How to get tested for herpes: 5 things to know

Published January 9, 2025

Herpes, or herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a highly contagious virus that many people carry without realizing it. Some 50% to 80% of U.S. adults have oral herpes, which can cause cold sores or blisters in or around the mouth.¹ And, of the estimated 12% of Americans with genital herpes, up to 90% don’t know they have it.²

It’s possible to have HSV without showing symptoms. And, because the virus spreads through close contact, understanding how to get tested for herpes is an important step in protecting your health and the health of others. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to get tested:

• The symptoms and exposure risks
• When to get tested
• Testing options
• What your test results mean
• Why Quest is the right choice for getting tested for herpes

1. Why is herpes testing important?

If you have sores, blisters or other lesions around your mouth or genitals, these may be signs of a herpes infection. However, many people with herpes don’t experience symptoms. Without active symptoms, a blood test is the only option to get checked for herpes. Blood testing for herpes involves checking a sample of your blood for antibodies your body produces to fight the HSV-1 or HSV-2 forms of the herpes virus, both of which can cause oral or genital herpes.³ If this test has a positive result, it’s a strong indicator that you’ve likely been infected with the herpes virus.

Getting tested for herpes can offer you peace of mind by confirming the cause of unexplained symptoms. In some cases, testing may be a proactive step in protecting the health of your partner or other loved ones. In all cases, herpes testing gives your healthcare provider the information they need for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

2. When should you get tested for herpes?

Deciding when to get tested for herpes isn’t always straightforward. It’s logical to think the right time to get tested is right away if you’ve had skin-to-skin or sexual contact with someone who has herpes. However, if you don’t have active symptoms, it’s hard to tell right away if you’ve been infected with the herpes virus. This is because it can take up to 16 weeks for antibodies to begin showing up in your bloodstream.⁴

If you’ve had skin-to-skin or sexual contact with someone who has herpes, talk to your healthcare provider. They can let you know what sort of testing is right for you and when you should be tested.⁴

3. Which herpes test is right for you?

Depending on your situation, there are a few ways to test for herpes:

• Blood test: If you don’t have symptoms, a blood test is the only way to detect the herpes virus antibodies. This will indicate whether you’ve been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the past.
• Swab test: If you have visible sores, a swab test can detect the virus directly. This is most accurate when done soon after symptoms appear.
• Visual examination: Sometime, a healthcare provider can identify herpes based on visual symptoms alone, but this isn’t as precise as lab testing.

Each method has its advantages, and choosing the right test for you will depend on your symptoms, time of exposure and personal preferences. However, whether you have active symptoms or no symptoms, or you just need an annual check, a herpes blood test is most often the ideal choice. Quest uses blood testing for its herpes test.

4. What do your herpes test results mean?

Understanding how to read your herpes test results is important. A negative result means no infection was detected, but timing matters – follow-up testing may be recommended based on the timing of your suspected exposure. If your test comes back with a positive result, it means you have been exposed to HSV. When you buy a herpes test online from Quest, you can speak to an independent physician about your test results and what they mean after you receive them.

While there is no cure for herpes, you can take steps to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. Your healthcare provider may offer treatment options which are typically antiviral medications like:

• Eyedrops (for infections of the eye with herpes)
• Pills
• Creams or ointments
• Intravenous (IV) medications

You and your healthcare provider will need to watch your symptoms. Depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, your treatment plan may involve episodic therapy (only taking medications when you notice an outbreak) or chronic suppressive therapy (taking antiviral medications on a long-term basis).

5. Why buy your herpes test online from Quest?

Quest understands the sensitivity around STD testing. That’s why you have access to convenient, discreet herpes tests you can buy online. No doctor’s visit is required — simply purchase, visit a nearby Quest location for sample collection, and get fast results. If your herpes test results are abnormal, you have the option at no extra cost to discuss your results with an independent physician, who may be able to prescribe treatment.

No doctor visit is required to buy your own lab test at questhealth.com. PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider.