Test Quick Guide

Genital and oral herpes are infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is spread through close contact with a person actively shedding the virus, usually through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. Even without symptoms of HSV, you can still actively shed the virus and infect others.

Lab tests diagnose HSV and confirm the type of virus causing an infection. Diagnostic tests may require a blood sample or a sample of fluid taken from a sore. Less commonly, a lumbar puncture may be used to diagnose an infection in the brain or spinal cord.

About Our Genital Herpes & Oral Herpes Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of testing for genital and oral herpes is to identify evidence of an HSV infection. Testing for genital and oral herpes may be ordered for several reasons, including:

  • Confirming a diagnosis of HSV infection in symptomatic patients
  • Diagnosing patients with a history of genital sores who don’t have symptoms
  • Identifying a potential HSV infection in pregnant women without symptoms
  • Understanding if a sexual partner of a person with HSV is susceptible to infection
  • Estimating the frequency of future symptom outbreaks

Testing can also determine the type of HSV causing an infection. There are two main types of HSV:

  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1): HSV-1 is the cause of most cases of oral herpes and is often contracted during childhood. HSV-1 can also be spread to the genitals during oral sex.
  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2): HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 can also be spread to the mouth during oral sex, causing infections of the mouth or lips. HSV-2 is typically spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

What does our genital herpes & oral herpes test measure?

Testing for genital and oral herpes detects evidence of an HSV infection. Several laboratory tests can be used to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV). The most appropriate test depends on whether symptoms are present.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing:
PCR testing, also called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), detects HSV genetic material from a sample taken from a sore. PCR is the most sensitive and accurate test for diagnosing herpes when active lesions are present and is now the preferred diagnostic method. PCR is also used to test cerebrospinal fluid when HSV infection of the brain or spinal cord is suspected.

Viral culture:
Viral culture involves collecting fluid from a sore and attempting to grow the virus in a laboratory. While viral culture can identify HSV and determine the virus type, it is less sensitive than PCR, especially once sores begin to heal.

Antibody (serologic) testing:
Blood tests can detect antibodies your immune system produces in response to HSV-1 or HSV-2. These tests can identify prior exposure to HSV, even without symptoms. However, antibody tests cannot determine when the infection occurred or where it is located, and false-positive results are possible, particularly in people without symptoms.

Tzanck smear:
The Tzanck smear is an older test that examines cells scraped from a sore under a microscope. Because it cannot reliably distinguish between HSV types and has low accuracy, it is rarely used in modern clinical practice.

The accuracy of herpes testing depends on the type of test used and when it is performed:

  • PCR testing from an active sore is the most accurate method and works best when sores are new.
  • Viral culture is less sensitive and may miss infections once sores begin healing.
  • Antibody testing is most reliable when performed at least 12 weeks after potential exposure, allowing time for antibodies to develop.

A healthcare provider can help determine which test is most appropriate based on your symptoms and timing of exposure.

When should I get a genital or oral herpes test?

Testing for the viruses that cause genital and oral herpes may be ordered if you have signs and symptoms of a herpes infection. Many people who contract HSV never develop noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may appear within days or weeks after exposure, but in some cases, symptoms may not appear for months or may never occur at all.

When signs and symptoms of an initial infection occur, they may include:

  • Small sores on the skin
  • Blisters on the lips, penis, vagina, buttocks, anus, or around the mouth.
  • Tingling, itching, or burning on the skin
  • Fever, headache, or body aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

After the initial infection, HSV remains dormant inside the body. HSV can reactivate throughout your life, causing symptoms of genital or oral herpes to reappear. While the trigger for an HSV outbreak is often unknown, potential triggers include fever, stress, physical trauma, and a suppressed immune system.

Routine herpes testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.

According to public health guidelines, routine blood testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not recommended for people who do not have symptoms, even if they are sexually active. This is because blood tests can produce false-positive results and cannot determine when or where the infection occurred.

Testing may still be appropriate in certain situations, including:

  • People with symptoms suggestive of herpes, such as blisters or sores
  • People with a sexual partner who has a confirmed HSV diagnosis
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Newborns exposed to HSV during childbirth

If you are unsure whether testing is appropriate for you, a healthcare provider can help determine the most useful testing approach based on your symptoms and risk factors.

Finding a Genital or Oral Herpes Test

How to get tested

Tests for genital and oral herpes are available at doctor’s offices, medical clinics, and community-based organizations that offer STD testing. Testing is often ordered by a doctor but may be available over the counter and at community-based organizations without a physician’s orders.

Can I take the test at home?

At-home herpes tests are available and typically involve collecting a small blood sample to test for HSV antibodies. These tests can identify prior exposure to HSV-1 or HSV-2, even if you do not have symptoms.

Because at-home tests usually rely on antibody detection, they may not detect very recent infections and cannot determine where the infection is located. If results are positive or unclear, follow-up with a healthcare provider may be recommended to discuss next steps and treatment options.

How much does the test cost?

The cost of testing for genital and oral herpes depends on the type of test that is performed, where the test is conducted, and whether you have medical insurance. Testing is often covered by insurance when ordered by a doctor, although you may still be responsible for costs such as copays and deductibles.

Taking a Genital or Oral Herpes Test

Testing for genital and oral herpes may be performed with a blood sample or a sample of fluid swabbed or scraped from a sore. Both types of samples are collected by a health professional when conducted at a doctor’s office, clinic, or community organization.

If you are experiencing an outbreak, a doctor can collect a sample for testing by swabbing or scraping a sore. Material from the sore can be used for a herpes viral culture, PCR testing, a Tzanck smear, or an antibody test.

If you are not currently experiencing an outbreak, a blood test may be used to identify HSV antibodies. If a doctor suspects a brain infection with HSV, a lumbar puncture may be performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.

Before the test

Before taking a test for genital and oral herpes, talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements being taken. For tests that require a sample taken from a sore, the sample must be collected when lesions are open before they begin to form a scab. For a blood test, no special preparation is required.

During the test

Collecting material from a sore may involve rubbing a sterile swab against the skin lesion or scraping the base with a scalpel.

A blood sample for antibody testing is collected intravenously or with a finger prick.

After the test

After material is collected from a skin lesion, there are no special post-test restrictions. You may have some slight bleeding or temporary discomfort where the skin was swabbed or scraped.

After your blood is drawn, slight soreness or bruising can occur but typically isn’t long-lasting. You can return to normal activities after a blood draw.

FAQs About Genital & Oral Herpes Test

What if I think I already have herpes—should I still get tested?

Yes. Even if you suspect you have herpes, testing can help confirm whether you have HSV-1, HSV-2, both, or neither. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions, and some people carry the virus without noticeable signs. A test can provide clarity, help guide treatment decisions, and inform conversations with partners.

What type of herpes test will I receive?

The type of test depends on your symptoms. If you have an active sore, a provider may collect a swab from the lesion. If you don’t have symptoms, a blood test may be used to look for herpes antibodies, which can indicate a past or current infection. Your provider can help determine which option is most appropriate.

How should I interpret my herpes test results?

A positive result means you’ve been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 at some point, even if you’ve never had symptoms. A negative result may mean you don’t have herpes—or that it’s too early for antibodies to be detected. Your provider can explain what your result means based on the test type, timing, and your symptoms.

What happens if I test positive for herpes?

If you test positive, a healthcare provider can talk with you about treatment options, including antiviral medications that help reduce symptoms, shorten outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission. Many people with herpes live healthy, normal lives, and treatment can make outbreaks less frequent or less severe.

Do I need treatment if I don’t have symptoms?

Treatment isn’t always required if you don’t have outbreaks, but some people choose daily antiviral therapy to reduce the risk of passing herpes to partners. A provider can help you decide what makes sense based on your health, symptoms, and personal situation.

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