Originally published: 10.MAR.2021
Last updated: 13.AUG.2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Conway
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around half a billion people worldwide are living with genital herpes, and several billion are living with an oral herpes infection.¹ Most of these people are unaware they have the infection.¹
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorized into two types: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
- HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes (most often associated with cold sores), but it can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2 on the other hand is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)/disease (STD) and causes genital herpes.
Apart from a physical exam, antibodies for both types of herpes can be detected with a herpes blood test such as LetsGetChecked’s herpes testing option where the sample can be taken from home.
How do doctors test for herpes?
The herpes virus 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.
Some healthcare providers may diagnose herpes with a physical exam and in some cases, they will take a herpes blood test to check for herpes antibodies.
Some of the different types of herpes tests include: ²
- Swab test: This involves taking a fluid sample from a herpes sore. This may be used for a viral culture test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
- Blood test: Blood tests look for antibodies to the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. Antibodies are a sign that you have been exposed to a virus at some point. They do not necessarily mean that you are experiencing an outbreak of oral or genital herpes.
Can you do a herpes blood test at home?
You can take your herpes test sample from home with a herpes home sample collection kit.
LetsGetChecked’s herpes testing option can detect herpes simplex antibodies and can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This antibody test detects the presence of HSV antibodies in the blood sample and can tell you if you have been exposed to HSV in the past. If you have symptoms of genital herpes, you should contact your healthcare provider.
The test will arrive in discreet packaging with a return envelope and clear instructions. Online results will be available within ~2-5 days once your kit has been received by the lab and our dedicated clinical team will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. You can find out more here if you need more information about taking your sample.
What are the signs of herpes?
Herpes can cause pain, itching, and sores in your genital area though sometimes, like many other STIs/STDs, you may experience no symptoms at all - making it extremely important to practice safe sex and test regularly.³
If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
- Pain or itching in your genital area
- Small red bumps or tiny white blisters
- Scabs
- Ulcers
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of Herpes, you should contact your healthcare provider. If you are interested in finding out if you have been exposed to herpes, you can take your sample from home with the LetsGetChecked Herpes Test. This herpes blood test looks for antibodies for the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus using a finger prick blood sample.
Here's how it works:
- The test is shipped directly to you
- Activate your test and answer health-related questions
- A medical team member will review your health record and should you need any support services, they will be provided
- Collect your sample at a time that suits you
- Send your sample back to our laboratory using the pre-paid shipping label provided
- Your sample will be processed in an anonymous and timely manner
- Your results will be reviewed by our team of doctors
- A member of our nursing team will contact you to deliver your results, discuss any next steps, and offer prescriptions in some cases
You should consider testing if:
- You have had a recent sexual exposure to someone with herpes infection.
- You are interested in finding out if you have been exposed to herpes in the past.
- You have had unprotected sex
- You have a new sexual partner
It is important to remember that exposure to the herpes virus is very common. 67% of people under the age of 50 have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus type 1 at some point. Once you have been exposed to the virus, you will have antibodies, even if you never experience any symptoms.
This service is also not suitable if you are pregnant or for anyone under the age of 18. If you suspect that you have an active herpes infection, a swab by a healthcare provider may be required.
References
- World Health Organization. Herpes Simplez Virus. Online: Who.int
- Medline Plus. Herpes (HSV) Test. Online: Medlineplus.gov
- World Health Organization. Herpes Factsheet. Online: Who.int
Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.
