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 Seattle?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Seattle 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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4 instant-book locations

Quest Diagnostics

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Mon 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

21509 WA-410, Bonney Lake, WA 9839121509 WA-410

4.58(506 reviews)

Lab testing

A great experience for something I had a lot of anxiety about. Had no wait time or issues at the testing center/lab. Had blood drawn at 3pm and had results by email at 9am the next morning.

Self-pay pricing

Quest Diagnostics

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Mon 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tue 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Wed 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thu 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Fri 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

5920 100th St SW, Tacoma, WA 984995920 100th St SW

4.18(502 reviews)

Lab testing

I would 100% recommend this company to anyone wanting to check their health status. The process was incredibly easy and done through certified labs. The results are frequently back by the next day.

Self-pay pricing

Labcorp

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Mon 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

11307 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 9849911307 Bridgeport Way SW

4.23(467 reviews)

Lab testing

I highly recommend for anyone thinking of getting tested. From start to finish the whole process was hassle free and and very professional. I had my results very quickly and discreetly couldn't be happier with the service.

Labcorp

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Mon 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

11311 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 9849911311 Bridgeport Way SW

4.32(590 reviews)

Lab testing

I was very surprised with my experience here. My appointment was made very quickly. I was seen in a very short period of time. My test results came back in a very timely manner. I was able to speak with a doctor soon after and was taking care of. I was very satisfied with the experience I had here. I definitely recommend using them for any issues you have or any questions you may have.

UW Medicine Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview

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Mon 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tue 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

908 Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98104908 Jefferson St

Lab testing

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Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics

Self-pay pricing

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Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Exposure Screen

STD Basic Screening Panel

STD Expanded Screening Panel

Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics

Self-pay pricing

Clear self-pay prices

Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Exposure Screen

STD Basic Screening Panel

STD Expanded Screening Panel

Labcorp

Labcorp

Labcorp

Labcorp

UW Medicine Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview

UW Medicine Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview

CellNetix Pathology

CellNetix Pathology

One Medical

One Medical

Affordable Paternity Solutions

Affordable Paternity Solutions

The Work Clinic

The Work Clinic

STD Testing Seattle

STD Testing Seattle

Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Seattle Children’s Research Institute

AHF Healthcare Center, Seattle

AHF Healthcare Center

Swedish Family Medicine, Cherry Hill

Swedish Family Medicine

Any Lab Test Now

Any Lab Test Now

Hematologics

Hematologics

Elevated Natural Health

Elevated Natural Health

Northwest DNA Testing, Seattle

Northwest DNA Testing

Concentra Urgent Care, First Avenue

Concentra Urgent Care

Loveland Associates LLC

Loveland Associates LLC

Seattle Integrative Oncology

Seattle Integrative Oncology

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