Herpes Simplex Virus I/II Past Infection Blood Test
    Herpes Simplex Virus I/II Past Infection Blood Test
    Herpes Simplex Virus I/II Past Infection Blood Test
    Herpes Simplex Virus I/II Past Infection Blood Test

Herpes Simplex Virus -1 and -2 Past Infection Blood Test

£89.00

Check for herpes simplex IgG antibodies in your blood to see whether you carry the infection and if so, which type.

Results estimated in 5 working days

View 2 Biomarkers

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Herpes Simplex Virus -1 and -2 Past Infection Blood Test

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Is it for you?

Are you looking for a discreet blood test to see if you carry herpes? With this test, you can find out if you carry HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus) or HSV-2 — the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes.

If you have symptoms of genital herpes, it’s important you attend a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

Biomarker table

Immunity

Herpes simplex virus 1 IgG

Learn more

The herpes simplex virus causes herpes, a common sexually transmitted disease. Herpes simplex viruses are categorised into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). In response to a herpes infection, the body produces antibodies to fight the virus.

Herpes simplex virus 2 IgG

Learn more

The herpes simplex virus causes herpes, a common sexually transmitted disease. Herpes simplex viruses are categorised into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). In response to a herpes infection, the body produces antibodies to fight the virus.
Special instructions

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Herpes Simplex Virus I/II Past Infection Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.

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How it works

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FAQs

What is herpes?

Herpes is a common virus that has two forms — HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most people with herpes don’t have any symptoms, but it can cause cold sores (oral herpes) and painful blisters around the genitals (genital herpes). After infection, symptoms usually show up within two weeks, but it can take months or years for symptoms to develop. 

Herpes sores usually heal in a few weeks, but there is no cure and the virus stays in the body, often causing repeat outbreaks. Over time, flare-ups tend to reduce in frequency and severity. 

What’s the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes (cold sores). It’s usually spread by non-sexual contact with saliva from a person who has an HSV-1 infection (for example, by sharing cups or towels). HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes. Roughly 70% of the global population is infected with HSV-1, which is usually picked up during childhood, but not everyone who has it gets cold sores. 

HSV -2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s possible to catch genital herpes from someone even if they don’t have symptoms. HSV-2 can also spread to the mouth and cause oral herpes. HSV-2 is widespread and thought to affect over 10% of people in the UK. It tends to cause more frequent flare-ups of herpes than HSV-1. 

What can I learn from this test?

With our blood test, you can find out whether you have antibodies against HSV — this tells you whether you’ve been exposed to and carry the infection, and if so, which type. While both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes, HSV-2 is likely to result in more frequent flare-ups than HSV-1, so testing may help you learn what to expect. 

This test is unlikely to detect a current, first-time herpes infection as it takes time for antibodies to develop. If you do have symptoms of herpes, it’s important to attend a sexual health clinic as soon as possible for a diagnosis. In some cases, you may be offered treatment too. 

How accurate is the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and -2 Past Infection Blood Test?

Provided the test is taken correctly, our Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and -2 Past Infection Blood Test is very accurate. Based on studies carried out by the assay manufacturer, this test was able to correctly detect all samples where HSV-1 antibodies were present (23 out of 81 samples) and all samples where HSV-2 antibodies were present (21 out of 82 samples).

The ability of this test to accurately detect HSV antibodies (true-positives) is known as its sensitivity, while its ability to detect true-negative results is known as its specificity. So, the results of these studies correspond to a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 100%.

Even with highly accurate tests, it’s still possible to receive a false-positive or false-negative result.

What does genital herpes look like?

Genital herpes typically causes small blisters or sores around the genitals and anus. The blisters are usually red, swollen, and painful, and may burst to leave small, open sores or ulcers. If you notice any sores around your genitals, it’s important to attend a sexual health clinic as soon as you can.

Not everyone with genital herpes will have visible symptoms and the virus can still be transmitted even when sores aren’t present — this is known as asymptomatic shedding.

Can you get genital herpes from a cold sore?

Yes, it’s possible to contract genital herpes from a cold sore if there’s direct contact with a cold sore during oral sex. To reduce the risk of transmission, it’s important to avoid oral sex or close genital contact if you or your partner have an active cold sore.

Using condoms can also lower the risk, although it's not always 100% effective because herpes can be spread from skin-to-skin contact outside the area covered by the condom.

How common is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a common condition in the UK. However, exact figures are difficult to determine since many people with the virus may not have symptoms or may not seek a medical diagnosis.

In 2022, there were nearly 25,000 new cases of genital herpes diagnosed in the UK, making up over 6% of all new STI diagnoses.

Who is most at risk of genital herpes?

Individuals most at risk of contracting genital herpes include:

-Women — women are almost twice as likely to contract genital herpes as men

-Young adults — peak incidence of HSV is in people aged 15–24

-People with multiple partners

-People who have unprotected sex

-Men who have sex with men (MSM)

-People with HIV or a weakened immune system

-People with a partner who has had previous genital herpes

Can genital herpes be cured?

Genital herpes is a lifelong infection, but the number of outbreaks usually decreases and becomes less severe over time. Some people may benefit from antiviral treatment, especially in the early stages of the first flare-up, but the sores will generally heal by themselves.
Limitations of the test

Read before you order:

This test is unlikely to detect a very recent, first-time herpes infection as it takes time for antibodies to develop. Generally, medical experts don’t recommend HSV blood testing for people without symptoms because there is no treatment to cure the infection. The results we provide are for information purposes only.

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