Herpes Antibody Test

Urine tests for herpes known as HSV-2 antibody tests, like this test, are highly accurate in detecting the presence of the herpes in your blood. These tests have been extensively studied and have shown excellent sensitivity and specificity.

The sensitivity of a test refers to its ability to correctly identify individuals who have the infection (true positives), while specificity refers to its ability to correctly identify individuals who do not have the infection (true negatives).

Herpes antibody tests have high sensitivity and specificity, typically ranging from 96% or higher. This means that they are very reliable in accurately detecting herpes infections.

However, it’s important to note that no test is 100% perfect, and there is always a small possibility of false-positive or false-negative results. Factors such as the timing of the test (wait at least two weeks following exposure or treatment) and sample collection technique (follow sample collection instructions closely) most commonly can affect test sensitivity and specificity. For the most accurate negative results, we recommend you retest after 3 months to confirm your negative herpes status. If there are any concerns about positive results, we recommend you consult with a healthcare professional and have your test repeated.

Same Lab Test Offered by Physicians & Hospitals

4U Health tests meet national standards and are as accurate as services provided in a doctor’s office or hospital. We only work with the highest quality CLIA certified laboratories and health experts. Your at home herpes test complies with state and federal regulations. And our clinicians provide medical oversight throughout the entire process.

Herpes Test Results Time

With 4U Health’s at-home herpes test, the process typically takes 2 to 3 days to complete after the lab receives your sample.

Herpes Test Result

Your at home herpes test results will tell you if your blood contains herpes antibodies. This test will confirm your herpes status.

• Click Here to View an At Home Herpes Test Sample Report

When To Test for Herpes

Getting tested for herpes after unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex can be done as soon as 3 weeks after potential exposure. However, to definitively rule out genital herpes, it’s advised to repeat the test after 16 weeks to confirm your negative herpes status.²

²CDC Herpes Screening FAQ

If you are infected with the herpes virus you will test positive for life, even after antiviral treatment. There is no reason for follow-up testing.

Test now or usually within one year of purchase. This at home blood herpes test kit has a minimum expiration date of at least 10 months. That’s great news if you are buying more than one test to recheck yourself in the future for the herpes virus.

4U Health’s at home herpes test is eligible for gifting. In fact, all 4U Health tests make great presents. The recipient who receives your gift will simply open the kit, register it, and follow the blood herpes test collection instructions. Within a few days of sending to the lab, your significant other, friend or family member will receive secure electronic HIPAA compliant STD results all thanks to your generosity.

Pay upfront and receive no surprise medical bills. Insurance carriers typically only cover a herpes test for symptomatic patients. 4U Health is not enrolled in Medicare or any other private insurance network. This herpes blood test is not eligible for Medicare or any other federal or state-funded insurance program reimbursement. That’s great news if you want to test after exposure even though you are asymptomatic or if you want to keep your herpes testing experience confidential.

Rest assured; HIPAA security standards protect your data every step of the way while determining your herpes status. Keeping your confidential data secure is our number one priority. We only share your information when required to deliver our products and services or where we are legally obligated to do so. Your results are securely protected and available for review in your online portal; always secure but easily accessible only to you.

Although protecting customer privacy is of utmost importance to us, similar to any STI testing process, including both 4U Health lab tests and those conducted by traditional in person healthcare providers, certain positive results are mandated by law to be reported to state health departments. This reporting is solely intended to monitor and track the prevalence of infections. If you receive positive test results for chlamydia, Gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes symplex 2, HIV, HPV, syphilis, or trichomoniasis through a 4U Health at-home STD test, depending on individual state requirements, our network of labs may share this information with your state health board for the purpose of tracking. Our at-home STD tests provide you with the knowledge of your STI status, and your information will remain otherwise confidential.

Most Common STDs

1 in 5 peaople in the US have a STD. In 2018 alone, approximately 26 million Americans had a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The specific ranking and infection rates of STDs vary over time. It’s always best to refer to up-to-date sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most recent information. Incidence of STDs means new infections. Here is a list of common STDs in rough order of incidence as of 2018:

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV): 13 million (M) estimated new HPV infections.

2. Trichomoniasis (Trich): 6.9 M estimated new Trich infections.

3. Chlamydia: 4 M estimated new chlamydia infections.

4. Gonorrhea: 1.6 M estimated new Gonorrhea infections.

5. Herpes Symplex 2 (HSV-2): 572,000 estimated new HSV-2 infections.

6. Syphilis: 146,000 estimated new syphilis infections in 2018.

9. Hepatitis C (HCV): 50,000 estimated new HCV infections in 2018.

7. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): 33,000 estimated new HIV infections in 2018.

8. Hepatitis B (HBV): 8,300 estimated new HBV infections in 2018.

What are the common STDs?

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are various strains of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts and increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, or oropharyngeal cancer. There is no cure for HPV. While most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing symptoms or complications, vaccination, regular screenings, and practicing safe sex are important preventive measures to reduce the risk of HPV-related health issues.

What is what is Trichomoniasis (Trich)?

Trich is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a common STI that affects both men and women, but it is more common in women. Trichomoniasis is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Most people with trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms, but if symptoms do occur, they can include itching or irritation in the genital area, discharge from the vagina or penis (which may be frothy and yellow-green), pain or burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with antibiotics, and it is important to get tested and treated if you are sexually active or have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner. Using condoms and other forms of protection can help reduce the risk of trichomoniasis and other STIs.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs in the world and can affect both men and women. Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. Most people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydia is usually treated with antibiotics, and it is important to get tested and treated if you are sexually active or have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner. Using condoms and other forms of protection can help reduce the risk of chlamydia and other STIs.

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a common STI that can affect both men and women. Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. Most people with gonorrhea do not experience any symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Gonorrhea is usually treated with antibiotics, and it is important to get tested and treated if you are sexually active or have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner. Using condoms and other forms of protection can help reduce the risk of gonorrhea and other STIs.

What is genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a viral infection generally caused by the Herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV2). It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection results in the development of painful sores or blisters in the genital area. These sores can recur periodically and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes. While there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks, reduce symptoms, and decrease the risk of transmission. It is important to practice safe sex and communicate openly with sexual partners to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading genital Herpes.

Herpes 1 or 2 which is worse?

In terms of severity, both Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) can cause similar symptoms, but HSV-2 is generally associated with more frequent and severe outbreaks of genital Herpes. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences with the virus can vary, and the impact of the infection can be influenced by factors such as the person’s immune system and management of the condition.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis progresses through different stages, including primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages, each with its own set of symptoms and complications. It can present as painless sores or ulcers, rash, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Syphilis can have severe long-term consequences if left untreated, affecting various organs and systems in the body, including the heart, brain, and nervous system. Early detection through testing and prompt treatment with antibiotics can effectively cure Syphilis and prevent its complications.

What is Hepatitis C (HCV)?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection is commonly transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, receiving contaminated blood transfusions, from mother to baby during childbirth, or sexual intercourse. Hepatitis C can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease, and if left untreated, it can cause severe complications like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Treatment options for hepatitis C have improved in recent years, and antiviral medications can effectively cure the infection in most cases, reducing the risk of long-term liver damage. It is important to get tested for hepatitis C if at risk and take preventive measures to avoid exposure.

What is Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for the body’s defense against infections. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the late stage of the infection and characterized by severe immune system damage, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, allowing people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. Preventive measures such as practicing safe sex, using sterile needles, and accessing HIV testing and treatment are crucial in reducing transmission rates and improving overall health outcomes.

What is Hepatitis B (HBV)?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The infection can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, and from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease, which can range from mild illness to severe conditions such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. While there is no cure for Hepatitis B, antiviral medications and vaccines are available to manage the infection, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of transmission. It is important to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and take precautions to avoid exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Among Persons Aged 14–39 Years — United States, 2007–2012 URL. September 26, 2014. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. URL. Updated April 11, 2023. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 – Adolescents. URL. Updated July 22, 2021. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Sentinel surveillance of rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea among males–San Francisco, 2005-2008. URL. January, 2010. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. Screening for STIs at Home or in the Clinic. URL. February 1, 2012. Accessed July 1, 2023.

The BMJ. Efficacy of home sampling for screening of Chlamydia trachomatis: randomised study URL. July 4, 1998. Accessed July 1, 2023.

New England Journal of Medicine. Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in Women. URL. Updated February 23, 2017. Accessed July 1, 2023.

UpToDate. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections URL. Updated May 09, 2023. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Journal of American College Health. Rates of asymptomatic nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia in a population of university men who have sex with men. URL. 2012. Accessed July 1, 2023.

MedlinePlus. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. URL. Updated February 17, 2023. Accessed July 1, 2023.

AGS Health in Aging Foundation. Safe Sex for Older Adults . URL. Updated August 2019. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Nemours Foundation. Talking to Your Kids About STDs. URL. Updated July 2018. Accessed July 1, 2023.

American Academy of Pediatric. Medications for Sexually Transmitted Infections. URL. Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed July 1, 2023.

NHS. How soon do STI symptoms appear? URL. Updated 22 November 2019. Accessed July 1, 2023.

US Department of Health and Human Services. Your Rights Under HIPAA. URL. January 19, 2022. Accessed July 1, 2023.

University of Washington STD Prevention Training Center. National STD Curriculum. URL. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Infection Control Today. Sexually Transmitted Infections Increasingly Plague the United States. URL. November 10, 2022. Accessed July 1, 2023.

New York Times. Why Are Sexually Transmitted Infections Surging? URL. May 17, 2022. Accessed July 1, 2023.

National Coalition of STD Directors. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea & syphilis: STDs on the rise. URL. February 6, 2022. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. What proportion of episodes of gonorrhoea and chlamydia becomes symptomatic?. URL. February 2002. Accessed July 1, 2023.

Genitourinary Medicine. Chlamydia trachomatis infections in the female rectums. URL. August 1989. Accessed July 1, 2023.

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Chlamydia Test. URL. Updated June 2, 2022. Accessed July 1, 2023.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2021. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm. URL. 2021. Accessed July 1, 2023.

So you still have unanswered questions. No worries, we’d love to hear from you. Reach us by e-mail, phone or chat and we will do our best to provide answers so you can determine if this is the best test for you or your partner.

• 866-610-1200
• help@4uhealth.com
• Chat Support 
  at home chlamydia test Walmart
• PO Box 100083
  Pittsburgh, PA 15233