Herpes Test

Price

£95

Turnaround

3-5 Days

Professional

N/A

Young Man with Cold Sore (herpes on mouth)
4.7
4.7/5
4.7
4.7/5

Treatment for genital herpes

Genital herpes can be very distressing for those who suffer from it but treatment and support is available. If you are concerned about genital herpes, we offer testing and consultations at your convenience.

It is easier to diagnose genital herpes when an infection is still active, so you should seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms, ideally within 48 hours of the first blisters appearing.

statistics

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Herpes Test

Herpes is an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV). It causes the appearance of painful blisters on and around the genitals, which develop into sores. The symptoms of genital herpes come and go. The virus remains in the body but is not constantly active (causing symptoms).

A herpes test is used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, encompassing HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes, though crossover infection is possible. The virus spreads through direct contact with herpes sores, but transmission can occur even when sores are not present. Symptoms include blisters or sores on the mouth or genitals, but many people with HSV may be asymptomatic. Herpes testing involves swabbing a sore for laboratory analysis or blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. Regular testing is important for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners or who engage in unprotected sex.

Staying Aware

If you have noticed any skin changes or lesions, or if you have had unprotected sex, it is recommended that you get tested. The window period for your body to develop herpes antibodies following infection is 2 weeks to 6 months. If you are worried you have contracted the virus, testing 2 weeks after initial exposure and then again 3 months later can confirm your status.

If you have any symptoms, please note that a consultation fee is payable of £85 with a specialist nurse or £175 with a GP.

What To Do Next

Concerned about herpes? Whether you have symptoms or are seeking peace of mind, our team is here to assist. Book your herpes test appointment online or call us for a confidential consultation and testing.

How To Book A Sexual Health Screen Appointment?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.

Procedure

  • There is no specific preparation for this test.
During the test
  • A swab is used to collect a fluid sample from a blister (using a cotton bud), which is then tested.
  • It is also possible to have a blood test for the virus.
  • The viral culture from a swab will give the most accurate positive results.
  • Blood tests are used when someone has no visible symptoms but is concerned that they may have the virus, and check for antibodies to the virus, rather than for the virus itself.
  • We provide the results by phone, or email or patients can decide to collect the hard copy of the results themselves at the reception.
  • As a clinic policy, we don’t send any positive results via email.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic For
Sexual Health Screening?

Experienced
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team

Registration
not needed

Up-to-date with the latest treatments & testing

Strictly
confidential

Experienced doctors & a professional team

Affordable private
health care

Transparent fee structure with no hidden charges

pricing

No hidden charges, phlebotomy fees or prescription charges.
Test prices do not include a consultation.

Herpes (swab)

  • Swab of lesions
  • If you have any symptoms, please note that a consultation fee is payable of £85 with a specialist nurse or £175 with a GP.

Herpes (blood)

  • If you have no symptoms and are testing for peace of mind, there is no consultation fee payable.
  • However, if you have any symptoms, please note that a consultation fee is payable of £85 with a specialist nurse or £175 with a GP.

see other Sexual Health services

Book Your GP Appointment Today

Fast, affordable, high-quality GP and medical testing services with same-day appointments.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

fAQ

Can I get tested even if I do not have symptoms?
Yes, although you will get a more accurate result if you get tested when you are showing symptoms. The test is best done using a swab sample from an active blister or sore. If you do not have symptoms, a blood test can show the presence of herpes antibodies in your blood, which can indicate a current infection.
The only way to know for sure is to get tested, preferably whilst you still have the blisters. You may not have genital herpes – other conditions can present with similar symptoms, including shingles (herpes zoster), and syphilis.
Yes. If a mother has a herpes infection, whether active or dormant, this can be passed on congenitally in utero. If the mother has an active outbreak during the time of delivery, the virus can be passed onto the baby while passing through the birth canal.

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