What is a herpes (HSV) test?

An HSV test can be used to detect HSV in your body. According to the National Institutes of Health, this STD test is available as a swab test or a blood test. If you know you have herpes, you can prevent infecting others, especially unborn infants.

What is a herpes test used for?

A herpes test is frequently used to determine whether HSV is causing herpes symptoms like oral or vaginal sores. A herpes test can be used to diagnose HSV in pregnant women and newborn babies who may have been exposed to HSV while in the womb, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Why do I need an HSV test?

According to the National Institutes of Health, an HSV test may be required if you have had sexual contact with someone who is infected with HSV, or if you are pregnant and have previously had herpes or indications of genital herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health, HSV testing may be required if you've had multiple sex partners, are a male who has sex with men, or have symptoms of a brain or spinal cord condition such as fever , confusion, or a stiff neck .

What happens during an HSV test?

During an HSV swab test, a healthcare worker uses a cotton swab to obtain a fluid and cell sample from a herpes sore. A thin, microscopic needle is used to take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm during a blood test. A spinal tap is a treatment in which a healthcare professional takes a little volume of fluid from your spine to identify HSV infection.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

The swab test and herpes blood test, according to the National Institutes of Health, do not require any special preparation. You may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels before having a spinal tap. The lab test supplier can provide you with more information on the preparation required for your type of HSV test.

Are there any risks with a herpes test?

There are no risks connected with the herpes swab test, according to the National Institutes of Health. The blood test may cause minor discomfort and bruising at the injection site, according to the NIH, but these symptoms usually go away quickly. A spinal tap can cause a headache , as well as discomfort or tightness in the area where the needle was inserted. Your doctor may go over the risks of HSV testing in greater detail with you.

What do herpes test results mean?

HSV test results that are normal or negative imply that no herpes virus was found or detected. However, the National Institutes of Health warns that an HSV infection can exist even if test results are normal. Positive or abnormal results mean that HSV was found in your sample and that you are infected or have previously been infected.

Is there anything else I need to know about a herpes test?

According to the CDC, HSV testing for those who don't have herpes symptoms isn't recommended because a positive diagnosis in someone who doesn't have symptoms doesn't cause them to change their sexual behavior or stop the virus from spreading. According to the CDC, false-positive results might occur in people who don't have any symptoms. The herpes test is presently only recommended for people who have HSV symptoms, according to the CDC.

Where can I get a herpes test in Fox Lake?

Many healthcare practitioners that conduct lab tests and STD testing in Fox Lake can administer a herpes test. HSV testing is available from a variety of sources, including your primary care physician, a hospital, an urgent care center , or a walk-in clinic . Find herpes testing providers in your area using Solv and make an appointment for the same day or the next day. Type "herpes test" or "STD testing" into the search form on Solv's website, then choose your location to find top-rated providers in your area.

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20 instant-book locations

Epic Urgent and Family Care, Streamwood

Epic Urgent and Family Care

644 S Sutton Rd, Palatine, IL 60107644 S Sutton Rd

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed
Jul 4Closed

4.69(348 reviews)

Epic Urgent and Family Care, Streamwood - 644 S Sutton Rd, Palatine

Provider and staff were wonderful. They were able to treat the issue I came in for and explained every step of the process. Allie and team did a excellent job.

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Labcorp at Walgreens

2871 Pfingsten Rd, Glenview, IL 600262871 Pfingsten Rd

Open until 4:00 pm

Mon 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thu 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Quest Diagnostics

2551 Compass Rd, Glenview, IL 600262551 Compass Rd

Open12:00 pm

Mon 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

4.1(553 reviews)

I was able to choose a Quest lab location and schedule an appointment. Check in was easy, and I only needed to provide my name and DOB. They were able to locate my order in their system. They were already aware that my labs were paid for prior to the appointment. I had my labs done on a Wednesday, and I received my results by Saturday. Great experience.

Self-pay pricing

AVAILABLE TIMES

Labcorp

380 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016380 E Northwest Hwy

Open until 4:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
SunClosed

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Local MD Urgent Care, Skokie

Local MD Urgent Care

5020 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 600775020 Dempster St

Open until 8:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jul 4 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

4.47(83 reviews)

Local MD Urgent Care, Skokie - 5020 Dempster St, Skokie

Scheduling was easy. I was able to choose a time on line so that when I arrived I'd already have my time semi-reserved. Check in was easy and the nurse was friendly and very easy to work with. The doctor was so caring and asked so many good and relevant questions. She took my symptoms seriously and spend a lot of time caring for me. I was quite surprised by the level of care and will return there as needed before going to my doctor or their walk in clinic. I absolutely recommend this provider.

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Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care, McHenry

Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care

2507 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 600502507 N Richmond Rd

Open until 7:45 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 7:45 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 7:45 pm

2.81(8 reviews)

Receptionists were wonderful. Courteous and helpful. Nurse and doctor were professional. I waited 4 hours to be tested.