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 Litchfield?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Litchfield 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.

Solv / Lab Testing / Herpes Test / Connecticut / Herpes Testing /

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me
in Litchfield, CT

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!

Add location

20 instant-book locations

DOCS Urgent Care, Danbury

DOCS Urgent Care

1 Padanaram Rd, Danbury, CT 068111 Padanaram Rd

Open until 8:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

DOCS Urgent Care, Danbury - 1 Padanaram Rd

My department came here for the rapid test. The covid test wasn't pleasant but the staff was fantastic.

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me in Litchfield, CT

Own a clinic? Add your location.

DOCS Urgent Care, Danbury

DOCS Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Cromwell Ave, Rocky Hill

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

AVAILABLE TIMES

Mediquick - Midstate Medical Center

Mediquick - Midstate Medical Center

WCHN Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services

WCHN Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services

Trinity Health of New England Urgent Care, Rocky Hill

Trinity Health of New England Urgent Care

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Urgent Care

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Urgent Care

NorthEast BioLab

NorthEast BioLab

Clinical Laboratory Partners

Clinical Laboratory Partners

Advanced Genetics Lab

Advanced Genetics Lab

Concentra Urgent Care, East Hartford

Concentra Urgent Care

Dr Katherine A Kelley State Public Health Laboratory

Dr Katherine A Kelley State Public Health Laboratory

Concentra Urgent Care, Wallingford

Concentra Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Durant Ave, Bethel

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

AVAILABLE TIMES

Griffin Hospital Laboratory, Blood Drawing Station

Griffin Hospital Laboratory

Special Testing Laboratories

Special Testing Laboratories

Family Medicine and Internal Walk-In

Family Medicine and Internal Walk-In

Middlesex Health Urgent Care

Middlesex Health Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care, Danbury

AFC Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Dixwell Ave, Hamden

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

AVAILABLE TIMES

Medrite Urgent Care, North Haven

Medrite Urgent Care

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me
in Litchfield, CT