Herpes Testing Guide: Which Test, When, and What Results Mean

Herpes testing is more confusing than testing for most other STIs. This guide explains which test fits which situation, the limits of each, and what to ask your provider, with links to all our doctors' answers about herpes tests and results.

This is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a doctor or clinic.

Contents

• Who should get tested?
• Swab tests (if you have a sore)
• Blood tests (if you have no sores)
• Is herpes included in a full STI test?
• Where to get tested
• Start here: our key pages
• All doctor answers on this topic (21)

Who should get tested?

CDC recommends herpes testing for people with genital symptoms. A blood test may also help if you have, or have had, a partner with genital herpes. CDC does not recommend herpes testing for most people without symptoms, because the chance of a wrong result is higher in people at low risk.

Swab tests (if you have a sore)

If you have a blister or sore, a provider can swab it. This works best on a fresh sore that hasn’t crusted over. PCR tests, which look for the virus’s genetic material, are faster and more accurate than viral culture. A swab can also tell you whether it’s HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Blood tests (if you have no sores)

Blood tests look for antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2. They can’t tell you when or from whom you got herpes. Testing too soon after an exposure can give a wrong result: it can take up to 16 weeks or more for current tests to detect infection. False positives are more common with herpes tests than with tests for chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Is herpes included in a full STI test?

Not always. Providers decide based on your history and symptoms. Ask which infections you are and aren’t being tested for, and why.

Where to get tested

Your doctor, a sexual health clinic or a Planned Parenthood health center can test you. If you choose an at-home test, talk to a provider about your results.

All doctor answers on this topic (21)

Questions readers have sent in over the years, answered by herpes.com’s contributing doctors. Answers reflect each doctor’s view at the time they were written; for current guidance, see the sources below and talk to your own provider.

• Antibodies for HSV-2
• Antibody Blood Test
• Get Tested
• Herpes Select Test
• Herpes Test – IgM and IgG
• How Accurate is the Herpes Culture Test?
• HSV-2 Results
• If I've got Antibodies, I've got Herpes, right?
• IgM Antibodies vs IgG Antibodies
• Immunologic Workup
• Is there a test for herpes when one is asymptomatic?
• Positive for HSV2
• Positive for type 1 Herpes and Negative for type 2 Herpes
• Positive Herpes Type 1
• Test for IgM and IgG
• Test Results
• Traces of Herpes 2
• Western Blot
• Where Can I get a Cheap Herpes Test?
• Why Are Blood Tests for Syphilis and Herpes not conclusive?
• Will Antibodies Protect him from Genital Herpes?

More guides

• Herpes Guide: HSV-1 and HSV-2 Basics
• Cold Sores Guide: Causes, Spread and Care
• Dating With Herpes: Relationships and Telling a Partner
• Nutrition and Daily Wellness Guide

Sources

1. CDC – Screening for Genital Herpes
2. CDC – About Genital Herpes
3. MedlinePlus (NIH) – Herpes (HSV) Test
4. Planned Parenthood – Get tested
5. NHS – Genital herpes

Medical disclaimer: The information on herpes.com is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Read our full disclaimer. Guide published October 2026.