Herpes Type 1 (HSV-1) Testing

Step 1: Order Online

Select the STD test or panel that’s right for you. No doctor’s referral needed. Call (866) 566-8711 for personalized assistance.

Step 2: Visit a Local Lab

Stop by one of our 4,500+ testing centers. Most visits take less than 15 minutes.

Step 3: Get Your Results

Access your results securely online, typically within 1-2 days. If you test positive treatment can be prescribed.

Accurate, Confidential HSV-1 Blood Testing

Our Herpes Type 1 test provides reliable screening for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) through a simple blood test. This FDA-approved test detects antibodies your body produces in response to HSV-1 infection, allowing you to know your status even if you’ve never had symptoms.

Simple blood test with results in 1-2 days.

To order your test now, call (866) 566-8711 or order online.

About Our HSV-1 Test

Test Method

  • Type-Specific IgG Antibody Blood Test – Gold standard for herpes testing

  • FDA-approved testing methodology

  • Highly accurate – Approximately 95% sensitivity and specificity

  • Detects past exposure – Even without current symptoms or outbreaks

What it Tests For

  • HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) – Typically associated with oral herpes but can cause genital infections

  • IgG antibodies – Indicates current or previous infection

  • Does not test for HSV-2 (herpes type 2, primarily genital herpes)

Sample Collection

  • Standard blood draw (about 1 teaspoon)

  • No fasting or special preparation required

  • Sample collection takes less than 5 minutes

  • Can be taken any time of day

Results Timeline

  • Results typically available in 1-2 business days

  • Access results securely online through your private account

  • Completely confidential – results are never shared without your permission

Understanding HSV-1

What is HSV-1?
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is a common viral infection that primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters) but can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact. Once infected, the virus remains in your body for life, typically staying dormant in nerve cells until triggered, which may cause periodic outbreaks.

Transmission

  • Primarily spread through:
    • Direct contact with a cold sore or blister
    • Kissing someone who has the virus
    • Sharing items that touch the mouth (straws, cups, utensils, lip balm)
    • Oral sex (causing genital HSV-1 infection)
  • Most contagious when:
    • Active sores are present
    • During the “prodromal” period (tingling before outbreak)
    • Can be transmitted even without visible symptoms

Symptoms (if present)

  • Many people with HSV-1 (up to 70%) never develop noticeable symptoms
  • Oral HSV-1 symptoms:
    • Tingling, itching, or burning before sores appear
    • Small red bumps or tiny blisters that typically appear around the lips
    • Painful sores that may break open, ooze fluid, and crust over
    • Fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (especially during first outbreak)
  • Genital HSV-1 symptoms:
    • Similar to oral symptoms but in the genital area
    • Usually less severe than genital HSV-2
    • Fewer recurrences than genital HSV-2

Important Facts About HSV-1

  • HSV-1 is extremely common worldwide
  • Many people are infected in childhood through non-sexual contact
  • Recurrent outbreaks may be triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes
  • HSV-1 now causes up to 50% of new genital herpes cases
  • Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life

Most people never know they have HSV-1 due to lack of symptoms

Why Get Tested for HSV-1?

Diagnostic Testing

  • If you have recurring cold sores or oral lesions

  • If you have unexplained genital symptoms

  • If you’re experiencing potential first outbreak symptoms

  • If your partner has been diagnosed with herpes

Peace of Mind

  • If you’ve never had symptoms but want to know your status

  • Before starting a new relationship

  • If you’re concerned about possible exposure

  • If you have other risk factors

Important Considerations

  • Standard STD panels don’t include herpes testing

  • CDC doesn’t recommend routine screening without symptoms

  • Knowing your status can help prevent transmission to partners

  • Testing may be particularly important for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy

The Testing Process

Order online or call (866) 566-8711. Our care advisors can answer any questions and help you complete your order.

With over 4,500 testing locations nationwide, you can find a convenient center near you. No appointment necessary – just walk in with your order number.

The collection process is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. A small blood sample will be drawn from your arm.

Results are typically available within 1-2 business days and can be accessed securely online through your private account.

If you test positive, you’ll receive a free consultation with a licensed physician who can discuss your results and management options.

Understanding Your Results

Negative Result

  • Interpretation: No HSV-1 antibodies detected
  • What it means:
    • Most likely, you have never been infected with HSV-1
    • However, if exposure was very recent (within 12 weeks), antibodies may not have developed yet
  • Recommended action:
    • If you have recent risk factors, consider retesting in 3-4 months
    • Practice preventive measures

Positive Result

  • Interpretation: HSV-1 antibodies detected
  • What it means:
    • You have been infected with HSV-1 at some point
    • The infection could be oral or genital (the test cannot distinguish location)
    • You may or may not ever have had symptoms
    • You can potentially transmit the virus to others, even without symptoms
  • Recommended action:
    • Learn about managing HSV-1 and preventing transmission
    • Consider discussing with current or future partners
    • Consult with our physicians about management options

Equivocal Result

  • Interpretation: Results are unclear or borderline
  • What it means:
    • May indicate early infection where antibodies are still developing
    • Could be cross-reactivity with other proteins
  • Recommended action:
    • Retesting in 2-4 weeks usually recommended
    • Consult with our physicians for guidance

Management Options

If you test positive for HSV-1, our licensed physicians can discuss management options during your free consultation.

For Symptomatic HSV-1:

  • Antiviral medications to shorten outbreaks or reduce their frequency
  • Pain management strategies for active outbreaks
  • Lifestyle modifications to reduce recurrences
  • Prevention strategies to reduce transmission risk

Treatment Service:

  • Consultation fee: $99 for treatment services (separate from test cost)
  • Includes: Medical consultation, diagnosis review, prescription writing and transmission
  • Medication costs: Prescription costs at pharmacy are not included and depend on your insurance
  • Convenience: The fee covers all physician services without the need for additional office visits

Available in all 50 states: Our network of physicians can provide treatment nationwide

Should I Test for Both HSV-1 and HSV-2?

While you can test for HSV-1 alone, there are several reasons to consider our combined HSV-1 and HSV-2 test:

Complete Herpes Screening

Both viruses can cause oral or genital herpes, so testing for both provides a complete picture of your herpes status.

Common Co-Infections

Some people have both types of herpes, so testing for only one could miss an infection.

Location Ambiguity

Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, especially for genital symptoms.

Common STD Symptoms

Privacy and Convenience

100% Confidential

  • No information is shared with insurance companies

  • Test results are never shared without your explicit permission

  • Testing centers maintain strict privacy protocols

  • Results accessible only through your secure online account

Convenient Testing

  • Over 4,500 testing locations nationwide

  • No appointments necessary – walk in at your convenience

  • Most visits take less than 15 minutes

  • No need to provide your reason for testing to lab staff

  • Simple testing process with minimal discomfort

Why Choose LocalSTDTesting.com

Accurate Testing
  • FDA-approved testing methods
  • Same tests used by doctors and hospitals
  • CLIA-certified laboratories
  • High accuracy rates (approximately 95%)
Affordable Options
  • Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • No insurance necessary (keeping your testing private)
  • HSA/FSA accepted
  • Payment plans available with no credit check
Exceptional Support
  • US-based care advisors available 7 days a week
  • Free physician consultation if you test positive
  • Private, secure access to your results
  • Prescription treatment options available in all 50 states
Frequently Asked Questions

No, blood antibody tests cannot determine the location of the infection. They can only tell you whether you have antibodies to HSV-1. While HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact.

Our type-specific IgG antibody test is approximately 95% accurate when performed at least 12 weeks after potential exposure.

For most accurate results, wait at least 12 weeks after potential exposure before getting a blood antibody test for HSV-1. Testing too early may result in a false negative.

Yes, if you have HSV-1 (regardless of whether you have oral or genital HSV-1), you can potentially transmit it to a partner’s genital area through oral sex if you’re shedding the virus, even if you don’t have visible symptoms.

Yes, approximately 70% of people with HSV-1 never develop noticeable symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others.

Given how common HSV-1 is, disclosure practices vary. Many people choose to disclose to intimate partners, particularly if they have frequent outbreaks or are engaging in activities with transmission risk. This is a personal decision that our physicians can discuss with you during consultation.

Generally, once you have HSV-1, you develop antibodies that protect against a second HSV-1 infection. However, you can still contract HSV-2 if exposed.

Order Your HSV-1 Test Today

Get the answers you need about your HSV-1 status. Our $79 HSV-1 test provides accurate results with the convenience of a simple blood test and no doctor’s appointment.

Order online or call (866) 566-8711 to speak with a care advisor who can help you place your order.

Order HSV-1 Test Now or call (866) 566-8711

Consider our Herpes 1 & 2 Test for a complete herpes screening.

Payment plans available with no credit check required.

LocalSTDTesting is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about medical conditions.