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 Lexington?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Lexington 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

1 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 016051 W Boylston St

Open 5:00 pm

Mon 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 7:00 am - 11:00 am
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4.15(430 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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Quest Diagnostics

255 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609255 Park Ave

Open12:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

4.27(441 reviews)

After receiving my results, I called Quest Lab Testing and discussed the results with a consultation. This consultation filled in my knowledge gaps and made me more aware of my particular situation.

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Quest Diagnostics

2005 Bay St, Taunton, MA 027802005 Bay St

Open12:00 pm

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

4.37(521 reviews)

Great discreet service, scheduled my visit and paid for for the test online not in Showed up at lab, checked in and was seen within minutes. Blood and urine were collected, test results came back quickly within 2 days because I did my test on a Friday. Quick, easy and cheap. Didn't have to wait for a visit to my PCP, and then get referral to lab.

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CareWell Urgent Care, Lexington

CareWell Urgent Care

58 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 0242158 Bedford St

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 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

4.8(416 reviews)

CareWell Urgent Care, Lexington - 58 Bedford St, Lexington

I couldn’t ask for better Care or service. Certainly, a lot better then the awful walk in clinic on the other side of Bedford st !!!!

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Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics

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Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Exposure Screen

STD Basic Screening Panel

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Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics

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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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CareWell Urgent Care, Lexington

CareWell Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care, Burlington

AFC Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care, Arlington

AFC Urgent Care

Lahey Clinic

Lahey Clinic

AFC Urgent Care, Bedford

AFC Urgent Care

Instrumentation Laboratory Company

Instrumentation Laboratory Company

Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine

Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine

AFC Urgent Care, Waltham

AFC Urgent Care

Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic, Waltham

Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic

Lahey Health Urgent Care, Woburn

Lahey Health Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

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CareWell Urgent Care, Cambridge Fresh Pond

CareWell Urgent Care

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Watertown St, Watertown

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, High St, Medford

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

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AFC Urgent Care, Watertown

AFC Urgent Care

ARCpoint Labs, Woburn

ARCpoint Labs

Mount Auburn Hospital Walk-In

Mount Auburn Hospital Walk-In

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