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 Bowie?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Bowie 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 / Maryland / Herpes Testing /

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me
in Bowie, MD

Own a clinic? Add your location.

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

Add location

20 instant-book locations

Quest Diagnostics

11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 2104411055 Little Patuxent Pkwy

View hours of operation

Mon 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 7:00 am - 11:00 am
SunClosed

4.6(436 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.

Self-pay pricing

$99

Book now

$139

Book now

$269

Book now

AVAILABLE TIMES

Quest Diagnostics

2141 K St NW, Washington, DC 200372141 K St NW

View hours of operation

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

4.3(416 reviews)

Excellent customer service. Knowledgeably answered all questions. Appointment and billing were fast. Testing next day was on time and professional. Results available within 24 hours. Highly recommend.

Self-pay pricing

$99

Book now

$139

Book now

$269

Book now

AVAILABLE TIMES

Health Check, Urgent Care

Health Check

305 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180305 Maple Ave W

Open until10:00 pm

Mon10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tue10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thu10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

4.94(461 reviews)

Health Check, Urgent Care - 305 Maple Ave W

When I entered the place, everyone was very friendly from A-Z. The doctor was very attentive and courteous. I highly recommend this place.

Call now

Quest Diagnostics

20528 Boland Farm Rd, Germantown, MD 2087620528 Boland Farm Rd

View hours of operation

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
Sat 7:00 am - 11:00 am
SunClosed

4.35(526 reviews)

I was very surprised with my experience here. My appointment was made very quickly. I was seen in a very short period of time. My test results came back in a very timely manner. I was able to speak with a doctor soon after and was taking care of. I was very satisfied with the experience I had here. I definitely recommend using them for any issues you have or any questions you may have.

Self-pay pricing

$99

Book now

$139

Book now

$269

Book now

AVAILABLE TIMES

Quest Diagnostics

2 Pidgeon Hill Dr, Sterling, VA 201652 Pidgeon Hill Dr

4.32(583 reviews)

Self-pay pricing

$99

Book now

$139

Book now

$269

Book now

AVAILABLE TIMES

ExpressCare Urgent Care, Bowie

ExpressCare Urgent Care

6000 Laurel Bowie Rd, Bowie, MD 207156000 Laurel Bowie Rd

Open until 9:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

ExpressCare Urgent Care, Bowie - 6000 Laurel Bowie Rd, Bowie

Very long wait but not the staff fault only one nurse working 1 front desk attended who was great and only noticed one dr not sure his name but he was great as well

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me in Bowie, MD

Own a clinic? Add your location.

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

AVAILABLE TIMES

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

AVAILABLE TIMES

Health Check, Urgent Care

Health Check

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

AVAILABLE TIMES

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

AVAILABLE TIMES

ExpressCare Urgent Care, Bowie

ExpressCare Urgent Care

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care, Bowie

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care

Tru-Health Urgent Care, Glen Dale

Tru-Health Urgent Care

Labcorp, Glenn Dale

Labcorp

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Davidsonville Rd, Crofton

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

AVAILABLE TIMES

First Call Medical Center, Gambrills

First Call Medical Center

Labcorp, Greenbelt

Labcorp

Nighttime Pediatrics Annapolis & Adult Care Too

Nighttime Pediatrics Annapolis & Adult Care Too

Occupational Medical services

Occupational Medical services

ExpressCare Urgent Care, Gambrills

ExpressCare Urgent Care

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care, Laurel

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care

Labcorp

Labcorp

Labcorp

Labcorp

Johns Hopkins Medical Laboratories

Johns Hopkins Medical Laboratories

BioReference Laboratories

BioReference Laboratories

Own a clinic? Add your location.

Book a herpes test online

Find and Book a Herpes Test near me
in Bowie, MD