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How Fast Can You Get Herpes Test Results

Common Blood Tests And How Long It Takes To Get Results

Home #STD Testing: Why Get Tested & How It Works

Some of the more common blood tests a doctor may order include:

  • Complete blood count .This test measures the presence of 10 cell types in the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Examples of these results include hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count. CBC results are usually available to your doctor within 24 hours.
  • Basic metabolic panel.This test measures common electrolytes in the blood as well as other compounds. Examples include calcium, glucose, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. You may be asked to fast for a certain period of time before having your blood drawn. These results are also typically sent to your doctor within 24 hours.
  • Complete metabolic panel. This blood test measures all the factors mentioned in the test above as well as two protein tests, albumin and total protein, as well as four tests of liver function. These include ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin. A doctor may order this more comprehensive testing if they wish to understand more about your liver or kidney function. Theyll usually receive your results within one to three days.
  • Lipid panel. Lipid panels measure the amount of cholesterol in the body. This includes high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein . Your doctor should receive results from the lab within 24 hours.

Why The Test Is Performed

The test is done to find out whether a person has ever been infected with oral or genital herpes. It looks for antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 . An antibody is a substance made by the bodys immune system when it detects harmful substances such as the herpes virus. This test does not detect the virus itself.

Which Herpes Test Should You Get

Each method of testing for herpes has advantages and disadvantages, from time and cost, to an increased possibility of false results. Often, people concerned about the virus use a range of herpes testing to get a more accurate, proven picture of whether or not theyre infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Since herpes is a lifelong infection that cant be cured, its important to discuss testing options with your healthcare provider and make sure you receive an accurate result. Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you more about the best options for herpes testing based on your symptoms and situation.

Typically, your healthcare provider will carry out a physical exam before choosing the best testing method for you. As herpes symptoms tend to be worst during the initial outbreak of the virus, its best to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.

In the event that you do have herpes, theres no need to panic. Both oral and genital herpes are extremely common, and a variety of effective treatments are available for both.

Our Valacyclovir 101 guide goes into more detail about one of the most common, effective drugs for treating both symptomatic and asymptomatic herpes. You can also learn more about the risk of catching herpes in our guide to how herpes is transmitted between people.

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How To Get An Std Test

Getting tested for STDs is a simple process. Almost all mid-sized and large cities offer options for free or low-cost STD testing, with convenient online testing options also available for many common sexually transmitted diseases.

You can get tested by:

  • Talking to your healthcare provider. Your primary care provider will be able to provide testing for most STDs. Many health insurance policies either provide free STD testing or offer tests at a significantly reduced price.

  • Visiting your local urgent care center. Many urgent care centers offer testing for most STDs. You can search for free, fast and confidential testing locations in your area using the CDCs GetTested tool.

  • Visiting your local pharmacy. Many pharmacies can schedule testing for some STDs, or provide an at-home test that you can return to the pharmacy or mail directly to the lab for analysis.

  • Contacting Planned Parenthood. Many Planned Parenthood centers offer STD testing and treatment.

  • Using an at-home/online test. Several companies provide at-home STD tests that you can order online. Some tests provide instant results, while others may need to be mailed to a lab for analysis.

How Is The Test Used

How Soon Can You Test For Herpes

Herpes testing may be used a few different ways:

  • Herpes simplex virus PCR testing or culture may be used to diagnose an active herpes infection if you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores or encephalitis.
  • HSV PCR is the preferred test to diagnose newborns suspected of having neonatal herpes, a rare but serious condition in which herpes is contracted during vaginal birth.
  • HSV antibody testing may be used to determine whether you have been exposed to HSV in the past. This may be helpful in screening certain populations, such as potential organ transplant recipients. It may also be useful for pregnant women to help determine the risk of them passing an HSV-2 infection to their baby.
  • PCR and antibody testing may be used to distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend screening for herpes in the general population, but it may be helpful in some cases, such as:

    • If you have signs and symptoms, such as genital sores that may be related to herpes
    • If you have or had a sex partner with genital herpes
    • If you would like to have a complete exam for sexually transmitted diseases , especially if you have multiple sex partners if this is the case, you should discuss STD testing with your healthcare practitioner.

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    Best Convenient Herpes Test: Mylab Box

    People can order at-home herpes tests from MyLAB Box. These kits contain instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope. Users may find this test convenient because of its quick turnaround for results and the option to book a free consultation and get treatment.

    Collection method
    doctor may prescribe treatment if test results are positive
    Con only tests for HSV-2

    Once a person receives their collection kit, they can collect their sample using the instructions. They can then use the prepaid envelope to send it to the laboratory.

    People should receive their results within 25 days. If the test is positive, they can book a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results and treatment options. The doctor may then prescribe treatment.

    This at-home test only works for people who wish to test for genital herpes. The company does not offer test kits for oral herpes.

    The kit costs $89 as a stand-alone test, but the company also markets other kits that test for different infections. For example, if a person also wishes to test for other STIs, they can purchase the Total Box 14 Panel option or the Uber Box 8 Panel option.

    Can It Lie Dormant

    The herpes virus can lie dormant in the body for years before people experience any symptoms.

    After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.

    Symptoms are usually less severe during repeat outbreaks. Sores also clear up more quickly, often within 37 days. This is due to the antibodies the body produces to fight the first outbreak of herpes. The body can then use these antibodies to respond more quickly to future outbreaks.

    There is currently no cure for herpes. Even if a person stops experiencing symptoms, the virus will remain inside their body.

    It is also important to point out that herpes is transmissible even when no sores or other symptoms are present. For this reason, early prevention is advisable.

    To help reduce the chance of this happening, people can use condoms or dental dams during sex.

    Condoms and dental dams do not offer complete protection against the herpes virus, as herpes can live on areas around the genitals. However, these methods do reduce the likelihood of contracting the infection or passing it on.

    A person who has herpes can also take other steps to reduce the chance of passing it on to a sexual partner. Such steps include telling their sexual partner that they have herpes before having sex.

    Both people can then take additional steps to reduce the likelihood of transmission. These steps may include:

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    A Very Discreet Private Std Clinic

    • We offer same day or next day appointments and allow you to book your appointments online
    • We now offer Instant HIV Testing! Negative Results in 20 Minutes!
    • We test and treat, while others only test
    • Appointments available
    • Multiple locations with some open on Saturdays.
    • Just tell the receptionists that you are here for “testing”
    • Private consultation rooms to discuss what testing you want
    • Most test results are available in 48 hours
    • Private consultation with Clinician before or after testing available
    • We offer early detection HIV testing
    • All testing done with a simple blood sample, urine sample and/or oral tests that are done by collecting a sample from the back of the throat.
    • Testing results are available in our cloud based patient portal, or you may them e-mailed to you or pick them up in-office with your photo ID.
    • Clinician will call you and review all positive results.
    • Your credit card statement will discreetly show payment to “e7 Health”
    • We do not accept insurance, however, we do put all the insurance codes on your invoice so you can submit it to your insurance for full/partial reimbursement if it is a covered benefit.

    How Does The Test Work

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    The genital herpes home test kit conveniently allows you to detect genital herpes without the need to visit your doctor or a sexual health clinic.

    Ordering a test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor is easy just follow these simple steps:

    • Your test kit will be delivered to an address of your choice
    • Follow the instructions in the included leaflet to collect the sample
    • Place the sample in the prepaid and addressed envelope and send it to our lab
    • Your results will arrive within 2 to 3 days of the sample arriving at the lab

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    When Should I Get A Genital Or Oral Herpes Test

    Testing for the viruses that cause genital and oral herpes may be ordered when a patient develops signs and symptoms of a herpes infection. Although many people who contract HSV never notice symptoms, signs of an initial infection appear 2 to 20 days after infection and depend on the type of HSV causing the infection.

    When signs and symptoms of an initial infection occur, they may include:

    • Small sores on the skin
    • Tingling, itching, or burning on the skin
    • Fever, headache, or body aches
    • Swollen lymph nodes

    After the initial infection, HSV remains dormant inside of the body. HSV can reactivate throughout a patients life, causing symptoms of genital or oral herpes to reappear. While the trigger for an HSV outbreak is often unknown, potential triggers include a fever, stress, physical trauma, and a suppressed immune system.

    Generally, expert organizations do not recommend herpes testing for patients without symptoms. An exception may be made for certain patients, including:

    • Patients who have a partner with genital herpes
    • Patients seeking a more complete STD test panel, including people with multiple sexual partners
    • Babies born to a mother who has HSV

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    How Soon Can You Get Tested For Stds

    If you have potentially been exposed to an STD, you may think that getting tested immediately is imperative. But in fact, getting tested too early may lead to inaccurate results. It takes time for your body to recognize and respond to the STD once you are exposed to it. If you get tested before your body has responded to the STD, it will be too early for the test to detect the STD in your system. How long does it take to get an STD? When should you get tested? Heres what you need to know:

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    Herpes Viral Culture Of Lesion

    Culture – herpes simplex virus Herpes simplex virus culture Herpes zoster virus culture

    Herpes viral culture of a lesion is a laboratory test to check if a skin sore is infected with the herpes virus.

    A viral lesion culture is performed to confirm herpes simplex virus present in a skin lesion. The specimen is collected by scraping the suspected skin lesion or aspirating fluid from the lesion. Results are available within 16 hours to 7 days of receipt of the specimen, depending on the culture method used.

    Book Your Instant Herpes Test

    Found out girlfriend of 5 months has herpes

    Better2Knows experienced sexual health advisors are available 24/7 to answer any questions regarding STIs or Better2Knows private STI testing services in the UK. You can also arrange your confidential booking at any time using the orange button at the top of the page. We will email or text you confirmation of your appointment with where to go and details of what you will get tested for.

    You will also receive your patient login details. Our patient area provides exclusive access to Better2Knows STI factsheets and the anonymous partner notification service we offer, if you test positive. You can also view your appointment details, as well as a map and directions to Better2Knows sexual health clinic.

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    The Bottom Line On Herpes Tests

    Unless you are pregnant or you think youve contracted herpes from your partner, wait until you see actual symptoms to get tested.

    A swab is taken from your genitals or wherever the lesion or sore occurs the most accurate way to test for herpes.

    If you dont want to go to the doctor, you can order an at-home Herpes test. It offers more privacy and convenience than going to the hospital or clinic.

    If you get a positive result from an at-home test, its a good idea to go to the hospital for further testing to make sure it is not a false positive.

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    How Long Does It Take To Get An Std

    Each STD has a unique incubation period. For some STDs, the incubation period for testing can be as short as a week or two, and for other STDs, as long as a few months.

    If you believe you have been exposed to a specific STD, its important to learn about its incubation period so you know how long you should wait to get tested.

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    When Should You Get Tested

    The best time to get tested for herpes varies, depending on what’s happening.

    If you’re exhibiting symptoms of an initial outbreak which include pain, itching and redness of the affected location fatigue, fever and chills and, ultimately, painful sores or ulcers it’s best to see a healthcare professional about getting tested.

    However, if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus and aren’t yet exhibiting symptoms, HSV may take some time before being able to show results on a test. While the exact time frame is unknown and varies from person to person, two weeks is usually enough time to yield accurate test results.

    Most people become concerned about being infected with the herpes virus after contact with a potentially infected person. Often, simple things like kissing someone with a visible cold sore or facial acne around the lips can cause concern about HSV-1.

    For genital herpes, most people become concerned about potentially being infected after sexual contact with a person that shows symptoms of herpes. This can include oral sex with someone that has cold sores, which can potentially spread to the genitals.

    Since herpes is asymptomatic in many people, you could be infected with the virus even if you dont have any symptoms.

    Can You Get Herpes From Sharing A Drink

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    If your current sexual partner revealed that they tested positive for herpes, you might question the status of your sexual health. Could you be infected even though you do not have visible genital herpes or cold sores? Can you get herpes from sharing a drink?

    While unlikely, it is possible to become infected with herpes after sharing a drink with an infected person. You can also contract and spread the virus even if you do not notice visible sores.

    The threat of sexually transmitted diseases it essential to undergo frequent testing if you are sexually active. Contact us at Rapid STD Testing for a rapid STD test today.

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    How The Test Is Performed

    The health care provider collects the sample from a skin sore . This is done usually by rubbing a small cotton swab and on the skin lesion. The sample is sent to a lab. There, it is placed in a special dish . It is then watched to see if the herpes simplex virus , herpes zoster virus, or substances related to the virus grow. Special tests may also be done to determine whether it is HSV type 1 or 2.

    How Is Herpes Treated

    Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Medications are available that can prevent or shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks. There is a medicine that you can take on a daily basis that can help prevent outbreaks and also lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.

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