Type of Herpes Test
Qualitative (i.e. the result will be positive or negative and will not provide and index value)
Window Period
N/A
Samples required
Blood
Time for test results
Within 60 minutes
Locations
Fees
£150. Learn more.
Journey Overview
#1 Pre Appointment Questionnaire
In order to be most prepared and leave plenty of time for questions & discussions, we will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire.
#2 Consultation
We will begin by assessing your medical & sexual history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and discuss any questions you may have.
#3 Sample collection
If it is still appropriate to proceed with the Herpes Antibody test (and you would like to), we will require a blood sample.
#3 Management
Once you have received your results, we will discuss the next steps with you.
Patient Feedback
Eligibility
Best For
Checking herpes status without active symptoms.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Safe for use during pregnancy.
Menstruation
Safe to test during menstruation.
Prior/Repeat Use
Investigating past or recent exposure.
Do NOT use if
Diagnosing active blisters (use PCR).
Avoid/Discuss if
Recent glandular fever or autoimmune conditions.
Fees
Testing
Herpes DNA PCR Test - £150 (results in 4 working days)
Herpes Antibody Test - £150 (results in 60 minutes)
We offer a quantitive Herpes Antibody Test (with index values). However, this costs £350 and takes 2-3 weeks for results.
Treatment
Herpes Suppressive Therapy (existing patients) - £60 (3 month supply)
Herpes Suppressive Therapy (new patients) - £120 (3 month supply)
Herpes Outbreak Treatment - £30
Consultation
Included in test. £60 if no tests taken.
Payment Options
- Self Pay - By Cash/Card), but not American Express
- Health insurance
- Klarna – a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.
FAQs
The first time you come in contact with the Herpes virus, the body will create an antibody in response to the infection. The antibody is an attempt by your immune system to protect yourself from this infection.
As such, the presence of an antibody tells you that you have been in contact with the Herpes virus.
Exposure to Type 1 Herpes virus will produce antibodies to Type 1 herpes. Likewise, exposure to Type 2 Herpes virus will produce antibodies against Type 2 herpes.
There are 2 types of antibodies the body develops after getting infected with herpes virus:
- IgM (Immunoglobulin M): This is the body's immediate response to the infection. It appears 7-10 days after the infection and lasts for a couple of weeks before disappearing from the blood. If IgM is detected, this indicates a recent exposure to herpes virus for the very first time in the last few weeks.
- IgG (Immunoglobulin G): This begins to appear about 2 weeks after exposure to the infection and remains in the body for a long time. If IgG is detected, this indicates an exposure to herpes more than 6-12 weeks ago. This antibody passes through the placenta of a pregnant woman and protects the baby from herpes at the time of birth.
There is often a short time overlap between declining levels of IgM and increasing levels of IgG when both types of antibodies are simultaneously detectable.
The herpes antibody test looks for any infection of the Herpes virus within the last 6 months or in the past through the detection of antibodies, while the herpes PCR test looks for any present infection of the Herpes virus.
There is no set window period to have the herpes antibody test. However, it is good to keep in mind that the incubation period for the Herpes virus is typically short, ranging from 2 to 12 days after exposure.
You should get tested if you want to find out your herpes status.
The tests we use are CE and IVD marked, with an accuracy of approx 95%.
- False-negative results: Can occur if the antibody level is too low or when antibodies have not yet developed.
- False-positive results: May occur in specimens from patients with infectious mononucleosis and certain auto-immune conditions.
Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential and will not be shared with the NHS, your GP or anyone else unless you wish for us to do so.
There are no special preparations required for the herpes antibody test.
You can receive your herpes antibody results by either text or email.
You will receive your herpes antibody test results within 30 minutes after leaving your appointment.
Your results are broken down by the type of antibody detected (IgM or IgG) and whether the result is Positive or Negative.
| Antibody Type | Positive Result | Negative Result |
|---|---|---|
| IgM | You have recently been exposed to the Herpes virus. Can be detected 9-10 days after exposure and last for 7-14 days, though may remain detectable for up to 6 weeks. Often associated with a primary infection but may be detectable during recurrence of the disease. |
You have not been exposed to the Herpes virus in the last 6 weeks. |
| IgG | You have been exposed to the Herpes virus in the past. Can be detected 21-28 days after exposure and remain detectable for the rest of life. |
You have not been exposed to the Herpes virus in the past. |
It is not required by law to disclose this information to your sexual partners.
Yes. Along with a text or email of your Herpes Antibody test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes.
Next Steps
In Clinic
Same day test results +/- medications available for most infections.
Online
Start, continue or finish your care online.
Not sure what you need? Contact us here.