5 Best At-Home Herpes Tests in 2024 - Healthline
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At-home herpes tests provide quick, private results in just a few days. We compared the prices, privacy standards, and accuracy of these tests to help you decide which one is best for you. Read on to learn more about our tester's experience with LetsGetChecked.
Quick look at the best herpes tests
- Best overall: LetsGetChecked Herpes Test | Skip to review
- Most convenient: myLAB Box At-Home Herpes Test | Skip to review
- Fastest results: STD Check | Skip to review
- Most comprehensive: Everlywell STD Test – Female | Skip to review
- Same day test: Priority STD | Skip to review
At-home herpes test lets you screen for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) quickly, safely, and privately. These tests are considered as reliable as what you'd get through a doctor's office.
All the tests featured on our list pass Healthline's robust medical vetting and earn positive reviews from users. Plus, our contributor shares her experience using the at-home test from LetsGetChecked.
Healthline's picks for the best at-home herpes tests
Want to find out more about LetsGetChecked and the other tests that they offer?
Read our in-depth review of LetsGetChecked here: LetsGetChecked: 2024 Review
Want to learn more about the other tests available through MyLAB Box?
Read our full review of MyLAB Box here: myLAB Box Review: Should You Try It?
How we chose the best at-home herpes test kits
Every product we recommend undergoes Healthline's stringent vetting process. In addition, when researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys. Here's what we considered:
- Popularity: We included tests purchased by hundreds, if not thousands, of customers.
- Reviews: All products have an excellent average customer rating from people who are happy with their experience.
- Privacy protocols: Medical information must be private and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), so all the companies we considered have strict policies in place.
- Results: We included services that offer fast, digital results within 5 business days or less that people can access easily through a digital platform.
- Accuracy: We only considered products with a high accuracy rate.
- Value: We looked for services that provide the best bang for your buck.
- Company reputation and transparency: We only included products from trusted brands that our team has vetted. Note that while none of the test below were involved, LetsGetChecked's Lyme disease test was involved in a class action lawsuit over inaccuracy, as well as Everlywell's food sensitivity test. We recommend pairing at-home testing with help from healthcare professional.
Comparing the best at-home herpes tests
| Price | Collection | Results | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked Herpes Test | • $119 • $83/mo subscription | finger prick | 2 to 5 days |
| myLAB Box At-Home Herpes Test | $89 | finger prick | 2 to 5 days |
| STD Check | • $45 single • $79 HSV-1 and HSV-2 | blood draw | 1 to 2 days |
| Everlywell STD Test | $169 | finger prick and vaginal swab or urine sample | a few days |
| Priority STD | $99 HSV-1 and HSV-2 | blood draw and urine collection | 1 to 3 days |
What is herpes?
Herpes is a common STI caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.
Globally, approximately 67% of people under 50 years old have HSV-1, while 13% of people 15 to 49 years old have HSV-2, according to the
HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or having oral sex with someone who already has it.
Some cases of oral herpes can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into the body through oral sex.
It generally takes 4 to 7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:
- pain during urination
- itching
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
Some people don't have any symptoms, but they can still transmit the infection to others. This is one reason testing is so important if you suspect you might have been exposed to the virus.
Who should get tested for herpes?
Worldwide,
However, the
How to choose the right at-home herpes test kit for you
If you're considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:
- Types of tests: Herpes tests are available as single tests for HSV-1 or HSV-2, a combination test for both, or as part of a comprehensive STI panel that covers a range of infections.
- Results: Some services offer results in as little as 1 day, while others may take up to 5 days.
- Accuracy: All the tests on our list boast high accuracy rates. Opt for a company that uses
CLIA accredited labs, so you know you're getting accurate results. Don't settle for anything less. - Privacy and confidentiality: Choose a brand that complies with strict policies to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
- Consultations: Wherever possible, opt for a company that provides follow-up care. Should you test positive, it's helpful to have access to a professional who can advise you on treatment options.
- Pricing: Tests can range in price from $45 for a single test to more than $100 for a comprehensive panel. Consider what tests you need and whether you want to bundle them together to get the best value. If you are interested in free or lower cost herpes tests, there are resources available.
When to talk with a doctor
If you take a herpes at-home test and receive a positive result, you can share your results with a healthcare professional to provide better insight into your next steps.
Also talk with a healthcare professional if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.
A doctor will let you know whether to get tested for herpes or another STI. They can order a few different tests, including a virus antigen detection test and antibody test. They can also help you get treatment if your test results are positive.
Learn more about online treatment options for STIs, including herpes.
Frequently asked questions
You can test for herpes at home with three of the tests on our list: LetsGetChecked Herpes Test, Everlywell STD Test – Female, and myLAB Box At-Home Herpes Test.
Any of these tests could be a good choice if you're comfortable taking your own blood sample. It can take up to 5 days to get your results online.
It's common to have an outbreak of sores or blisters around your mouth or genitals 4 to 7 days after contracting the herpes simplex virus. You may also experience pain during urination, itching, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
But some people don't have any symptoms, and they can still transmit the infection to others.
The only way to know for sure if you've contracted HSV is through testing. You can do this by visiting a doctor, a health clinic, or by taking an at-home herpes test.
Rapid or instant herpes tests are available in some clinics and healthcare settings. These tests collect specimen samples and analyze them onsite, and return results immediately.
At-home herpes tests only collect specimen samples, which then need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You should receive your results within 1 to 5 days after the samples are received.
Takeaway
There's no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.
Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect your sexual partners from contracting the virus. With quick and discreet at-home herpes testing, you can help keep yourself and others safe.
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