Genital herpes test£19.95
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Herpes (HSV-2) Rapid Test Kit
Test privately at home with a simple finger-prick test for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgM antibodies. Results in around 15 minutes, with over 98% match with an established reference test.*
- Screens for: Genital herpes (HSV-2)
- Sample: Fingerprick blood
- Conclusive from: 12 weeks after exposure
- Results in 15 minutes
*In a clinical evaluation, 98.92% of IgM results matched those obtained using another commercially available HSV-2 test.
What is HSV-2?
HSV-2 is one of the two viruses that cause herpes, and the most common cause of genital herpes. It is passed on through skin-to-skin contact during sex. It can cause painful blisters or sores, but many people have no noticeable symptoms at all and don’t know they have it.
Herpes can’t be cured, but outbreaks can be treated and managed with antiviral medicine.
Is this for you?
You don’t need to have symptoms to test. HSV-2 can cause no noticeable symptoms.
It may be worth testing if:
- You’ve had sex without a condom
- You have a new sexual partner, or more than one
- A sexual partner has told you they have herpes or another STI
- You’ve had possible symptoms in the past, such as blisters, sores or tingling around the genitals
- You’d rather test privately at home
Your health, your privacy. No one needs to know.
Your test arrives in plain packaging with nothing on the outside to reveal what’s inside. Test privately at home, whenever suits you.
- ConfidentialYour information stays private.
- Discreet deliveryNothing on the parcel reveals what’s inside.
- Private paymentYour bank statement will not show “Test Discreet” or the name of the test.
Test privately
Everything you need to test for genital herpes (HSV-2) at home:
- Results in 15 minutes
- Over 98% match with a reference test
- Discreet packaging
- No clinic visit
How does the test work?
The test looks for IgM antibodies, which your body can produce in response to HSV-2 infection, using a small finger-prick blood sample. IgM antibodies may show a more recent infection.
Your result appears on the test cassette in around 15 minutes, with no sample to send to a laboratory.
Prick your finger
Wash your hands and clean your fingertip with an alcohol pad. Let it dry, then use the lancet to prick your finger and form a drop of blood.
Add blood and diluent
Use the pipette to collect your blood. Add 3 drops of blood to the sample well marked “S” on the test cassette. If your blood is thick, add 1 drop of sample diluent to the same well.
Read your result
Read your result at 15 minutes. Don’t read the test after 30 minutes, as the result may no longer be reliable.
When should I test?
You can take this test at any time. If you have blisters or sores right now, contact a sexual health clinic.
Understanding your result
Read your test between 15 and 30 minutes. Don’t read it after 30 minutes. C is the control line. T is the test line.
Negative
One line at C only. No HSV-2 IgM antibodies were detected.
Positive
Lines at C and T, even if the T line is faint. HSV-2 IgM antibodies, which may show a more recent infection, were detected.
Invalid
No line at C. The test has not worked. Contact us and we’ll help.
Good to know
This test is designed for screening and doesn’t replace advice from a doctor or nurse. For ages 16 and over.
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When should I take an HSV-2 test?
You can take the test at any time. However, after a recent exposure it can take time for the antibodies this test looks for to appear. If you test less than 12 weeks after your most recent exposure and get a negative result, test again at 12 weeks.
How soon after sex can I test for herpes?
You can take the test at any time, but testing too early can give a negative result even if you have HSV-2. If it has been less than 12 weeks since the sexual contact you’re concerned about and your result is negative, test again once 12 weeks have passed.
How reliable is this HSV-2 rapid test?
When used correctly, this test provides a reliable way to check for HSV-2 IgM antibodies at home. In a clinical evaluation, 98.92% of IgM results matched another commercially available HSV-2 test.
Testing too soon after exposure can affect your result, so an early negative may need to be repeated. This is a screening test, so a positive result should be followed up with a sexual health clinic or your GP.
What does a negative HSV-2 test result mean?
A negative result means HSV-2 antibodies were not detected by the test. If your possible exposure was within the last 12 weeks, you may have tested too early. Test again at 12 weeks. If you have symptoms or are still concerned, speak to a sexual health clinic.
What if my result is positive?
If your rapid test is positive, contact a sexual health clinic or your GP for advice and further testing if needed. Herpes is very common and can’t be cured, but antiviral medicine can treat outbreaks and lower the chance of passing it on. NHS sexual health services are free and confidential.
What does an IgM result tell me?
IgM antibodies may show a more recent HSV-2 infection. They can also appear when the virus becomes active again, so a positive result doesn’t always mean a new infection. A sexual health clinic or your GP can advise on further testing.
I’ve had herpes before. Can I use this test?
Yes, but this test looks for IgM antibodies, which can appear again when the virus becomes active. A past infection may or may not show a positive result. This test can’t tell you whether a current sore is caused by herpes.
Can this test tell me if I have genital herpes?
HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, but this test can’t tell you where on the body an infection is. Genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1. If you have blisters or sores right now, a sexual health clinic can swab them to check what’s causing them.
Can I take an HSV-2 test while pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and concerned about herpes, speak to your midwife, GP or a sexual health clinic. Herpes can affect your care in pregnancy, so it’s important they know.
How fast is shipping?
Your test ships within 1 working day by free Royal Mail Tracked 48.
Will anyone know what I ordered?
No. Your order arrives in plain, discreet packaging, with nothing on the outside to reveal what’s inside. Your bank statement will also not show “Test Discreet” or the name of the test.
Can I return my test?
You can return unopened kits within 14 days of delivery. For health and hygiene reasons, we can’t take a kit back once its seal is broken.
If there’s a problem with your order or your test arrives damaged, contact us and we’ll help.
For more information, see our Returns Policy.