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Individual Test

Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital)

Professional, confidential testing for Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital). Book your appointment at our City of London clinic for fast, accurate results.

Book your test at our City of London clinic.

20 min appointment
Results: 5 days"
Confidential
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Price

£106

All-inclusive price

  • Results within 5 days"
  • Confidential service
  • No GP referral needed
  • Professional clinical environment
  • Results via secure portal
  • Nurse-led expert care

Herpes Testing

Herpes is extremely common and manageable. Testing helps you understand your status.

  • Very common – many people don't know they have it
  • Knowledge empowers better health decisions
  • Knowing your status helps protect partners
  • Can be managed effectively long-term
  • Reduces anxiety and uncertainty

100% Confidential

Your privacy is protected

Fast Results

Results within 5 days"

Expert Care

Professional clinical team

Accurate Testing

Lab-certified results

About the Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital)

The Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital) is a confidential sexual health test available at St Paul's Medical and Dental, our private practice at 5 Ave Maria Lane in the City of London, EC4M 7AQ. A swab sample is collected by a registered nurse in an appointment of approximately 20 minutes. Results are typically available within 5 days" and are delivered confidentially via secure email.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) exists as two types: HSV-1, which is traditionally associated with oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is more commonly associated with genital herpes, although either type can infect either location. The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 3.7 billion people under 50 globally have HSV-1 infection. Many individuals with herpes are unaware of their status because the infection can be asymptomatic or produce mild symptoms that are not recognised. Blood tests detect IgG and IgM antibodies to HSV, while PCR swab testing can identify active viral shedding from lesions. Type-specific testing can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2.

St Paul's Medical and Dental is within walking distance of St Paul's tube station, Blackfriars, and City Thameslink. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, making it convenient for City workers and local residents. All samples are processed by an accredited laboratory. Your appointment is entirely confidential, and results are delivered securely via email.

Who May Consider This Test

The Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital) at our City of London clinic may be suitable for a variety of individuals. Below are some of the common reasons patients book this test:

  • Individuals who have experienced genital blisters or sores
  • Those whose partner has disclosed a herpes diagnosis
  • People with recurrent symptoms of genital irritation or tingling
  • Individuals who wish to know their HSV-1 and HSV-2 status
  • Those seeking a baseline measurement before a new relationship

How to Prepare

1

No specific preparation required for swab tests

Swab samples are collected quickly during your appointment by a registered nurse. The process is straightforward and generally takes only a few seconds.

2

Consider the testing window period

Each test has a recommended minimum time from potential exposure for accurate results. If you are unsure whether enough time has passed, our clinical team can advise you at your appointment.

3

Continue any current medications

Unless advised otherwise by your prescribing doctor, continue taking your regular medications as normal before the test.

4

Attend your appointment

Arrive at St Paul's Medical and Dental, 5 Ave Maria Lane, EC4M 7AQ with your booking confirmation. The nearest stations are St Paul's, Blackfriars, and City Thameslink. Your appointment takes approximately 20 minutes.

Pricing

Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital)£106
Total£106

Payment is collected at the clinic. No additional fees apply for this test.

Sample Information

Sample typeSwab sample
Collected byRegistered nurse
Appointment duration20 minutes
ConfidentialityFully confidential

Your Results

Turnaround time5 days"
Delivery methodSecure email
LaboratoryUKAS accredited laboratory

Your results will indicate whether the tested infection was detected. If a positive result is returned, we recommend booking a follow-up consultation or discussing the findings with your GP or sexual health clinician.

How It Works

1

Book Online

Choose a convenient date and time

2

Visit Clinic

Quick and discreet appointment

3

Sample Collection

Professional, comfortable process

4

Get Results

Results within 5 days"

Frequently Asked Questions

The appointment takes approximately 20 minutes. This includes registration, sample collection, and any questions you may have.

You May Also Be Interested In

Other sexual health tests you may want to consider alongside the Herpes Simplex (HSV) 1 & 2 (PCR) (Oral or Genital)

Ready to Get Tested?

Book your confidential appointment today. Results within 5 days".

020 7183 3709
Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

Real feedback from our patients at South Kensington Medical & Dental.

4.9 from 267+ reviews

"I had a very comfortable and welcoming experience doing some walk-in tests. I was especially appreciative of the person who handled my phlebotomy, Luciana - she explained all necessary testing requirements thoroughly and was generally very pleasant."

S

sunshinethuggery

Blood Tests

Verified

"Luciana the Brazilian nurse is the best!! Very kind and super efficient, she managed to get my blood very smoothly and I had the best experience. I really recommend going there and asking for her."

S

Sabine Arias

Blood Tests

Verified

"Hi great experience felt very relaxed and Luciana took care of everything."

G

Gary Queen

Medical Services

Verified

"Best experience with Luciana, she made everything entirely seamless during a blood test. Highly recommend her."

D

Dom

Blood Tests

Verified

"Nurse Luciana was amazing."

P

Pierre Mallevays

Medical Services

Verified

Meet Our Medical Team

Our experienced medical team is fully qualified and registered with the GMC and NMC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.

Registered. Regulated. Trusted.

South Kensington Medical & Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.

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