What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sores, blisters, or unusual lesions around your mouth or genitals and want to know if herpes is the cause. It's also useful if you've already been diagnosed with HSV-1 or HSV-2 and need to track how much virus is active in your body. Because it measures the exact amount of viral DNA, it's especially helpful during an active outbreak when a swab of the sore can be tested directly.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account along with an explanation of what a positive, negative, or quantitative viral load result means. If your result is positive, next steps usually include starting or adjusting antiviral treatment, avoiding contact during outbreaks, and retesting if symptoms return or don't improve. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you test again in the future, the trends feature lets you compare viral load results side by side to see how things change over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with visible sores, blisters, or unexplained genital or oral irritation should consider this test, especially if outbreaks keep coming back. It's also a smart choice for people who've had a partner diagnosed with herpes, or who want a precise, quantitative answer rather than a simple yes/no result. People already managing herpes can use it to monitor how well treatment is controlling the virus.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for painful blisters or sores around the mouth, genitals, or thighs, along with tingling, itching, or burning sensations before a sore appears. Flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands during a first outbreak are also common signs. If sores keep recurring in the same area over time, that pattern is a strong reason to get tested.

How can I naturally support recovery during an outbreak?

Keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing loose breathable clothing, and avoiding friction can help sores heal faster and feel less irritated. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet may help reduce how often outbreaks happen, since stress and poor sleep are common triggers. Avoiding known triggers like excessive sun exposure or friction can also lower your chances of a flare-up, but these habits work alongside, not instead of, appropriate antiviral care.

What does a high viral load result mean?

A higher copy number means there's more active virus present in the sample, which usually lines up with being in the middle of an outbreak. High viral load is generally linked to a greater chance of spreading the virus to a partner, so extra caution around close contact is a good idea during this time. Retesting after treatment or once symptoms clear can show whether the viral load has dropped.

What does a low or negative result mean?

A negative result means no HSV DNA was found in your sample, which is good news, but it doesn't rule out infection if you were tested between outbreaks when the virus isn't actively shedding. A low positive value means some virus is present but at a lower level, which can happen early in an outbreak or as it's resolving. If symptoms persist despite a negative result, retesting during a future flare-up gives a more reliable answer.

How often should I retest?

If you're managing a diagnosed herpes infection, retesting during any new or unusual outbreak can help confirm what's causing it and check viral load. People on suppressive therapy sometimes retest periodically to see how well treatment is working. Outside of active symptoms, there's usually no need to retest repeatedly since results are most accurate when a sore or lesion is present.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, avoid skin-to-skin contact with the affected area until any visible sores have fully healed, and let sexual partners know so they can make informed decisions. Simple comfort measures like keeping the area clean, wearing breathable fabric, and reducing stress can support healing between outbreaks. If sores are severe, spreading rapidly, or you develop fever and feel very unwell, seek medical care right away.

What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

HSV-1 is most often linked to cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes, though either type can appear in either location. This test tells you not just whether herpes DNA is present, but which type it is, which can help you understand how it may behave and how likely it is to recur. Knowing the type can also help you and any partners make informed choices about prevention.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HSV-1 & HSV-2 PCR Test - Quantitative Herpes Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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