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 North Chicago?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in North Chicago 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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Quest Diagnostics, Blackhawk

Quest Diagnostics

1460 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 606421460 N Halsted St

Open 1:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
SunClosed

4.27(553 reviews)

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.

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$99

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$139

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$269

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Quest Diagnostics

111 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60602111 N Wabash Ave

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Mon 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

4.2(576 reviews)

I thought it was extremely easy to book a lab test appointment with Quest. Getting the test done was simple and so was the getting the results! Great job putting together something so user friendly.

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$99

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$139

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$269

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Kiddos Health & Urgent Care

3 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 601483 Yorktown Shopping Center

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 - 8:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

4.82(17 reviews)

I’ve been to a few urgent cares in the area and this place is by far the best place I’ve taken my kids. Staff are all kind and friendly, super professional and the Doctor was just amazing!

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Quest Diagnostics

2340 S Highland Ave, Lombard, IL 601482340 S Highland Ave

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Mon 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

4.37(567 reviews)

I came in one day without an appoint and waited two hours as a walk-in before I had to leave without being tested. I made an appointment through Quest Lab Testing for the next day, showed up on time, got tested easily and was on my way in 15-20 minutes. Staff is friendly and helpful.

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$99

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$139

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$269

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Midwest Express Clinic, Wheaton- IL

Midwest Express Clinic

1910 E Roosevelt Rd, Wheaton, IL 601871910 E Roosevelt Rd

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MonClosed
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ThuClosed
FriClosed
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May 27 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care, Lake Bluff

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care

525 Rockland Rd, Lake Bluff, IL 60044525 Rockland Rd

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Quest Diagnostics, Blackhawk

Quest Diagnostics

Self-pay pricing

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Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Exposure Screen

STD Basic Screening Panel

STD Expanded Screening Panel

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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

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Kiddos Health & Urgent Care

Kiddos Health & Urgent Care

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

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Midwest Express Clinic, Wheaton- IL

Midwest Express Clinic

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care, Lake Bluff

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care

PromptMed Urgent Care, Waukegan

PromptMed Urgent Care

Labcorp

Labcorp

Waukegan Immediate Care

Waukegan Immediate Care

Walgreens

Walgreens

Advocate Medical Group Immediate Care

Advocate Medical Group Immediate Care

Advocate Condell Immediate Care

Advocate Condell Immediate Care

Lake Forest Acute Care

Lake Forest Acute Care

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Vernon Hills

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Vernon Hills

Walgreens

Walgreens

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, N US Hwy 45, Third Lake

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

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Advocate Condell Immediate Care

Advocate Condell Immediate Care

Aurora Grand Ave, Grand Ave

Aurora Grand Ave

Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center Lab Services

Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center Lab Services

NorthShore Immediate Care, Gurnee

NorthShore Immediate Care

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