Oral herpes swab test in Chiswick
An oral herpes swab tests fluid from a cold sore, blister or ulcer around the mouth for herpes simplex virus. It helps confirm what is causing a sore while it is still visible, so you can plan treatment.
What the test measures
Herpes simplex virus on or around the lips is the familiar cause of cold sores. It is usually type 1, picked up through kissing or close contact, often in childhood, though type 2 can also reach the mouth through oral sex. After the first infection the virus stays dormant in the nerves and can reactivate, often triggered by illness, sunlight or stress.
For this test a swab is gently rubbed over an active sore and sent to the laboratory, which looks for the virus directly. This can help tell herpes apart from other causes of mouth sores, such as ulcers, impetigo or a skin reaction.
The price includes the swab taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have a sore or blister on your lip or in your mouth and want to know whether it is herpes.
- You have never had a cold sore before and want to understand a new one.
- You get recurring sores around the mouth and would like a clear confirmation.
- You developed mouth sores after oral sex and want a confidential check.
Understanding your result
A positive result means herpes simplex virus was found in the sore. A negative result means it was not detected, but this can happen if the sore was already crusting or healing, when there is far less virus present, so your practitioner will read the result alongside how the sore looked and how long it had been there. The result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis on its own.
If a sore spreads near your eye and the eye becomes painful, red or sensitive to light, seek same-day medical help rather than waiting for a test. Avoid kissing babies while a sore is active.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed. The swab works best early, ideally while the sore is blistered or weeping, so book as soon as you notice it. On the day, try not to apply cold sore cream or antiseptic to the area or pick at it before your appointment. The sample takes a few seconds to collect.
If you are also concerned about other infections, our STI tests include swab, urine and blood options. You can browse every blood test and price in Chiswick on our main page.
Questions
How much is an oral herpes swab in Chiswick?
The Herpes Swab (oral) costs £69 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. It includes the swab, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of what your result means and a GP feedback report if you would like one.
Is a cold sore the same as herpes?
Yes. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus, most often type 1. It is extremely common and not a sign of poor hygiene.
Can I test if the sore has healed?
A swab needs an active sore to sample. Once it has healed there is nothing to collect, and a blood test for herpes antibodies may be more useful to discuss with your practitioner.
Can oral herpes spread to the genitals?
Yes. The virus can pass to a partner's genitals through oral sex while a sore is present. Avoiding oral sex and kissing until the sore has healed lowers the chance of passing it on.
