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Testing for HSV used to mean a trip to the doctor’s office. But with an at-home herpes test, you can get private results in just a few days.

As effective as a test you’d take at a doctor’s office, an at-home herpes test lets you screen for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) quickly, safely, and privately.

Some tests have you take your own samples and mail them to a lab. If you’re comfortable collecting your own blood, these might be good options for you. Other tests require you to go to a lab in person for sample collection, but your results are posted to a private online account.

All the tests featured on our list pass Healthline’s robust medical vetting and earn positive reviews from users. Plus, our writer shares her experience using the at-home test from LetsGetChecked.

Read on to learn more about how to get tested for herpes.

PriceCollectionLab visit requiredResultsFollow-up
LetsGetChecked Herpes Test• $119
• $83/mo subscription
finger-prick blood sampleno2–5 daysphone consultation with clinical team
STD Check• $45 single
• $79 HSV-1 and HSV-2
blood drawyes1–2 daysphysician consultation
Everlywell STD Test$169finger-prick and vaginal swab or urine samplenoa few daysphysician consultation
myLAB Box At-Home Herpes Test$89finger-prick blood sampleno2–5 daysphysician consultation
Priority STD$99 HSV-1 and HSV-2blood draw and urine collectionyes1–3 daysphysician consultation

Every product we recommend undergoes Healthline’s stringent vetting process. In addition, when researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys. Here’s what we considered:

  • Popularity: We included tests purchased by hundreds, if not thousands, of customers.
  • Reviews: All products have an excellent average customer rating from people who are happy with their experience.
  • Privacy protocols: Medical information must be private and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), so all the companies we considered have strict policies in place.
  • Results: We included services that offer fast, digital results within 5 business days or less that people can access easily through a digital platform.
  • Accuracy: We only considered products with a high accuracy rate.
  • Value: We looked for services that provide the best bang for your buck.
  • Company reputation and transparency: We only included products from trusted brands that our team has vetted. Note that while none of the test below were involved, LetsGetChecked’s Lyme disease test was involved in a class action lawsuit over inaccuracy, as well as Everlywell’s food sensitivity test. We recommend pairing at-home testing with help from healthcare professional.

Herpes is a common STI caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.

Globally, approximately 67% of people under 50 years old have HSV-1, while 13% of people 15–49 years old have HSV-2, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or having oral sex with someone who already has it.

Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into the body through oral sex.

It generally takes 4–7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:

  • pain during urination
  • itching
  • fever
  • swollen lymph nodes

Some people don’t have any symptoms, but they can still transmit the infection to others. This is one reason testing is so important if you suspect you might have been exposed to the virus.

Worldwide, more than half of people under 50 years old have herpes. If you’ve been exposed to herpes or have been sexually active with a partner who has a history of herpes, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about whether you should be tested.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that only people with herpes symptoms test for it because of the high possibility of inaccurate test results: Those with a low risk of infection have a higher chance of getting the wrong results.

If you’re considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:

  • Types of tests: Herpes tests are available as single tests for HSV-1 or HSV-2, a combination test for both, or as part of a comprehensive STI panel that covers a range of infections.
  • Results: Some services offer results in as little as 1 day, while others may take up to 5 days.
  • Accuracy: All the tests on our list boast high accuracy rates. Opt for a company that uses CLIA accredited labs, so you know you’re getting accurate results. Don’t settle for anything less.
  • Privacy and confidentiality: Choose a brand that complies with strict policies to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
  • Consultations: Wherever possible, opt for a company that provides follow-up care. Should you test positive, it’s helpful to have access to a professional who can advise you on treatment options.
  • Pricing: Tests can range in price from $45 for a single test to more than $100 for a comprehensive panel. Consider what tests you need and whether you want to bundle them together to get the best value. If you are interested in free or lower cost herpes tests, there are resources available.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.

Your doctor will let you know whether you should get tested for herpes or another STI, and order a few different tests, including a virus antigen detection test, and/or an antibody test. They can also help you get treatment if you test positive.

If you take an herpes at-home test and receive a positive result, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

Meanwhile, If you’ve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

Yes, you can test for herpes at home. Our list has three options to order an at-home herpes test: LetsGetChecked Herpes Test, Everlywell STD Test – Female, and myLAB Box At-Home Herpes Test.

Any of these tests could be a good choice if you’re comfortable taking your own blood sample. It can take up to 5 days to get your results online.

It’s common to have an outbreak of sores or blisters around your mouth or genitals 4–7 days after contracting the herpes simplex virus. You may also experience pain during urination, itching, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

But some people don’t have any symptoms, and they can still transmit the infection to others.

The only way to know for sure if you’ve contracted HSV is through testing. You can do this by visiting a doctor, a health clinic, or by taking an at-home herpes test.

Rapid or instant herpes tests are available in some clinics and healthcare settings. These tests collect specimen samples and analyze them onsite. They can return results within minutes.

At-home herpes tests only collect specimen samples, which then need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You should receive your results within 1–5 days after the samples are received.

There’s no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.

Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect your sexual partners from contracting the virus. With quick and discreet at-home herpes testing, you can help keep yourself and others safe.