What is a herpes (HSV) test?

An HSV test can be used to detect HSV in your body. According to the National Institutes of Health, this STD test is available as a swab test or a blood test. If you know you have herpes, you can prevent infecting others, especially unborn infants.

What is a herpes test used for?

A herpes test is frequently used to determine whether HSV is causing herpes symptoms like oral or vaginal sores. A herpes test can be used to diagnose HSV in pregnant women and newborn babies who may have been exposed to HSV while in the womb, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Why do I need an HSV test?

According to the National Institutes of Health, an HSV test may be required if you have had sexual contact with someone who is infected with HSV, or if you are pregnant and have previously had herpes or indications of genital herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health, HSV testing may be required if you've had multiple sex partners, are a male who has sex with men, or have symptoms of a brain or spinal cord condition such as fever , confusion, or a stiff neck .

What happens during an HSV test?

During an HSV swab test, a healthcare worker uses a cotton swab to obtain a fluid and cell sample from a herpes sore. A thin, microscopic needle is used to take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm during a blood test. A spinal tap is a treatment in which a healthcare professional takes a little volume of fluid from your spine to identify HSV infection.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

The swab test and herpes blood test, according to the National Institutes of Health, do not require any special preparation. You may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels before having a spinal tap. The lab test supplier can provide you with more information on the preparation required for your type of HSV test.

Are there any risks with a herpes test?

There are no risks connected with the herpes swab test, according to the National Institutes of Health. The blood test may cause minor discomfort and bruising at the injection site, according to the NIH, but these symptoms usually go away quickly. A spinal tap can cause a headache , as well as discomfort or tightness in the area where the needle was inserted. Your doctor may go over the risks of HSV testing in greater detail with you.

What do herpes test results mean?

HSV test results that are normal or negative imply that no herpes virus was found or detected. However, the National Institutes of Health warns that an HSV infection can exist even if test results are normal. Positive or abnormal results mean that HSV was found in your sample and that you are infected or have previously been infected.

Is there anything else I need to know about a herpes test?

According to the CDC, HSV testing for those who don't have herpes symptoms isn't recommended because a positive diagnosis in someone who doesn't have symptoms doesn't cause them to change their sexual behavior or stop the virus from spreading. According to the CDC, false-positive results might occur in people who don't have any symptoms. The herpes test is presently only recommended for people who have HSV symptoms, according to the CDC.

Where can I get a herpes test in Upper Marlboro?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Upper Marlboro can administer a herpes test. HSV testing is available from a variety of sources, including your primary care physician, a hospital, an urgent care center , or a walk-in clinic . Find herpes testing providers in your area using Solv and make an appointment for the same day or the next day. Type "herpes test" or "STD testing" into the search form on Solv's website, then choose your location to find top-rated providers in your area.

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2 instant-book locations

Fairfax Urgent Care, Alexandria Health Care Center

Fairfax Urgent Care

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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5249 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 223045249 Duke St

Urgent care

Lab testing

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Fairfax Urgent Care, Alexandria Health Care Center

Fairfax Urgent Care

BioReference Laboratories

BioReference Laboratories

Inova Primary Care, Ballston

Inova Primary Care

Advanced Walk-in Urgent Care, Silver Spring

Advanced Walk-in Urgent Care

Precise Labs

Precise Labs

A Doc At Your Door

A Doc At Your Door

Sankofa Health

Sankofa Health

The Wellness NP's

The Wellness NP's

ARCpoint Labs

ARCpoint Labs

Stat Lab

Stat Lab

Bryans Road Medical Center

Bryans Road Medical Center

MinuteClinic® Inside Target, Arlington Blvd, Falls Church

MinuteClinic® Inside Target

Kelly Goodman, NP & Associates, PC

Kelly Goodman, NP & Associates, PC

ExpressCare Urgent Care, Severna Park

ExpressCare Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

Walgreens

Walgreens

Prime Medical Center

Prime Medical Center

Secure Medical Care

Secure Medical Care

Concentra Urgent Care, Alexandria

Concentra Urgent Care

University Medical Care

University Medical Care

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