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Single Test🧫 Swab of Lesion🏆 Gold Standard for Active Sores

Herpes Panel HSV 1 & HSV 2 DNA PCR

Have an active sore right now? This is the test to get. A direct swab of the lesion detects herpes viral DNA: the gold-standard way to confirm an active infection and identify whether it's type 1 or 2. 100% confidential, results usually in 1–3 business days.

$ 269.00All-in price
1Tests included

If you have a sore, blister, or ulcer right now, this is the most direct way to know what's causing it. Unlike a blood antibody test, which measures past exposure, this PCR test swabs the active lesion and detects the herpes virus itself: the gold standard for confirming an active infection and telling HSV-1 from HSV-2. Best done while the sore is fresh. No judgment, and nothing is billed to insurance.

Included Tests

HSV 1 and 2 DNA, Real-Time PCR
A swab test that detects the DNA of herpes simplex virus directly from an active lesion using real-time PCR, and identifies whether it's HSV-1 or HSV-2. Because it finds the virus itself, it's the preferred method for diagnosing an active outbreak.
HSV-1 DNAHSV-2 DNA
incl.in panel

What This Panel Measures

🧫
Active herpes infection. Detects herpes viral DNA directly from a sore, confirming an outbreak is caused by HSV, not something else.
🏆
The gold standard for lesions. For an active sore, PCR from a swab is more definitive than an antibody blood test.
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Type identification. Tells you whether the outbreak is HSV-1 or HSV-2, which can guide what to expect going forward.

Who Should Get This Panel

  • You have an active sore, blister, or ulcer right now
  • You want to confirm whether a lesion is actually herpes
  • You need to know if an outbreak is HSV-1 or HSV-2
  • A blood test was inconclusive and you now have symptoms to swab
  • You'd rather test privately, without it going through insurance

Conditions Screened

Active oral herpes (HSV-1)Active genital herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2)

Related Symptoms

Active sores or blistersPainful ulcersOpen lesionsTingling or burning at the siteGrouped blisters that crust over

When to Get Tested

Test while the sore is active: ideally within the first few days, when it's fresh or just opening. PCR is most sensitive on early lesions; a sore that's already crusted over and healing may release less detectable virus. If you have no active sore, a type-specific IgG blood test is the better choice.

Understanding Your Results

Results post to your secure online account, usually in 1–3 business days, in plain English, including which type was detected. A positive confirms the sore is herpes and identifies the type. A negative on a healing lesion doesn't always rule herpes out, since older sores shed less virus; your provider may suggest retesting a fresh outbreak or adding a blood test. Herpes is common and manageable. Nothing appears on your insurance record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use this test or a herpes blood test?
If you have an active sore, use this PCR swab. It's the gold standard for diagnosing an outbreak. If you have no symptoms and want to know your exposure status, choose a type-specific IgG blood test instead.
Will this show up on my insurance?
No. You pay directly, nothing is billed to insurance, and nothing appears on your insurance record. Your results go only to your secure account, 100% confidential.
When should I swab the sore?
As early as possible. A fresh or newly opened lesion sheds the most virus and gives the most reliable result. A crusted, healing sore may test negative even if it's herpes.
Why does the turnaround take a little longer?
PCR is a molecular test that amplifies and detects the virus's DNA, so results usually take 1–3 business days rather than 1–2. The extra accuracy for an active infection is worth it.

Pairs Well With: Same Blood Draw

Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2 IgG with reflex to inhibition)
A blood test to establish your longer-term HSV-2 status alongside the swab (from the same visit).
+ Add
Syphilis Test (RPR with reflex)
Syphilis also causes genital sores and is worth ruling out from the same visit.
+ Add
HIV 1/2 Antigen/Antibody (4th Gen)
A cornerstone of any full STD check, added from the same visit.
+ Add
$ 269.00
✓ The price you see is the price you pay. No draw fees. No physician fees. No surprise bills. $ 269.00 is all-in.
Comparing prices? Some self-pay labs advertise a low number, then add ~$28 in "lab & physician fees" at checkout. We don't. What you see here is the whole cost.
⚡ We send your lab order electronically to the test center in 2–3 minutes. Nothing to print, nothing to bring. Just walk in and sign in.
📍 Can you get tested nearby?

Test centers don’t accept payment. You pay securely here; the lab just does the draw.
⚡ Results 1–3 business days🧪 1 tests

What happens after you order?

  • 1Your lab order form & test code appear in your secure online account, with your test center’s address.
  • 2We send your lab requisition to the test center electronically.
  • 3Walk in & get tested. Tests usually take 5 minutes or less.
📞 Need support? (866) 873-0879
$ 269.00all-in · no extra fees