set by the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV , Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency .
We are also UKAS-accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 for our laboratory testing.
Herpes Home Test Vs Herpes Lab Testing
While our herpes test requires a visit to a lab, our testing process is private and no information is shared with your health insurance company or your personal doctor without your consent. That being said, some people would prefer to get a home herpes test . While there are some herpes test kits available on the market, current data suggests that they may not be as accurate as the FDA-approved herpes blood testing labs that we use and are trusted by doctors and medical providers across the country.
In order to prevent exposure to herpes, one must avoid any oral or sexual contact with an infected person. While condoms might help during sexual activity, they are by no means foolproof in preventing transmission of the herpes virus. Once infected, there is no cure for herpes. During periods of active symptoms like blisters, specific antiviral medications can sometimes reduce the duration of the symptoms and intensity of any associated pain.
The CDC estimates that 776,000 people get new herpes infections each year and that 15.7% of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have an HSV-2 infection. For anyone concerned about a herpes exposure or for people in a new relationship, herpes lab testing is a helpful way to determine your status with simple, affordable blood testing.
- A doctor’s lab order*
- A PDF copy of your test results
- Responsive customer service
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What Are They Selling At Healthtestingcenterscom
Everybody who wants to check their health condition can use this health testing service provided by Health Testing Centers. There are many tests available for you to take from general screening tests to allergy testing to 10 test STD panel. Transparency of the price can also be clearly seen on the websites.
This company promises confidentiality as its key to giving the service. None of the data nor the results of your tests will be acknowledged by other people. The data center is the only place where all your data will be stored. That way, you have no other reasons to have your health checked as embarrassment in doing sensitive test has been eliminated.
How Does A Herpes Test Work
A herpes test may require a swab sample, a blood test or both.
Swab tests involve taking a swab sample from an active sore in or around the mouth and/or genitals. A swab sample can either be collected by a healthcare professional or by you in the comfort of your own home using an at home herpes test. Swab tests are often the first port of call when it comes to diagnosing or confirming either oral or genital . If symptoms are present , this will likely be the test used.
Blood tests involve taking a blood sample. The type of herpes blood test used is a virus culture, also known as a PCR test. PCR tests look for pieces of the viruss DNA and are very accurate. A PCR test will be able to diagnose herpes even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. It is a very accurate herpes test. Other blood tests on the market test the blood for antibodies that are produced in reaction to the virus.
The two antibodies that are tested for include IgM and IgG. IgG antibodies appear shortly after you become infected with herpes and stay in the body for life, whereas IgM levels will typically decrease shortly after the initial infection. IgG testing is more accurate than IgM testing.
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Best For Quick Results: Stdcheck
STDcheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45, or they can order a test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 for $79. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
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What Happens If My Herpes Test Is Positive
We have a network of skilled doctors throughout Ireland. Once you receive your results, Better2Knows trained sexual health advisors can arrange a private doctors consultation where you can discuss your diagnosis in more detail. Your doctor will prescribe the medication you require, if necessary. You may take your results to your own sexual health provider or doctor, if you prefer.
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Can You Test For Herpes Without Symptoms
If you think you have been exposed to herpes but do not have symptoms, you should still get tested. In the absence of blisters or sores, you will need to take a blood test, rather than a swab test. For a swab test to be accurate, a sample of cells or fluid must be taken from blisters.
You can arrange a blood test for herpes at your local sexual health clinic. A blood sample will be taken from a vein in the arm with a small needle. The blood will then be transferred to a vial or test tube for laboratory testing. It is a quick process that takes less than five minutes.
Where Can I Get An At
This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive a dried blood spot card, as well as other test kit materials. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Specimens should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory. Results take 3-4 days upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.
TEST KIT REFUND POLICY- Kits can be cancelled anytime prior to sending the specimen to the lab. There is a $25 fee to cover the kit costs and shipping. So a full refund is minus $25.
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Online Herpes Treatment Providers
There arent many online providers that offer at-home testing for herpes, but many companies offer at-home treatment. If youve used one of the tests we recommend and test positive, you should always check in with your primary medical provider for next steps. If you dont have one, or are in a situation that means you cant report it, check out some of the best online herpes treatment providers.
What Are They Doing At Stdcheckcom
STDcheck collaborates with more than 4,500 labs and testing centers across the countries to provide reliable yet affordable STD testings. STDcheck offers private STD testing with confidential results where nobody can t access it including the insurance company. STDcheck discreetly in providing the STDs lab tests for their customers. The results are quick and accurate, you can get them within 1-2 days after the test. If you want to consult your results, youll be able to speak to one of STDchecks doctors for medical advises and treatments.
All the laboratories affiliated with STDcheck are CLIA-Certified Labs. You can visit the local lab on the same day you order STD test via STDcheck. Its also well known for its 10-Test Panel which already covers common STDs including Syphilis, Gonorrhea, HIV 1& 2, Hepatitis A B C, Chlamydia, and Herpes 1& 2. Its very helpful especially when you dont know what STD individual test should be taken or as you need a more comprehensive answer regarding your STD condition. Your privacy is completely protected since all STDchecks tests comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
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When To Talk With A Doctor At Home Hiv
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.
Best Sti Panel Test For Herpes: Everlywell
Everlywell offers STI test panels for males and females. This test may be most suitable for people who want to test for a wide range of STIs.
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Once a person has purchased a test, they must register it on Everlywells website. They then need to post the collected samples with prepaid shipping.
Everlywell states that people can receive their test results within 57 of posting the samples. However, several customer reviews on the companys website say they had to wait up to 2 weeks.
The person receives digital and printable results. If they test positive for any STIs, they can connect with Everlywells network of independent physicians for advice and treatment.
This test costs $149. However, people can subscribe for twice-yearly tests and save money per kit. They can also use their FSA or HSA to pay for this test.
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Polymerase Chain Reaction Test
As with the viral culture, your doctor swabs or scrapes a sample from one of your sores. A lab gets the sample and looks for genes from the herpes virus. PCR test results usually come back to you within 24 hours.
Youre more likely to get this test if you have symptoms but its been longer than 48 hours since they showed up. In this case, you can rely on the results from this test more than the viral culture.
What Are Herpes Antibodies
Antibodies are proteins the body makes to help fight infection and prevent future infections.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies are proteins that have formed due to the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. An immunoglobulin G blood test detects these proteins in the blood and can tell if a person has ever experienced an infection with either virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms. There is no evidence that having a herpes diagnosis changes peoples sexual behavior and prevents herpes from spreading.
People who are pregnant may wish to have a herpes antibody test. A baby can contract herpes during vaginal childbirth. Herpes can be life threatening to newborn babies.
People may also wish to have a herpes antibody test if they:
- have had sexual contact with someone with herpes
- have a specific clinical reason for determining their HSV status
- have another reason for wanting to know their HSV status, such as having multiple sexual partners
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Are There Other Types Of Herpes Viruses Besides Hsv
Yes. There are over 25 viruses in the herpes family and at least 8 types that infect humans. These include herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 discussed in this article as well as varicella zoster virus , associated with chickenpox and shingles, Epstein Barr virus , which can cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus , human herpes virus 6 and human herpes virus 7 , both associated with roseola in young children, and human herpes virus 8 , which has been found in tumors in people with Kaposi’s sarcoma . KS primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant recipients.
Why Should You Consider An At
Because STI testing isnt usually a part of preventative health care, people generally have to ask for an STI test if they want one. Depending on who you are this can feel embarrassing. Worse, doctors are not always aware of STI test options or know how to order them for you. They may also feel embarrassed talking about sex and sexual risk, just like their patients. In addition, some people are worried about their doctor or health insurer knowing anything about their sexual history. That can make them reluctant to seek out testing through the usual channels, even if testing in a doctors office may well be covered by insurance.
For these and other reasons, there has been a growing interest in at-home STI testing. However, not all at-home STI tests are the same. The most accurate at-home STI tests are the same tests that youd get in a doctors office. The only difference is that instead of getting a doctor to order them for you, you order them online. Then you go to a commercial laboratory and they take a urine sample and/or blood. There are also at-home testing kits that allow you to collect your own sample of urine or saliva and send it to a company for testing. These tests are likely to be less accurate than lab-based testing. Below, we’ve highlighted both options, so you can read on to see which route you feel most comfortable with.
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Compare Herpes Home Test Kits
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At Home Sexually Transmitted Infection Tests
We offer testing kits you can take at home for a range of sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, syphilis and HIV. Test results are confidential and come back in 3 working days. We’ll advise you on next steps.
We offer testing kits you can take at home for a range of sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, syphilis and HIV. Test results are confidential and come back in 3 working days. We’ll advise you on next steps.
Due to Royal Mail strike action, we can’t guarantee our usual delivery, postage and result timeframe. So there may be delays to test kit deliveries, the time they take getting back to lab and how quickly you get your results.
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