Is There An At Home Test For Herpes

How Do They Test For Herpes

Medical professionals can use several different methods to test for herpes. The three different types of herpes tests are cell culture tests, PCR tests, and blood tests. Medical professionals will most often use either a cell culture or PCR test when patients are exhibiting symptoms of the infection. Cell culture tests involve taking a small sample from a herpes blister and examining it in the lab.

If a cell culture test is not possible, medical professionals may then collect a sample from the urinary tract, a herpes sore, spinal fluid, or bloodstream to run a PCR test. PCR tests analyze a persons DNA to detect the presence of herpes.

When no symptoms are present, medical professionals will likely recommend a blood test to determine whether or not a person has herpes. Like other blood tests for STDs, herpes blood tests aim to identify antibodies created to combat the virus.

All herpes tests are painless and fairly routine. They dont take long to complete, and, at Same Day STD Testing, we strive to relay test results back to our patients as quickly as possible.

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.

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.

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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When Should I Get Tested For Herpes

If you think you have been exposed to herpes, then you should get tested 12 days after exposure. Herpes has an incubation period of 2 to 12 days, so may not show up on a test before then. Otherwise, you should get tested for herpes when you have visible symptoms, such as blisters, as this can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a herpes infection.

What Does The Test Result Mean

Direct detection of the virus

• A positive HSV DNA test or culture indicates that you have an active herpes infection, and the result may indicate if it is HSV-1 or HSV-2.
• A negative PCR test or culture indicates that the herpes simplex virus was not detected, but this does not definitely rule out an infection. False negatives can occur if there is not enough active virus in the sample. This may happen if the lesion is cultured more than 48 hours after the symptoms appear. If suspicion of herpes remains high, repeat testing may be done.

Antibody blood tests

• A positive HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgG antibody test means antibodies are present in your blood, which means you have had an infection in the past even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. The type of antibody detected indicates the type of HSV infection.
• Negative HSV antibody results mean that it is unlikely that you have been exposed to HSV or it may mean that your body has not had time to begin producing HSV antibodies.

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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. Well 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. Well advise you on next steps.

Due to Royal Mail strike action, we cant 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.

Reliability And Choosing A Home Test

People who are considering buying a home test may wish to seek advice from a pharmacist on which test is likely to be best for them. The pharmacist may also be able to show them how to collect the sample at home to prevent inaccuracies.

People who are looking for an at-home herpes test should consider the following before making a purchase:

• Clear information: The company should offer all the information that a person needs for testing, including clear and complete instructions.
• Consultations: Some companies offer consultations for people who wish to discuss their sexual health concerns, particularly if they receive a positive result.
• Treatment plan: Online providers may suggest further testing or treatment depending on the individuals results and concerns.
• Certified laboratories: Some companies work with laboratories with

Anyone who has sexual contact with someone who has received a herpes diagnosis should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

People who have received a positive test result may also wish to consider seeking medical advice.

Currently, herpes is not curable, but doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. This may help lower the chance of the infection spreading to other individuals.

Below are some common questions about at-home herpes tests.

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If Visible Here Are Some Of The More Common Signs Of An Hsv

Vaginal or Pelvic Infection:

• Swelling or discomfort in the groin nodes
• Headaches, body aches or flu-like symptoms

Remember, both oral and genital herpes can be spread even if sores are not present.Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, but if you participate in oral sex, keep in mind that the oral variety of HSV can still cause genital herpes. So it pays to test regularly and be honest with your partners.

A test for herpes may be done to:

• Find out whether HSV is causing sores around the mouth or in the genital area.
• Find out which virus type is causing sores around the mouth or in the genital area.
• Find out whether the sex partner of a person with genital herpes may be infected with HSV.
• Diagnose a herpes infection in a newborn baby whose mother has genital herpes.

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Whats In The Fine Print

Its always important to check the fine print, to make sure there are no hidden costs or surprises. Ive done the hard work so you dont have to, and here are a few things Ive discovered.

• Shipping outside the US Not all the companies on this list, ship outside of the US, including MyLab Box and Health Testing Centers.Plus, the lab testing companies, only serve the US, and not always in every state. Thankfully, my top-rated company LetsGetChecked serves 28 global markets.

• Prescriptions A positive result for herpes does not guarantee a prescription. In most cases, a prescription for herpes treatment will be at the discretion of your consulting physician or nurse. Furthermore, if you are issued with a doctors prescription, you are likely to have to pay for the medication.

• Refunds If you change your mind after ordering your kit, you may incur fees. For example, Health Testing Centers will send you a refund if you cancel your order prior to sending off samples, minus $25 which covers the shipping and kit costs.

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Can I Get Herpes From A Toilet

Because the virus dies so quickly outside the body, its almost impossible to contract the infection when you come into contact with a toilet seat. It is also unlikely that you can be infected by an object that was used by an infected person. For example, if youre at the gym and sit on a workout bench that was first used by someone with herpes.

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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.

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Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About An Hsv Test

The best way to prevent genital herpes or another STD is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of infection by

• Being in a long-term relationship with one partner who has tested negative for STDs
• Using condoms correctly every time you have sex

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes, condom use can reduce your risk of spreading the infection to others.

When Is It Ordered

HSV PCR testing or herpes culture may be ordered when you have signs and symptoms of a herpes infection, such as a blister or blisters on or around your eye, mouth, genitals or rectum.

Herpes PCR testing may be ordered when you have signs and symptoms of encephalitis that a healthcare practitioner suspects may be caused by a virus. Examples of these signs and symptoms include:

Prenatal and newborn testing

• A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with herpes may be monitored regularly prior to delivery to detect a reactivation of her infection.
• A baby born to a mother who has active lesions during delivery may be tested before symptoms appear to assess whether the baby was exposed to HSV during delivery.
• A mother and newborn may be tested for HSV soon after delivery when a baby shows signs of HSV infection, such as meningitis or skin lesions that could be caused by the herpes virus.

HSV antibody testing may be done when your healthcare practitioner wants to determine if you have been exposed to HSV in the past.

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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.

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The only way we can know which location is infected is by symptoms. About 30% of negative results for HSV 1 are false negatives. This means if you test negative, you might still have HSV 1. If you are positive for type 2 and fall within a positive range of 1.1 – 3.5, theres a decent chance this is a falsepositive.

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Where Can I Get Tested For Herpes

You can get tested for herpes and other STDs at your doctors office, a community health clinic, the health department, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.

STD testing isnt usually part of your regular checkup or gynecologist exam you have to ask for it. Be honest with your nurse or doctor so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you. Dont be embarrassed: Your doctor is here to help you, not to judge you.

How Herpes Testing Works

For the most part, herpes presents very consistently across people and can be diagnosed on sight. However, its important to still get tested and make sure that its herpes and not something else so you can treat it correctly.

The CDC recommends only testing for herpes if you have symptoms or have been recently exposed. This is because studies have shown that testing for herpes when youre asymptomatic doesnt actually change sexual behavior: people are just as likely to engage in risky behavior like not using a condom whether or not they know they have herpes, if they dont have symptoms. If you test when you dont have symptoms and dont know if youve been exposed, itll also be harder to tell if your result is a false positive.

Most at-home herpes tests involve a combination of a finger prick blood test and either a vaginal swab or urine sample . Youll collect your sample and then mail it back to the testing company, which will run it through a partner lab. Both the blood test and swab/sample are similar in design to tests performed in-office by your doctor providing both blood and a genital sample helps to minimize the risk of getting a false result and ensuring you get results in case something happens to one of your samples.

If you go to your primary medical provider, theyll take a look at your symptoms and be able to tell you if its herpes or not. Should they not be able to tell or if youre asymptomatic despite exposure theyll order one of three tests:

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What Is The At

Testing herpes on your own is easy. After your test kit has arrived, youll need to provide your sample. This can consist of either a finger-prick blood sample or a vaginal swab/urine sample. Some tests will ask for both, but every test we recommend asks for a finger prick. Youll follow the instructions on the kit, register an account with your information and the kits ID to ensure that your information stays tied to you, and then ship the box back to the parent organization. In a few days, youll have your results privately in your inbox its that easy.

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.

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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.

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 The At Home Herpes Test Kit

When you use a reputable at home testing service, then your blood sample will be sent to an accredited laboratory, just as it would if you were getting a blood test ordered by your doctor. This means that the laboratory meets the standards of the US Department of Health & Human Services for accuracy on medical tests. Whether you take the sample at home or it gets taken in a doctors office, it gets sent to the same laboratory.

If you get a positive result on a herpes blood test, this likely indicates that youve been exposed to the virus. Because the herpes virus enters nerve cells and can stay dormant there for a persons whole life, if youve been exposed to herpes, then youre considered to have herpes.

However, there are also false positives on this test. A false positive means that the test shows that you have herpes, when you really dont. In fact, false positive results on the herpes test are more common than for other types of STD tests. This is why doctors dont routinely screen everybody for herpes some people may feel distressed about getting a positive result, when it was actually only a false positive.

If you do get a positive result on your home herpes test, then its important to talk with a healthcare provider to decide what to do. You may want to get another test to confirm your result. Home testing services will generally connect you with a healthcare provider so you can discuss your results.