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At-home herpes tests are a convenient way to test for this common infection. Here, learn about the best companies to get tests from and read our editor’s review of one of our chosen tests.
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MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
All quotes are provided by a Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, who received a free herpes test from LetsGetChecked to review.
2–5 days
finger prick
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
$119 AT LETSGETCHECKED
The LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the company’s subscription options can offer significant discounts.
A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.
The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website explaining how to take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.m. and return it to the laboratory on the same day.
The company states that it issues the results within 2–5 days.
Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.
LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
“I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It’s an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health.
“I haven’t used online health testing before, but I was really impressed by how simple the whole process was. Testing was easy and relatively pain-free, and my results came quickly.
“However, I would have liked more detail in my reports, and the cost of the tests is prohibitive for people on a tight budget.”
— Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2
significant discount with subscription
does not accept insurance
phone consultation with clinical team
free shipping
1–2 days
blood sample
$45
$45 AT STDCHECK
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
STDCheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
To order a test, a person must enter their ZIP code on the company website to find their nearest testing center. The company claims it has over 4,500 test centers nationwide, making them a convenient option for most people.
A person needs to attend their local test center for a blood test. They should then receive their online results within 1–2 days. Anyone who receives a positive result is eligible for a phone consultation with a STDCheck doctor. The doctor may prescribe treatments at their discretion.
rapid results
test includes free doctor consultation if positive
requires a visit to a laboratory
$95 physician consultation for positive results
none (lab-based test)
2–5 days
finger prick
$89 AT MYLAB BOX
People can order at-home herpes tests from MyLAB Box. These kits contain instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope. Users may find this test convenient because of its quick turnaround for results and the option to book a free consultation and get treatment.
It is also one of the more affordable tests available online.
Once a person receives their collection kit, they can collect their sample using the instructions. They can then use the prepaid envelope to send it to the laboratory.
People should receive their results within 2–5 days. If the test is positive, they can book a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results and treatment options. The doctor may then prescribe treatment.
This at-home test only works for people who wish to test for genital herpes. The company does not offer test kits for oral herpes.
The kit costs $89 as a stand-alone test, but the company also markets other kits that test for different infections. For example, if a person also wishes to test for other STIs, they can purchase the Total Box – 14 Panel option or the Uber Box – 8 Panel option.
the doctor may prescribe treatment if test results are positive
fast results turnaround
only tests for HSV-2
no kit offered for oral herpes
physician consultation for positive results
free shipping
1–3 days
urine and blood samples
$99 AT PRIORITYSTD
Priority STD offers three lab-based herpes detection tests: A standard herpes test, costing $99, and a herpes early detection test, costing $189. The latter can detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus as early as 10 days after exposure.
This may be suitable for people who would prefer to quickly seek diagnosis and treatment for herpes.
To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their ZIP code to find their nearest testing center.
The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.
After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.
The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, which typically takes minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 1–3 days.
In the event of a positive result, a person can have a phone consultation with a partner physician, who may prescribe treatment at an additional cost of $65.
offers tests for early detection of herpes
requires a visit to a laboratory
more expensive than other tests
yes, if positive for certain STIs
none (lab-based test)
The table below compares the six at-home herpes tests for cost, follow-up care, and more.
PriceResults turnaroundCollection methodFollow-up careLetsGetPeople considering buying a home test may 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:
At-home and in-person tests screen for the herpes simplex virus and will return either a positive, negative, or inconclusive result.
At-home tests require a person to collect the sample themselves. These samples may include urine, mouth or genital swab, or a blood sample.
While at-home tests may be more convenient for those uncomfortable discussing their sexual history with others, or those who cannot easily access healthcare, there are some risks. If a person does not collect the sample correctly, they may receive an inconclusive or incorrect test result.
Some at-home tests involve ordering a test online and visiting a lab so that a technician can collect the sample. This may be a good middle ground between true at-home tests and tests from a clinic for those who prefer not to discuss their sexual health with their doctor.
Samples taken by lab technicians and healthcare professionals are more likely to be valid. These professionals have had training and are more likely to take the sample correctly.
Another difference between at-home and in-person tests is that companies offering at-home testing may not offer follow-up advice. On the other hand, healthcare professionals from a clinic can provide people with resources, treatment, and prevention tips.
The CDC recommends herpes testing only for people who experience symptoms. Herpes can produce blisters on and around the genitals, mouth, or rectum. One reason for this is that false-positive results are possible.
Learn more about how long it takes for herpes symptoms to show.
People who have active herpes lesions can undergo a swab test. However, if the lesion is small or has started healing, there might not be enough virus for the test to detect. Due to this, there is also a risk of a false-negative result.
Healthcare professionals may be able to diagnose a person with herpes if they present with blisters and sores. Doctors may also swab sores or blisters that have not yet healed and send the samples to a lab for tests.
Anyone who thinks they might have had exposure to HSV and wants to take a test for reassurance despite a lack of symptoms will need to test for antibodies in the blood instead.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, people should wait 12–16 weeks from the time of sexual contact before taking a test. The test checks whether or not the body has developed antibodies for HSV-1 or HSV-2, which may take some time to become detectable after exposure.
People who are sexually active or share needles with others may require regular testing.
Individuals with partners with herpes and who do not use barrier methods such as condoms each time they engage in sexual activity should also test for herpes regularly.
Some people may prefer to order their at-home tests from online providers since this does not require them to leave their homes.
A 2020 study notes that at-home kits may also benefit those who may not access routine healthcare.
There are two types of home tests: self-collection and laboratory-based.
After purchasing a test collection kit from an online provider, individuals receive all the tools they need to perform the test at home. They collect a sample by following the instructions in the kit and then return it to the company or its laboratory for analysis.
After purchasing the test from an online provider, the person receives a laboratory requisition form, which they present at a testing site. A healthcare professional takes the required sample, and the individual receives their result within a few days.
HSV-1 or HSV-2 test results may be negative or positive. These results depend on the type of test people take.
False results can occur with many diagnostic herpes tests. Herpes tests are not as exact as tests for other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
A research review on the diagnosis of HSV-1 and HSV-2 concludes that using blood tests to diagnose genital herpes may be inappropriate because positive results may be due to chronic infection, whereas negative results may overlook recent infection.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, other viruses carried by the person in their blood may cross-react with the herpes virus, causing a false positive herpes result. These viruses include the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which causes chickenpox or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Other factors which may determine the correct outcome of a herpes test result include sample preparation and the stage of infection of the sample.
Four types of tests can confirm the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. These are:
This is also known as a viral DNA test or HSV DNA test. The healthcare practitioner examines the sore sample to look for the DNA of HSV-1 and HSV-2 to determine which virus is causing the person’s infection.
These tests are 99% accurate and are regarded as the gold standard of testing by healthcare practitioners in advanced HIV infections.
A healthcare practitioner collects a sample from the person’s skin sore and sends it to a laboratory to see if the virus grows. This type of test is useful early in an outbreak when the sore is open.
A positive result indicates that the person has an HSV infection. This may be an initial outbreak or a recurring one.
A negative result indicates that the test sample did not contain HSV. A negative result does not always mean that the person is free from the herpes virus. For example, a false negative may occur if the lesion is small or has started to heal.
A healthcare practitioner scrapes cells from the person’s sore to look for characteristics of herpes infection. A clinician examines the cells at the doctor’s office. There is no need to send the sample to a laboratory.
A positive result indicates the person has an infection. A negative result indicates that they do not have a herpes infection.
Herpes simplex antibody tests determine the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. A clinician detects these antibodies in the person’s blood or sore sample.
A positive result means that the person has HSV antibodies or had an outbreak or past infection. A negative result indicates that the person does not have the virus.
Before ordering a sample collection kit, people should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using at-home herpes tests. These include:
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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.
Yes, it is possible to test for herpes at home. LetsGetChecked, STDCheck, and MyLAB Box all sell at-home herpes tests online. While at-home herpes tests are easy to complete and convenient to use, there is a risk of user error if a person is not used to taking herpes tests themselves.
Herpes tends to cause soft blisters that are filled with fluid.
Initial genital herpes symptoms in females include flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, painful genitals, and unusual discharge.
Early oral herpes symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, headaches, and sore lesions in and around the mouth.
Learn more about herpes in females.
Many people who have herpes do not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, if a person has herpes symptoms they can still be mistaken for something else. For example, herpes sores may look like pimples or ingrown hairs. Since herpes sores can look like blisters, they can also be mistaken for skin condition symptoms, such as dermatitis.
Learn more about what herpes sores look like.
The CDC recommends that only people who have symptoms of herpes undergo testing. Possible symptoms include blisters around the anus, genitals, or mouth that burst and leave painful sores. The CDC also recommends testing if a person experiences what could be a herpes outbreak.
A person can ask for a herpes test at any sexual health clinic or a doctor’s office. A healthcare professional will either swab a blister or draw a blood sample. A person can opt for at-home herpes tests, which typically require a blood sample through a finger prick.
Once a person receives their test results, they should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options, if necessary.
Learn more about medications for herpes.
At-home herpes tests may be the preferred option for people who feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health with a doctor and those who cannot visit a healthcare facility.
Many companies sell at-home tests. Before purchasing a test, an individual may wish to compare the costs, how long it takes the companies to issue the results, and their instructions for collecting the sample.
Some people may have difficulty collecting samples at home and interpreting the test results. Some companies may only offer consultations to individuals who receive a positive test.
There are different types of herpes tests a person may wish to take. People should consider that any test has room for error, and those who receive a positive herpes test result should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options or a follow-up test.
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