Home Test Kit For Herpes

How Quickly Will I Get My Results

Questions For Your Doctor After At

The following questions about the results of at-home genital and oral herpes testing may be helpful for patients to discuss with their doctor:

• Is my at-home herpes test result reliable?
• What is the most likely explanation for my test result?
• Are there any follow-up tests that you recommend?
• How should I discuss my test result with sexual partners?

What Happens If My Sti Check Is Positive

Firstly, please dont panic. Most conditions can be treated simply and effectively with medication. Well provide you with the details of our Pharmacist partners who can issue a prescription for the medication you need or you can take the results to your GP.

If you test positive for HIV then a second test is required for confirmation. This helps decide where to be referred to for treatment and additional support. We recommend discussing with the HIV specialists at the fantastic Terrence Higgins Trust and/or making an appointment at your nearest GUM clinic.

Don’t Miss: How Many Types Of Herpes Viruses Are There

Best Subscription For Herpes Test: Letsgetchecked

The LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the companys subscription options can offer significant discounts.

A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.

The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website that explains how they should take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.m. and return it to the laboratory on the same day.

The company states that it issues the results within 25 days.

Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.

LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.

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.

Don’t Miss: Does Herpes Turn To Hiv

What Does A Herpes Home Test Do

If you are asked for a blood sample, then your blood will be tested to find if it contains HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. If you have the antibodies, then you have herpes, and the antibodies will remain in your system for life.

The swab test is often recommended for those people who have a blister or lesion. The PCR swab will also be tested for the presence of the virus. Most test providers will give you results in 2-5 working days.

Sound Advice For Selecting & Buying The Best Self Test Kits.

Useful Links

What Are The Advantages Of At

The rise in availability of at-home STD tests coincides with the growing telehealth movement in the United States and around the world. Increasingly, patients want the convenience of receiving medical advice on the go or at home and prefer to avoid visiting a doctors office.

At-home STD tests offer several advantages over in-office testing:

• Patients do not have to feel embarrassed when discussing their reasons for getting an STD test and do not have to discuss their sexual history, which means the process is more private and discreet.
• Patients are able to choose between being tested for just one type of infection, getting a full workup, or any combination of options in between.
• At-home testing is more convenient and eliminates the trip to the doctors office.
• Costs may be lower for online testing services in some cases, particularly when using a website that accepts health insurance, as the co-pay for a doctors visit is eliminated. Follow up with your health care provider to see if your insurance covers these tests.
• If you prefer not to use health insurance, you have lots of self-pay options and dont have to worry about your results being reported to your health care provider.
• Telehealth appointments may be available sooner than waiting for an appointment to open up at your doctors office.
• You may be able to receive treatment for your infection through the online provider if you test positive.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Cure For Herpes Virus

How We Test For Oral & Genital Herpes

Our herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 type-specific antibody testing looks at the blood for antibodies to bothtypes of the herpes virus through the use of an immunoassay. If enough antibodies are detected, then the tester ispositive for the corresponding virus. Even without signs of an outbreak, our FDA-cleared herpes type 1 & 2 testingwill be 97%-99% accurate between 4-6 weeks post exposure. It will remain 99% accurate after 6 weeks.

Its important to understand that while HSV-2 is often referred to as genital herpes, and HSV-1 is commonly known asoral herpes, both can be located on either region of the body. A positive result for HSV-1 does not always mean aperson has oral herpes, nor does a positive result for HSV-2 mean someone has genital herpes.

Finding a lab is as simple as entering your zip code and selecting thelab that is most convenient for you. You pay online and can get tested as early as that same day.

Herpes I & II

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.

You May Like: Can You Tell How Long You Ve Had Herpes

What A Positive Herpes Test Means

A positive test result suggests you may have an oral herpes infection, a genital herpes infection, or both. At-home herpes testing can also tell you which herpes simplex viruses infected you.

Knowing your HSV status is important for your sexual health. It helps you engage in safer sex practices, and allows you to protect yourself and your partners from herpes.

Keep in mind that you can test positive even if you dont have symptoms.

Why Should You Test For Herpes At Home

Some people get skin outbreaks after a herpes infection. It can look like other skin conditions, so you might miss out on them.

When the virus becomes dormant, your signs may disappear. Youll only get breakouts again when the virus reactivates.

Herpes symptoms may be generalized and non-specific. So you may be infected and unknowingly transmit it to your sexual partners.

At-home herpes tests can check for an active HSV infection. If you think you have herpes but are too embarassed to visit a doctor, you can take this test at home.

You May Like: What Is Herpes Zoster Virus

Review Of Mylab Box Results & Reports

Users can view their myLAB Box results online. The company will send an email notification with a link to their online portal when results are available.

With their results, myLAB Box provides a view of a markers current levels. For example, the Cholesterol & Lipids Test will tell your current cholesterol and lipids levels to help you prevent heart disease and other symptoms.

As can be seen below, on their website they provide some basic information about the test and its function, and what are some risk factors and symptoms abnormal results could result in.

Below you can view more information available on their website. It includes a brief explanation of the lab marker analyzed, instructions on how to prepare for the test, and a breakdown of what the results mean.

The reports do not include recommendations to help users improve their health based on lab results. On their website, they merely tell users that to improve a lab marker, healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes and/or prescribe medicines.

For the Wellness Screenings, results are usually categorized as low, normal, or high levels for a particular lab marker. They do not inform you if your results are optimal. For Sexual Health Screenings, your results can be either reactive or non-reactive .

• Read More: Normal vs. Optimal Lab Ranges For Blood Tests

You Should Also Consider Getting Tested If:

• You used a needle or syringe to inject drugs into your body that someone with herpes has already used
• You become sexually active
• You have had unprotected sex
• You are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease
• You are entering into a new sexual relationship
• You have received a notification from a previous partner that they are infected

The test must be taken fasted, before 9am and returned on the same day.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Herpes

How Accurate Is A Herpes Blood Test

Herpes blood tests have a sensitivity level of about 80-98%. This type of test detects antibodies to the herpes virus, so it may not be as accurate when performed soon after infection. In general, false positives are a concern with herpes testing, so its not recommended unless you have symptoms or have a high risk for infection.

Why Should I Get Tested

Genital herpes does not often show signs or symptoms until you have an outbreak. If you have had unprotected sex with someone who has genital herpes, then you may have caught it too. It is important to get tested so that you do not pass it on to someone else.

It is very important to get tested if you are a pregnant woman and have a partner with genital herpes. This is because your baby could also become infected if you get genital herpes too. Herpes infections in babies can be life-threatening.

You May Like: Can You Cure Herpes Type 1

What Are The Disadvantages Of At

Just as there are many advantages to at-home STD tests, there are also plenty of disadvantages.

Disadvantages associated with at-home STD tests include:

• Not knowing exactly what to get tested for without talking to a healthcare professional.
• Not knowing when you should get tested for certain STDs based on your potential exposure window, which can prevent you from receiving accurate results.
• Not understanding the results you receive and not having access to a medical professional to help you interpret them.
• Not having access to immediate treatment after receiving your results.
• Possibly paying more for the same test since you might be able to receive testing for free at a sexual health clinic.
• Not being able to apply the costs of your STD test to your commercial health insurance.
• Not receiving accurate results if the sample is collected incorrectly.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know

Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection. The skin lesions give other sexually transmitted diseases , including HIV, openings for entering the body. Likewise, it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious. Infection with HSV can also increase HIV viral load. HSV-2 infection is a significant opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals due to immune system deficiencies up to 90% of HIV-infected individuals are co-infected with HSV-2.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Herpes Naturally

How Accurate Is My Instant Herpes Test

Your Better2Know instant Herpes test is highly accurate and sensitive. If you are worried about Herpes, or are experiencing symptoms that may suggest a Herpes infection, you should get tested as soon as possible. Better2Knows private STI testing services in the UK are performed in line with the highest standards of quality and care.

How Long Does An At

The testing process itself should take less than five minutes. The longest part is waiting for your results to come back! For the most part, it takes two or three business days to receive your package from the time youve ordered it, fifteen minutes max to take the test, and then two to five business days after youve shipped the package back to receive your results.

Don’t Miss: What Cream To Use For Herpes

How To Test For Herpes

If you suspect you have herpes, the first thing you should do is contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can examine your blisters or sores to check for herpes. If you do have an HSV infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a treatment plan for you.

The Center for Disease Control recommends a genital herpes test if you have symptoms of herpes or a sexual partner who has genital herpes . Note that some people have asymptomatic herpes and donât show symptoms, but the CDC does not recommend asymptomatic screening for herpes .

If you would like an easy at-home option to test for 6 other common STIs, try the Everlywell home STD Test for women or the STD Test for men which checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Once your sample is received and analyzed at the lab, the test results are sent to you quickly and discreetly via our secure, online platform.

Whats Inside A Herpes Home Testing Kit

At-home STD tests usually perform blood tests and collect a finger prick blood sample. Everything you need to collect blood is present in the test kits.

When you open your package, youll find:

• Instruction manual a step-by-step guide on how to use your test kit
• Alcohol wipes used to clean your finger before collecting blood
• Sterile lancets used to prick your finger to get blood samples
• Gauze cleans off the first drop of blood
• Bandaids used to dress your finger after sample collection.
• Blood collection tube contains an anticoagulant that preserves your sample
• Biohazard bag place your blood samples in this bag to secure them for transport.
• Return envelope send your samples to the lab for blood testing

Don’t Miss: What Triggers Herpes Outbreak Genital

What Are The Most Common Stds In The United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , more than 20 million new STD infections are reported each year, with a prevalence of about 110 million infections in the United States in 2008.

The most common STD in the United States is the human papillomavirus , which affects over 79 million Americans and is linked to cervical cancer in women.

After HPV, the most common STDs are chlamydia and gonorrhea, which reported over 1.7 million cases and over half a million cases in 2017, respectively. Other STDS are much less common.

We Are Award Winning Experts In Sexual And Reproductive Health

Working in partnership with the NHS, we provide STI testing, diagnosis and treatment, oral contraception, the morning after pill and specialist remote clinical support.

We put people at the heart of what we do. We design services that are easier to use, access and understand.

We are not-for-profit and passionate about delivering discreet, convenient and clinically safe experiences. Find out more about SH:24.

Our brands include Fettle.health, which offers users the choice of paying for sexual and reproductive health services online.

Don’t Miss: What Dies Herpes Look Like

How Is An At Home Genital Herpes Test Performed

While there are a few different ways to test for herpes, the one thats usually used for home testing is a blood test. Sometimes known as a herpes rapid test, this is a blood test that looks for antibodies against the herpes virus. Antibodies are produced by your body in response to an infection. Having antibodies against the herpes virus means that youve been exposed to the virus.

You simply order a herpes rapid test kit online, and its sent to your home in discreet packaging that doesnt show whats inside. You take your blood sample yourself at home, using a fingerprick. After you send your sample back to the lab, herpes test online results will be available within a few days.

One benefit of doing the test at home is that it helps to maintain your privacy. Your results wont be reported to your insurance company, nor will they show up on a document called an explanation of benefits , which insurance companies routinely send after paying for something. Anyone who shares your insurance may be able to see the fact that you were tested on the EOB, even if they cant see your results. Testing at home helps to prevent this situation and keep your testing entirely private.