Oral Herpes Testing
How do I get tested for oral herpes?
We test for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in the blood using the Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) test. This type-specific HSV-1 blood test looks for antibodies to the HSV-1 virus in the bloodstream. This test is highly sensitive and will only detect the presence of HSV-1 antibodies. Since 20% of oral herpes cases are caused by the HSV-2 virus, we recommend ordering both the HSV-1 test and the HSV-2 test.
To begin, simply order one or both of the herpes tests (HSV-1 test and HSV-2 test), then visit any of our 4,500+ test centers. A small sample of your blood will be collected for testing and you will receive an email with your results in 1-2 days. Your results will read as either positive (HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 was found in your blood) or negative (no HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 virus was found in your blood).
Take Charge of Your Health
Oral herpes can be transmitted by kissing, sharing eating utensils or drinks, or during sex. Since oral herpes can be contracted from both Type 1 and Type 2 strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus, our doctors recommend getting tested for both of these HSV strains at the same time.
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What should I know about the herpes tests?
Herpes type 1 antibodies have a development period of 2 weeks to 6 months after initial infection. This is the time it takes for enough antibodies to develop that can be detected through the CLIA test. This period varies from person to person.
Herpes type 2 antibodies have a development period of 3 weeks to 6 months after initial infection. This is the time it takes for enough antibodies to develop that can be detected through the CLIA test. This period varies from person to person.
What our HSV-1 and HSV-2 test results mean:
When you test for HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 through STDcheck.com, your results will be displayed as either Positive or Negative.
Positive Result - This means you have a herpes infection (either HSV-1 if you ordered the HSV-1 testing, or HSV-2 if you ordered HSV-2 testing). This is possible even when you do not show symptoms as herpes can lie dormant in the nerve tissue for many years before being triggered.
Negative Result - This means that either HSV-1 or HSV-2 was not found in your system (depending upon which HSV test you ordered). If you had a recent infection, it is possible for your result to come back negative as your body may not have had enough time to produce detectable amounts of antibodies.
Medically Reviewed by J. Frank Martin JR., MD on Jun 18, 2019
Written by Lauren Crain on Oct 5, 2017
