Version July 2025
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What are herpes tests? —
These are tests to check for the viruses that cause herpes.
Herpes is an infection that can cause blisters or sores on the skin. When the blisters happen on or around the mouth, it is called "oral herpes" or "cold sores." When they happen on the genitals, it is called "genital herpes."
There are 2 types of herpes virus:
●Type 1, or "HSV-1"
●Type 2, or "HSV-2
Both types can cause either oral or genital herpes.
Doctors can test for these viruses in 2 main ways:
●Tests on a sample of fluid from a blister – The sample is sent to a lab, where different tests can be done.
●Blood tests – These check for antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are proteins the body makes when a person has an infection.
Why might I get a herpes test? —
Your doctor might order this test:
●If you have a blister or sore (or had one in the past) that could be from herpes
●If your sex partner has herpes – Your doctor might test you and your partner to see whether you both have herpes (or if you have different types of herpes). This can help your doctor decide if you or your partner might need treatment to help prevent spreading herpes to each other.
What happens during a herpes test? —
This depends on the type of sample being collected:
●If you have a blister or sore, they will test the fluid from it.
●If you do not have a blister or sore, they will do a blood test.
For a test on fluid from a blister or sore:
●Your doctor or nurse will use a swab to get a sample of fluid and cells from the blister or sore.
●If the area has started to heal, they might need to remove the top layer of the blister or sore using a special tool.
For a blood test:
●You will get a "blood draw" (figure 1) – Your doctor or nurse will tell you where to go for this. A needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your arm. Collecting the blood only takes a few minutes. The blood is then tested in a lab.
●It might help to wear a short-sleeve shirt to your blood draw appointment. This makes it easier for the person drawing your blood to get to your arm.
●Tell the person who takes your blood:
•If you take "blood thinner" medicines or have a bleeding problem – They will make sure your bleeding is under control before you leave.
•If you have a latex allergy – Some of the supplies used for blood draws might contain latex.
•If you have a preferred arm to use
●Most of the time, getting blood taken does not cause problems. You might have a little soreness or bruising where the needle went in.
What do my results mean? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when your results are ready.
If your herpes test shows any abnormal results, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. In some cases, they might need to do more tests to figure out for sure if you have herpes.
If you have herpes, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan. They can also help you:
●Make a plan to tell your sex partners
●Learn how to prevent spreading herpes to other people
●Find a support group or counselor
If you do not have herpes, your doctor or nurse can talk to you about ways to protect yourself.
Patient education: Cold sores (oral herpes) (The Basics)
Patient education: Genital herpes (The Basics)
Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
Patient education: Viral culture (The Basics)
