Medichecks Sexual health & STIs

Herpes Simplex Virus -1 and -2 Past Infection Blood Test

Checks antibody levels for herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 to indicate past infection, including without symptoms. If you have symptoms of genital herpes, the provider recommends attending a sexual health clinic rather than relying on this test alone.

  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Blood
Collection
In-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Results in
5 days
Biomarkers
2
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Herpes simplex virus 1 IgG
  • Herpes simplex virus 2 IgG

Test specifications

Provider
Medichecks
Sample type
blood
Collection method
in-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Turnaround time
5 days
Biomarkers tested
2
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

2 biomarkers as listed by Medichecks.

Immunity

  • Herpes simplex virus 1 IgG
  • Herpes simplex virus 2 IgG

About this test

This test measures IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, the two viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. A positive antibody result indicates you have been infected at some point, including if you have never had noticeable symptoms, and HSV1 and HSV2 antibodies are each checked separately by this two-marker test.

This test does not sit within one of our defined comparison groups, so there is no set of directly equivalent tests in our data to measure its price or depth against. It is a discreet blood test rather than a clinic diagnosis; the provider is explicit that if you currently have symptoms of genital herpes, you should attend a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on this test.

The scores reflect this shape. Clinical depth sits around the middle for sexual health tests we track, reflecting its two-marker scope. Value for money scores well, since the price sits well below the typical similarly sized sexual health test. Collection convenience is only middling, since it requires a venous draw at a clinic rather than an at-home kit, though a home nurse visit is available. Trust signals score highly, reflecting Medichecks' Trustpilot rating of 4.5, its UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs, and doctor review included with every result.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you want a discreet way to check your past exposure to herpes simplex virus 1 or 2, for example for reassurance or before a new relationship, and you do not currently have symptoms.

If you currently have symptoms that could be genital herpes, this is not the right test: the provider recommends attending a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and treatment instead.

How it works

This is a blood test that can be collected at an in-store clinic, via a home nurse visit, or as a venous draw at a clinic; there is no at-home finger-prick option for this test. Results are reviewed by a doctor before being released, with results back in around five days.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Checks both HSV1 and HSV2 antibodies separately in one blood draw.
  • Priced below the typical similarly sized sexual health test we track.
  • Home nurse visit available if you cannot attend a clinic.
  • Every result includes a doctor's review.

Cons

  • No at-home finger-prick option; a venous draw at a clinic or nurse visit is required.
  • Not suitable if you currently have symptoms; the provider recommends a sexual health clinic instead.
  • Provider does not state what the results report looks like.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Two-marker herpes antibody test, clinic collection only
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 antibodies are the focus of this £89 test, which shows whether you have been infected in the past, even without symptoms. We do not hold comparable panels in our data to benchmark it against directly. Its main caveat is that it is not for diagnosing an active outbreak: the provider recommends attending a sexual health clinic if you have symptoms of genital herpes.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 8.0/10

    The listing publishes a short 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 8.0/10

    A blood sample taken at home by a visiting nurse or phlebotomist; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 5 days, slower than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 9.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.

  • Value for money 8.4/10

    £89.00 against a median of £145.00 for the 108 similarly sized sexual health tests we track (-39%).

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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