What is a herpes (HSV) test?

HSV can be detected in your body using an HSV test. This STD test is offered as a swab test or a blood test, according to the NIH. Knowing if you have herpes can help you avoid infecting others, particularly unborn children.

What is a herpes test used for?

A herpes test is often performed to identify if HSV is producing herpes symptoms, such as oral or genital sores. According to the National Institutes of Health, a herpes test can be used to diagnose HSV in pregnant women and newborn newborns who may have been exposed to HSV while in the womb.

Why do I need an HSV test?

If you have had sexual interaction with someone who is infected with HSV, or if you are pregnant and have previously had herpes or signs of genital herpes, you may need an HSV test, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you've had several sex partners, are a male who has sex with men, or have signs of a brain or spinal cord issue including fever , disorientation, or a stiff neck , HSV testing may be required, according to the NIH.

What happens during an HSV test?

A healthcare provider collects a fluid and cell sample from a herpes sore with a cotton swab during an HSV swab test. During a blood test, a healthcare worker draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm with a thin, tiny needle. A spinal tap is a procedure in which a healthcare specialist extracts a little amount of fluid from your spine in order to diagnose HSV.

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

According to the National Institutes of Health, the swab test and herpes blood test require no specific preparation. Before getting a spinal tap, you may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels. More information about the preparation required for your type of HSV test can be obtained from the lab test supplier.

Are there any risks to the test?

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are no hazards associated with the herpes swab test. According to the NIH, the blood test may produce slight soreness and bruising at the injection site, but these symptoms normally go away quickly. A spinal tap can result in a headache , as well as soreness or tenderness where the needle was put in the back. Your doctor may go over the potential hazards of HSV testing with you in further detail.

What do the results mean?

Normal or negative HSV test results indicate that no herpes virus was found or detected. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, an HSV infection can occur even if test findings are benign. Positive or abnormal results indicate that HSV was detected in your sample and that you are either infected or have been affected in the past.

Is there anything else I need to know about an HSV test?

The CDC does not advocate HSV testing for persons who do not have herpes symptoms since a positive diagnosis in someone who does not have symptoms does not induce people to change their sexual activity or stop the virus from spreading, according to the CDC. False-positive findings are also possible in persons who do not exhibit symptoms, according to the CDC. According to the CDC, the herpes test is currently only advised for persons who have HSV symptoms.

Where can I get a herpes test in North Carolina?

A herpes test is available in North Carolina from many healthcare professionals who provide lab tests and STD testing. HSV testing may be available through your general care physician, a hospital, an urgent care center , or a walk-in clinic , among other places.Use Solv to find herpes test providers in your area and schedule an appointment for the same day or the next day. To find top-rated providers in your area, type "herpes test" or "STD testing" into the search form on Solv's website, then choose your location.

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20 instant-book locations

Labcorp

640 Summit Crossing Pl, Gastonia, NC 28054640 Summit Crossing Pl

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Labcorp

2460 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 297322460 India Hook Rd

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Labcorp

478 Copperfield Blvd NE, Concord, NC 28025478 Copperfield Blvd NE

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Quest Diagnostics

200 S Herlong Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29732200 S Herlong Ave

Open 4:30 pm

Mon 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

4.25(498 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

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Quest Diagnostics

171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117171 Fairview Rd

4.28(461 reviews)

I thought it was extremely easy to book a lab test appointment with Quest. Getting the test done was simple and so was the getting the results! Great job putting together something so user friendly.

Self-pay pricing

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Labcorp

134 Medical Park Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117134 Medical Park Rd

Open until 4:30 pm

Mon 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Carmel Rd, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

4100 Carmel Rd, Charlotte, NC 282264100 Carmel Rd

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Carmel Rd, Charlotte - 4100 Carmel Rd, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® Inside Target, Northlake Centre Pkwy, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® Inside Target

9841 Northlake Centre Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 282169841 Northlake Centre Pkwy

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® Inside Target, Northlake Centre Pkwy, Charlotte - 9841 Northlake Centre Pkwy, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

10515 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 2826210515 Mallard Creek Rd

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte - 10515 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Park Cedar Dr, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

9915 Park Cedar Dr, Charlotte, NC 282109915 Park Cedar Dr

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Park Cedar Dr, Charlotte - 9915 Park Cedar Dr, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Rocky River Rd, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

9805 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 282159805 Rocky River Rd

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Rocky River Rd, Charlotte - 9805 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Conlan Circle, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

13845 Conlan Cir, Charlotte, NC 2827713845 Conlan Cir

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Conlan Circle, Charlotte - 13845 Conlan Cir, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

14125 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 2827314125 Steele Creek Rd

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte - 14125 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte

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MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Rea Rd, Charlotte

MinuteClinic® at CVS®

9628 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 282779628 Rea Rd

Open until 7:30 pm

Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Rea Rd, Charlotte - 9628 Rea Rd, Charlotte

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Concentra Urgent Care, Charlotte South End

Concentra Urgent Care

1614 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 282031614 South Blvd

Open until 7:00 pm

Mon 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tue 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Thu 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

3.0(20 reviews)

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Piedmont Emergency Med Assoc

1300 Baxter St, Charlotte, NC 282041300 Baxter St

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Private STD Testing Center

1718 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 282041718 E 4th St

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Atrium Health Urgent Care, Morehead

Atrium Health Urgent Care

1426 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 282041426 E Morehead 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 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Test Me DNA

1928 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 282071928 Randolph Rd

Open until 6:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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