Oral and Genital Herpes Testing

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are 2 strains of the herpes virus. These are typically identified and herpes type 1 or type 2. Herpes 1 is the more common form of the virus with nearly 80% of people carrying it by the time they reach the age of 50. While herpes 2 is less common, it is still found in close to 20% of adults in the U.S. The appearance of sores around the oral or genital area is the most common sign of a herpes infection. However, it is common for herpes to display no symptoms at all. Both forms of herpes are spread through skin to skin contact with an infected area. It is important to note that the herpes virus can be spread even when there are no symptoms present. Depending on the form of contact, both herpes types can appear in either the oral or genital region. However, it is most common for herpes 1 infections to be found in the oral area and herpes 2 infections in the genital area. Herpes often goes undiagnosed because the virus can remain dormant for years at a time with no outward symptoms. Receiving herpes testing can help determine if you are infected and what form of the virus you have.

Easy, confidential Herpes testing

At Request a Test, we have access to labs all over the country. We use the same testing facilities that are employed by many hospitals and physicians for their testing needs. All of our labs operate on a walk in basis so there is no need to schedule appointments. Ordering your herpes testing with us eliminates the need to go through your doctor or insurance. No one needs to know about your testing needs but you.

Types of Herpes testing

Request A Test has a variety of herpes testing options available that can be ordered separately or as part of cost saving packages. The Herpes 1&2 IgG antibodies test is a popular choice for remote exposure testing. This test can be purchased by itself or as part of our Peace of Mind package. These tests provide quantitative results which usually come back in 1-3 business days. For pricing and more information about these and other tests available in our herpes testing category, please go to http://requestatest.com/herpes-testing.

Symptoms of Herpes

It is not uncommon for herpes to cause no visible symptoms. When symptoms do present themselves, the most common is periodic outbreaks of blisters or sores around the infected area. The first outbreak tends to be more severe than subsequent outbreaks. An outbreak can occur because of fatigue, stress, illness, certain medications, menstruation, or trauma to the infected area. Outbreaks are usually less frequent and heal faster the longer the virus remains in the body. Herpes can remain dormant for years at a time with no symptoms. A condition known as asymptomatic shedding occurs when the virus is active in a person’s system but manifests no symptoms. A person experiencing asymptomatic shedding can spread the herpes virus even when they are not experiencing an outbreak. The best way to determine if you have contracted herpes is to receive herpes testing.

Who should get Herpes testing?

Herpes is one of the most common STD’s. Anyone who is sexually active, even those who use protective devices like condoms, can contract herpes. High risk behaviors like unprotected sex and sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of spreading herpes. Receiving herpes testing is recommended to help ensure your ongoing health.

Why get Herpes testing?

Many herpes infections are difficult to identify because they show infrequent symptoms or no symptoms at all. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are infected with herpes 2 but as many as 80% don’t realize they are infected. A person infected with herpes can spread the virus even if they are not experiencing an outbreak. Those infected with herpes are at a higher risk for contracting other STD’s, including HIV. Chronic herpes infections may result in damage to the nervous system causing recurring pain and partial numbness. Pregnant women can pass herpes infections to their infants during childbirth. Babies born with herpes infections can suffer from severe and sometime fatal health complications.

When to get Herpes testing

Anyone who is sexually active should consider receiving periodic herpes testing. Anyone who learns that a current or previous partner has tested positive for herpes should receive testing themselves. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should receive herpes testing.

Where can I get Herpes testing?

Request a Test contracts with 2 of the largest labs in the United States to provide you with 1000s of lab collection centers nationwide. When you order your herpes testing with us, we will find the lab location that is most convenient for you. Once your order is complete, you can go to the lab any time during their business hours. To find the lab location nearest to you or to view a complete list of available lab locations, please go to our Location Finder.

Herpes testing preparation

There are no special preparations necessary for herpes testing.

Herpes testing procedure

Upon arrival at the lab, you will be subjected to a simple blood collection.

Herpes testing accuracy

At Request a Test we use only nationally accredited labs with highly trained personnel and state of the art equipment to ensure the highest possible accuracy in your herpes testing results.

Herpes testing results

The turnaround time for herpes testing varies but most tests typically show results in 1-3 business days. Please refer to an individual test’s listing to verify how quickly it will see results. You will be notified by e-mail as soon as your results are available. You can access your results online or call to speak to a representative. Results can also be sent by fax or mail by special request.

Herpes Treatment

While there is no cure for herpes, proper treatment can help to control outbreaks and lessen the risk of spreading the infection. It is recommended that anyone seeking treatment consult with a doctor to discuss the best course of action for their situation.