Better2Know Sexual health & STIs

Instant Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 Screen

A same-day blood screen for herpes simplex types 1 and 2 together, for anyone who wants both types checked in one visit.

Sample
Blood
Collection
Instant test at selected clinics
Results in
0 days
Biomarkers
2
Tests for
  • Herpes 1
  • Herpes 2

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
blood
Collection method
instant test at selected clinics
Turnaround time
0 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 screen checks for both herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 from one blood sample, useful if you want to know your status for both types in a single visit rather than testing for each separately. Better2Know's information notes that after the recommended four-week incubation period, the result is intended to be highly accurate for whichever type is present.

There is no comparison group recorded for this exact two-marker combination, so we cannot weigh it directly against equivalent screens. Against the wider pool of similarly sized sexual health tests we track, £195 sits about 34% above the typical price, a moderate premium for the combined format.

Clinical depth scores reasonably in the middle of the range for two markers. Clarity is strong given the detailed listing. value for money is only moderately weak rather than very poor, and results and follow-up mark it down because a doctor does not review the result as standard. Better2Know has a 4.2 Trustpilot score from 775 reviews, is CQC registered, and has 18+ years trading history.

Who is it for?

This suits someone who wants both herpes types checked together in one visit rather than choosing a single type or ordering two separate tests. Because there is no peer data for this exact combined product, we cannot point to a cheaper directly equivalent alternative. If you only need one type checked, Better2Know's separate Herpes Simplex Type 1 or Type 2 test costs £185, £10 less than this combined screen.

How it works

A small blood sample, usually taken by finger prick, is applied to test cassettes for both herpes types. Better2Know states results are available from around 15 minutes after the sample is taken, and you receive a signed results report on the day. A reactive result means antibodies to that type have been detected; the provider does not describe this as a standard doctor-reviewed result.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Checks both herpes type 1 and type 2 from a single blood sample.
  • Result given at the clinic in around 15 minutes rather than sent later.
  • Covers two markers for only £10 more than either single herpes test on its own.

Cons

  • At £195, this costs more than the typical price for similarly sized sexual health tests.
  • Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
  • Needs a four-week wait since exposure before testing is recommended.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Combined herpes 1 and 2 screen with a same-day result
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

Herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 are checked together here, from a single blood sample, with a result given at the clinic the same day. At £195 it costs around 34% more than the typical price for similarly sized sexual health tests we track. Better2Know does not list directly comparable peer tests for this combined two-marker product, so we cannot say how the price compares with equivalent screens.

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 5.0/10

    Requires a visit to a clinic; results in around 0 days, well ahead of the sexual health norm of 2.

  • 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 4.8/10

    £195.00 against a median of £145.00 for the 108 similarly sized sexual health tests we track (+34%).

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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