Herpes (HSV) 1 & 2 Test
Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
3
Duration
30 min
Results
3 days
This herpes test detects both types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), a sexually transmitted infection, in your blood.
Herpes testing helps promote your sexual health – whether related to active symptoms, new relationships, or just part of your annual STD screenings. This herpes blood test checks for HSV 1 and HSV 2 which can cause painful sores around the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes). Although there is no cure for herpes, HSV tests can help with early detection, inform treatment to relieve symptoms, reduce future episodes, and prevent transmission. With Quest, you can buy a herpes test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required. If your HSV-2 test result is positive, the lab will perform an additional confirmation test on the sample you have already provided at no extra cost to you. This helps to validate the positive result before it is reported, per standard recommended guidelines. After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results indicate possible infection, you will receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results. This physician may be able to prescribe medication, if appropriate.
Key Details
- Infections Screened
- 4–10 (varies by panel)
- Fasting Required
- No
- Sample Type
- Blood draw (urine for some infections)
- Turnaround
- 1–5 business days
- Confidential
- Yes, results are private
Who Is This For?
Anyone who is sexually active and hasn't been tested recently. People starting a new relationship who want to know their status. Individuals who have had unprotected sex or multiple partners. Anyone experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or painful urination. Routine screening as recommended by health guidelines (annually for sexually active adults).
What's Included
Preparation Required
No fasting required. For the most accurate HIV results, test at least 2–4 weeks after potential exposure (window period varies by test type). Urine-based tests for chlamydia/gonorrhea require not urinating for at least 1 hour before sample collection.
Biomarkers Tested
3Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most common type of antibody in the blood, important for fighting bacterial and viral infections.
Detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies and/or p24 antigen. Fourth-generation tests can detect infection as early as 2–4 weeks after exposure. Early detection enables treatment that can achieve viral suppression and prevent transmission.
Detects antibodies to hepatitis C virus, indicating current or past infection. A positive result requires confirmatory RNA testing. Hepatitis C is now curable with direct-acting antiviral medications in most patients.
10% off
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 3 days
