Herpes Test London – Blood Test

A herpes test is a medical test used to detect the evidence of an HSV infection. Different types of herpes tests can be used to confirm the presence of either type of HSV infection.

This page is specifically for the blood test (option 1) however other options below are available separately. 

Option 1:

Blood Test: Antibody screen (£120) – Antibodies to viral antigens are produced by the immune system in response to an HSV infection. Because every type of antibody is unique to a specific antigen, herpes simplex antibody testing can determine the type of HSV virus you’re infected with. The antigens can be detected in a blood sample. It takes time for the body to develop antibodies, so a positive result may not occur for up to three months after the initial infection. Therefore, this is not the most effective way of testing if you suspect a recent exposure.

Option 2

PCR swab testing (£140 – 5 day results): Polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing is also called a viral or HSV DNA test. It uses a sample taken from your sore to look for the DNA of HSV-1 and HSC-2 infections, making this test vital in determining which virus is causing a person’s infection.

• • When to Use: A swab test is typically done when there are active symptoms like sores, blisters, or ulcers. It involves taking a sample from the affected area (lesion) to detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
  • Advantages: It is most accurate during an active outbreak and can provide a direct confirmation of the virus at the site of infection.
  • Limitations: It may yield false negatives if the lesion is not swabbed during the early stages of an outbreak, or if the virus is not present at the specific location.

Option 3

Blood Test & PCR Swab Test (£250): Herpes simplex antibody blood test & PCR Test.

You might need a herpes test for several reasons;

• • To find out whether HSV is causing sores around the mouth, genitals or on the skin

• • To find out which virus type (HSV-1 or HSV-2) is causing the sores

• • Find out whether the sex partner or person with genital herpes may be infected with HSV

• • Diagnose a herpes infection in an infant born to a person who has genital herpes

The initial signs of herpes will vary depending on the virus type. Oral herpes often present tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores or fever blisters, which can recur. You can also get sores in your mouth. Some individuals also report flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, fever, headache, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

In genital herpes, the symptoms typically present between 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. They may include;

• • Pain or itching around the genitals

• • Painful urination

• • Small bumps or blisters around the genitals or anus

• • Painful ulcers that form when blisters rupture

• • Discharge from the vagina

• • Discharge from the urethra

Like in oral herpes, fever, body aches and headaches are also commonly reported as among the first symptoms among patients.

Taking a herpes test has numerous benefits, even when it turns positive. These benefits include;

• • Taking the test can help you take the proper medical intervention to manage the symptoms of the infection

• • It can help you protect your partner from contracting the infection

• • The test can tell you which type of herpes you have and help you decide what treatment might be best

Q: How much is a herpes test in London?

We offer various STI screening tests covering herpes, among other STIs. Depending on the type of test you want, the test can cost as much as £350. However, if you’re only interested in the herpes test, you can contact us for a detailed quote and more information on the herpes test and whether you should take it.

Q: Can you sleep with someone with herpes and not get it?

Yes. It is possible to sleep with someone with herpes and not get it. However, this is only possible when you take the right measures, including using a condom and dental dams during oral, anal and vaginal sex. You should also proactively help your partner keep up with their herpes medication daily, which lowers their chances of spreading the virus. You should also avoid having sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom. 

Q: Can you tell who gave you herpes?

It’s hard to tell who gave you herpes from a herpes test. The test can only determine if you have herpes. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got the infection.

Q: What do the early stages of herpes look like?

The early stages of herpes often present with a small cluster of itchy or painful blisters filled with fluid. The blisters might be different sizes and appear in different places. After a few days, they break or turn into sores that bleed or ooze a whitish fluid.

Q: How does herpes feel on a man?

In men, the most common symptom of genital herpes is a cluster of blistery sores, usually around the penis or anus. These may last up to a few weeks and go away. However, many people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.