Better2Know Sexual health & STIs

Herpes Simplex Type 1 and 2 (Urine) Test

A urine-based test for Herpes 1 and 2, suited to people with current symptoms such as sores, itching or pain on urination who want to check which type of herpes is responsible.

Sample
Urine
Collection
Urine sample at clinic or nurse visit
Results in
5 days
Biomarkers
2
Tests for
  • Herpes 1
  • Herpes 2

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
urine
Collection method
urine sample at clinic or nurse visit
Turnaround time
5 days
Biomarkers tested
2
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

2 biomarkers as listed by Better2Know.

  • Herpes 1
  • Herpes 2

About this test

This test checks for Herpes 1 and Herpes 2 using a urine sample, provided at a Better2Know clinic. The provider positions it for people currently experiencing symptoms of a herpes outbreak, such as sores, blisters, itching, burning or pain when urinating, rather than as a general screening test for people without symptoms.

We do not have a comparison group of similar urine-based herpes tests from other providers, so we cannot say how this £145 price or five-day turnaround compares with the wider market for this type of test.

It scores well for collection convenience since a home nurse visit is offered alongside the clinic-based urine sample, and in the middle for clinical depth and value for money among the sexual health tests we track more broadly. It scores only moderately on results and follow-up, because results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Who is it for?

This test suits you if you are currently experiencing symptoms of a herpes outbreak, such as sores, blisters or discomfort when urinating, and would rather provide a urine sample than have blood taken or a swab used. It is not intended as a general screening test if you have no symptoms.

We do not have data on comparable urine-based herpes tests from other providers to say whether a cheaper or faster alternative exists elsewhere. It's also worth speaking to a GP about symptoms like these, alongside any private test you choose.

How it works

You provide a urine sample in a container at a Better2Know clinic, or during a home nurse visit; clinic staff send the sample to the provider's laboratory for analysis. Results are stated to take five working days and are uploaded to your secure online patient area, with the option to be notified by SMS or email instead. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Urine sample avoids the need for a blood draw or a swab.
  • Home nurse visit offered as an alternative to a clinic appointment.
  • Distinguishes between Herpes 1 and Herpes 2 from a single sample.

Cons

  • No doctor review of results as standard.
  • Aimed at people with current symptoms, rather than general screening.
  • We don't have a comparable urine-based herpes test from another provider to check its price against.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Urine-based herpes test for people with symptoms
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

This test uses a urine sample rather than blood or a swab to check for Herpes 1 and 2, aimed at people currently experiencing symptoms such as sores, itching or pain on urination. At £145, results take five working days, and there is no at-home version of this particular sample type listed.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 7.6/10

    2 biomarkers, placing it in the 51st percentile of sexual health tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 4.0/10

    A urine sample taken at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 5 days, slower than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 6.5/10

    £145.00 against a median of £145.00 for the 108 similarly sized sexual health tests we track (-0%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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