Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab)
Private HSV I/II PCR swab testing in London for £142.99, detecting active viral genetic material with results expected in around 5 days.
Turnaround time
2 days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test
The Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) test detects Herpes Simplex Virus genetic material directly from a suitable swab specimen.
The test contains 1 grouped biomarker: Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab).
PCR is the preferred laboratory approach for confirming genital herpes when a suitable active lesion is present.
The swab can detect viral DNA rather than waiting for the immune system to produce antibodies.
This is especially useful during a first episode or recurrent outbreak where fresh vesicles, ulcers or other compatible lesions are present.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both cause genital herpes.
HSV-1 can also cause oral herpes and other mucocutaneous lesions.
Sampling quality has a major effect on the usefulness of the result.
A swab taken from a fresh active lesion, particularly a vesicle or newly developed ulcer, generally offers the greatest opportunity to detect virus.
Older, healing or crusted lesions may contain less detectable viral material.
HSV shedding is also intermittent.
This means a negative PCR result does not absolutely exclude HSV, particularly if the lesion is already resolving or if no active lesion was sampled.
Where lesions are absent but established infection status needs assessment, an appropriate type-specific IgG blood test may provide different information.
PCR should therefore be interpreted according to the exact site sampled, the appearance and age of the lesion and whether antiviral treatment has already begun.
What Does the Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test Check?
The test directly examines a suitable swab for HSV viral DNA and is particularly useful for investigating an active oral or genital lesion. This test measures 1 grouped biomarker.
Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab)
Detects Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and/or type 2 genetic material from a suitable swab specimen to support diagnosis of active HSV infection.
Who May Benefit From the Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test?
Swab PCR is most useful when a current lesion can be sampled directly.
People with a new genital blister or ulcer - Direct lesion PCR is the preferred laboratory approach for confirming suspected genital herpes.
People with recurrent genital lesions of uncertain cause - PCR can determine whether active HSV is present during an episode.
People with a suspicious oral blister or ulcer where HSV confirmation is required - Appropriate lesion sampling can identify HSV DNA.
People with lesions that have not previously been laboratory confirmed - Testing can provide objective evidence of HSV.
People with atypical genital lesions - HSV can occasionally present less typically than classic grouped blisters.
People with symptoms following a new sexual exposure - Lesion PCR can form part of a broader STI assessment.
People whose previous antibody results are difficult to interpret - Direct detection during an active lesion can answer a different diagnostic question.
How to Prepare
Do not deliberately delay clinically indicated antiviral treatment solely to obtain a test result.
Where possible, collect the PCR specimen promptly from a fresh lesion before it has healed.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test
PCR is particularly appropriate when compatible lesions are currently present.
Painful genital blisters - Fresh vesicles are well suited to direct HSV PCR sampling.
Genital ulcers - HSV is one of the important infectious causes of genital ulceration.
Burning or tingling followed by a visible lesion - Prodromal symptoms can precede HSV recurrence.
Pain during urination caused by nearby lesions - Genital herpes can make urination painful.
Tender groin lymph nodes during a first genital episode - Primary HSV can produce regional lymph-node enlargement.
Recurrent sores in the same general area - HSV establishes latency and can reactivate.
Painful oral lesions requiring confirmation - HSV-1 commonly causes recurrent oral herpes.
Genital ulcers can also be caused by Syphilis and several non-infectious conditions.
A negative PCR from an old or healing lesion does not conclusively exclude herpes because the amount of viral DNA may have fallen.
How to Book Your Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test
The HSV PCR swab test can be booked privately when an active lesion or appropriate sampling site is available.
Choose the Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab)
Select the individual HSV PCR swab test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose the appropriate clinic or professionally supported swab collection pathway.
Attend your appointment
A suitable swab is collected from the lesion or relevant site according to laboratory instructions.
Laboratory analysis
The specimen undergoes PCR analysis for HSV-1 and HSV-2 genetic material.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised molecular result is delivered securely and can be reviewed alongside symptoms and any additional STI results.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected laboratory turnaround for Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) is approximately 5 days after the specimen reaches the laboratory.
The sample undergoes molecular extraction, PCR amplification, quality-control procedures and result authorisation.
Turnaround begins from laboratory receipt rather than necessarily from the time the swab is collected.
An inadequate specimen or technical repeat analysis can extend reporting.
Because lesion age affects detection, the test should be collected promptly rather than delayed simply to fit the laboratory turnaround.
Understanding Your Results
A positive PCR means HSV genetic material has been detected in the submitted swab.
In a compatible lesion, this provides strong evidence that HSV is responsible for the active episode.
Depending on laboratory reporting, the result may identify HSV-1, HSV-2 or a grouped HSV result.
A negative result means HSV DNA was not detected in that specimen.
This reduces the likelihood that the sampled lesion contained detectable HSV at the time of collection.
It does not completely exclude infection because the lesion may have been old, healing or poorly sampled, or viral shedding may have been low.
Where suspicion remains despite a negative lesion result, repeat sampling during a future fresh episode or appropriate IgG serology may be considered.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private molecular HSV testing using a swab specimen from an appropriate active site.
Direct HSV detection - PCR identifies viral genetic material rather than antibodies.
Preferred approach for active lesions - Lesion PCR is particularly useful for confirming suspected genital herpes.
Tests HSV-1 and HSV-2 - Both major Herpes Simplex Virus types can be assessed.
Useful in first or recurrent episodes - Active viral shedding can be identified during symptomatic episodes.
Confidential sexual-health testing - Results are handled securely.
Specialist molecular analysis - Samples undergo PCR testing through an appropriate laboratory pathway.
Can complement IgG testing - PCR and serology answer different diagnostic questions.
Clear pricing - The Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) test costs £142.99.
Private Herpes Simplex I/II by PCR (Swab) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private HSV PCR swab testing in London for people with an appropriate active lesion or sampling site.
The test costs £142.99 and contains 1 grouped biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
Sampling a fresh active lesion offers the best opportunity to obtain a clinically useful molecular result.