Herpes simplex antibodies blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) comes in two types. Type 1 is the usual cause of cold sores but can also affect the genitals, and type 2 most often causes genital herpes. Many people carry the virus without noticing symptoms.

When you are infected, your immune system makes IgG antibodies that usually stay detectable for life. This test checks for type-specific antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in a blood sample. A positive result shows that you have met the virus at some time, but it cannot show when, or where on the body, the infection happened. If you have a sore right now, a swab of the sore is the more direct test.

The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. Your appointment is confidential and handled without judgement.

Who it is for

• Your partner has been diagnosed with herpes and you would like to know your own status.
• You had sores or blisters in the past that healed before anyone could swab them.
• You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and want to understand your herpes status, ideally alongside advice from your midwife or GP.
• You are having a broader sexual health check and want herpes included.

Understanding your result

Your report shows whether antibodies to each type were detected. HSV-1 antibodies are very common in adults and often reflect cold sores, sometimes from childhood. HSV-2 antibodies more often point to genital infection. Low positive readings can occasionally be false positives, so a repeat test may be suggested.

A negative result means no antibodies were found. Antibodies take time to develop, usually several weeks and sometimes up to 12 weeks or longer after exposure, so a negative result soon after contact does not rule infection out. Whatever the outcome, the result is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting or special preparation is needed. For the most reliable answer, book at least 12 weeks after a possible exposure, as testing earlier may miss a recent infection. Please tell us about any antiviral medicine you take, and if you currently have a sore, mention it when booking so we can suggest a swab instead.

For chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, see our STI test options, which can be booked at the same visit. You can also view every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a herpes antibody blood test in Chiswick?

The Herpes Simplex Antibodies test costs £199 at our Chiswick clinic. The price includes your blood sample, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a confidential review with a practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

How soon after exposure can I test?

Antibodies can take up to about 12 weeks to become detectable, and occasionally longer. Testing sooner can give a falsely reassuring result.

Can the test tell me where I have herpes?

No. It shows which type you have antibodies to, not the site of infection. HSV-1 is often oral and HSV-2 is often genital, but either type can affect either area.

Should I have a swab instead?

If you have an active sore, blister or ulcer, a swab taken from it is usually the better test because it looks for the virus directly. The antibody test is most useful when there is nothing to swab.