How to test for genital herpes: What you need to know
- Why herpes testing is not offered the same way as other STI tests
- How swab tests and blood tests each work, and their limitations
- When testing is actually recommended
- Where to get tested in the UK
- What happens if your result is positive
Why is herpes testing different from other STI tests?
Many people expect that a full sexual health check-up will automatically screen for herpes, in the same way it might screen for chlamydia or gonorrhoea. In the UK, this usually is not the case, and there is a good reason for it.
Routine herpes testing is not typically offered to people without symptoms. This is not an oversight. It reflects two practical realities. First, a positive result would not change how an asymptomatic person is managed, since herpes is not usually a dangerous condition and treatment is only needed when symptoms are present. Second, the most accurate test relies on sampling from an active sore, so it cannot meaningfully be used as a background screening tool for someone with no visible symptoms.
Genital herpes is also extremely common. Around 70% of people in the UK will have been exposed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) by the age of 25, and most will never know it. This is one of the reasons routine screening is not considered a useful approach for the wider population.
Good to know
If you have no symptoms and no specific reason for concern, it is very unlikely a clinician will suggest a herpes test as part of a standard sexual health screen. This is standard practice, not a sign that something has been missed.
How do you test for genital herpes?
There are two main ways to test for genital herpes in the UK: a swab test and a blood test. They are used in different circumstances and have different strengths and limitations. A sexual health clinician will determine which, if either, is appropriate based on your symptoms and history.
The swab test
If you have a visible sore, blister, or ulcer, a clinician can take a swab directly from it. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is tested for the presence of the herpes virus, most commonly using a PCR-based method. This test can usually distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and confirms that the virus is present at that specific site.
A swab test is most reliable when taken from a fresh, active sore. If a sore has already begun to heal, or if there is no visible sore at the time of testing, the result is far less reliable and may return a false negative.
The blood test
A blood test looks for antibodies to HSV, which the body produces in response to infection. Unlike a swab, it does not require an active sore to be present.
However, blood tests have significant limitations that are worth understanding clearly. They cannot identify where in the body an infection is located, so a positive result cannot confirm whether antibodies relate to a genital infection or a past oral cold sore, since both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur in either location. Antibody tests can also take several weeks to months to become reliably positive after a new infection, meaning testing too soon after possible exposure can produce a misleading result.
For these reasons, blood tests for herpes are used selectively, for example in specific clinical situations rather than as a routine or stand-alone diagnostic tool. Your clinician will explain whether a blood test is relevant in your circumstances.
Warning !
No herpes test, swab or blood, is 100% reliable in every situation. Timing, symptom presence, and test type all affect accuracy. A sexual health clinician is best placed to interpret your result in the context of your symptoms and history.
When is herpes testing recommended?
Testing is generally recommended in specific situations, rather than as something to request routinely. These include:
- During a first suspected outbreak, particularly if you have visible blisters, sores, or ulcers
- If a sexual partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes
- If a clinician recommends testing for a specific clinical reason, for example during pregnancy or where symptoms suggest herpes but the picture is unclear
If you have symptoms that could indicate a herpes outbreak, it is worth seeking an assessment promptly, as testing is most accurate when a sore is still active. For a full overview of what symptoms to look out for, see our guide to genital herpes symptoms.
Where can you get tested for genital herpes in the UK?
There are several routes to testing in the UK:
- NHS sexual health clinics: many offer walk-in appointments and can assess and swab a visible sore directly
- GP: your GP can examine you and may refer you to a sexual health clinic, particularly if a swab of an active sore is needed
- Private and online services: some private providers offer herpes testing, including consultations that can help determine whether testing is appropriate for your situation
Availability of specific home test kits varies between providers, so always check directly with the provider for what is currently offered and confirm that any service is CQC-registered and uses a GPhC-registered pharmacy or accredited laboratory.
What happens after a positive genital herpes test?
A positive result is understandably unsettling for many people, but genital herpes is a manageable and very common condition. After a diagnosis, a clinician will typically discuss:
- Symptom management, including antiviral treatment to reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak
- Options for managing recurrent outbreaks, if these occur
- How to reduce the risk of passing the virus to a partner, and when it may be appropriate to discuss the diagnosis with them
There is no cure for genital herpes, but outbreaks are treatable and most people go on to manage the condition without it significantly affecting their day-to-day life or relationships.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, DoktorABC connects patients with licensed prescribers who can discuss antiviral treatment options and ongoing management. You can find out more on our Genital Herpes category page.
Is it normal to feel anxious about getting tested?
Yes, and it is a very common reaction. Waiting for a result, or working up to booking an appointment in the first place, can bring on a lot of worry, particularly given how much confusion surrounds herpes testing and diagnosis.
It may help to remember that genital herpes is extremely common, is not usually a serious health condition, and is manageable with the right support. Speaking to a sexual health clinician, who will have supported many people through the same experience, is often the best way to get clarity and reassurance.
Final thoughts
Herpes testing does not work quite like testing for other STIs, and understanding why can take away a lot of unnecessary confusion. Swab tests are most useful when a sore is present, blood tests have important limitations around timing and location, and testing is generally recommended in specific situations rather than as a routine request. If you are experiencing symptoms, or have a specific reason for concern, a sexual health clinician can help you understand which test, if any, is right for you.
FAQ
Can I get a routine blood test to check for genital herpes?
Not usually. Routine herpes testing without symptoms is not standard practice in the UK, as a positive result would not change management and blood tests have limitations that make them unsuitable as a general screening tool.
What is the most accurate test for genital herpes?
A swab taken from an active sore is generally the most reliable method, as it can confirm the site of infection and distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Can a blood test tell me if I have genital herpes?
It can indicate whether you have been exposed to HSV, but it cannot confirm whether this relates to a genital or oral infection, and timing after exposure affects reliability. A clinician can advise whether a blood test is appropriate for you.
Should I get tested if my partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes?
This is one of the situations where testing may be recommended. Speak to a sexual health clinician, who can advise on testing and next steps based on your individual circumstances.
Is genital herpes a serious condition?
For most people, no. It is very common and, while there is no cure, outbreaks are manageable with antiviral treatment and most people do not experience significant long-term health effects.
Where can I get tested for genital herpes in the UK?
Options include NHS sexual health clinics, your GP, and some private or online providers. Always confirm that any online service is CQC-registered and uses a GPhC-registered pharmacy or accredited laboratory.
The DoktorABC medical advisory board
Dr. Roland Ruiken
Medical advisor, Norway
Dr. Viktor Simunovic
Medical advisor, Croatia