Test🛡️ STD TestingSingle 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.
$269Price — all-in
1–2 daysResults, usually
NoFasting
1Test included
Included Tests
Herpes Panel HSV 1 & HSV 2 DNA PCR
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
✓ No fasting required — get tested any time of day.
What It 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.
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 Test
- 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
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.
$269
✓ The price you see is the price you pay.No draw fees. No physician fees. No surprise bills. $269 is all-in.
⚡ 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.
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.