Blue Waffle Disease: Does the STD Exist?
5 Best At-Home Herpes Tests In 2024
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With these herpes tests, you can get private results in just a few days.
At-home herpes test lets you screen for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) quickly, safely, and privately.
Some tests have you take your own samples and mail them to a lab. If you're comfortable collecting your own blood, these might be good options for you. Other tests require you to go to a standalone lab for sample collection, but your results are posted to a private online account. Either one you choose, these tests are considered as reliable as what you'd get through a doctor's office.
All the tests featured on our list pass Healthline's robust medical vetting and earn positive reviews from users. Plus, our writer shares her experience using the at-home test from LetsGetChecked.
Read on to learn more about how to test for herpes.
MyLAB Box's at-home genital herpes test is straightforward. After you order the herpes test kit, it will be delivered within a week in discreet packaging. Inside is everything you'll need to take your test: the lancet and collection vial for your finger-prick sample, simple instructions, and a prepaid envelope to return your sample for testing.
Your results will be posted to your private online account within 2 to 5 days.
If your results are positive, you can schedule a free consultation with one of myLAB Box's doctors. The company works with labs that are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Act of 1988 (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Plus, the website itself is HIPAA compliant.
Testing is not yet available in New York.
Pros & consSTD Check tests require you to go to one of the company's testing centers for in-person blood sample collection by a technician. You will receive your results in 1–2 days, which are sent to a private online account.
Here's the process:
Once you sign up and create an account online, you can choose an individual test like HSV-1 or HSV-2 for $45 each. You can also order a 10-test panel, which includes the most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, for $79.
You then select a local testing center based on your ZIP code. STD Check has more than 4,500 testing sites nationwide.
When you go to your chosen location to take the test, a technician does the blood draw. STD Check says this process takes less than 5 minutes. The test results are sent to your online account in 1–2 days.
Your test and results are completely confidential. If your test results are positive, a physician affiliated with STD Check can answer questions about your diagnosis.
Pros & consUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
Healthline's reviewWhen you join the LetsGetChecked subscription service, testing is easy and convenient as you receive everything you need to take your sample in a discrete kit through the mail. Plus, you'll save 25% on the full price of the kits.
This herpes test require you to take and collect your own blood sample, which you then mail to the company's labs using the provided prepaid packaging. Your results are posted within a few days to your own private account.
Healthline writer Breanna Mona found the test simple and quick to use: After creating an account online, it took about a week to for her to receive the herpes test kit, and her test results came back within 2 business days.
Like all other testing services on our list, LetsGetChecked is privacy and HIPAA compliant. Your results will be available online in 2 to 5 business days. Should your results come back positive, you can contact a nursing team member, who can help you determine a treatment plan.
What our tester says"This brand is very easy to use thanks to clear instructions and online tutorials," said Healthline writer and reviewer Breanna Mona.
But there is a learning curve to drawing blood yourself, she adds.
"The test [kit] provides enough lancets for those who need to prick multiple fingers to draw enough blood. If you select the right finger on your first try, you may be able to get away with just one prick. But odds are that first-timers will need a few chances to get the hang of it. The tube is skinny, and you have to position your bleeding finger just right so that the blood drops into the tube and not all over your workspace.
"It's a delicate balancing act of working quickly enough to get your blood into the tube but also staying patient and vigilant enough to massage your finger properly to work up blood flow and not minding some mess," she said.
Once you get the hang of the blood collection, however, you're good to go, Mona says. The herpes test kit comes with prepaid packaging to return it to a lab, where you'll be notified of your results within a few days.
"It can be a satisfying process, especially for those who want fast results and prefer to skip a visit to their doctor," Mona said.
Who it's good for: People who are comfortable around blood, don't want to test at a doctor's office, or who don't have insurance or have a high insurance deductible
Not recommended for: Someone who faints at the sight of blood
"This brand is very easy to use thanks to clear instructions and online tutorials," said Healthline writer and reviewer Breanna Mona.
But there is a learning curve to drawing blood yourself, she adds.
"The test [kit] provides enough lancets for those who need to prick multiple fingers to draw enough blood. If you select the right finger on your first try, you may be able to get away with just one prick. But odds are that first-timers will need a few chances to get the hang of it. The tube is skinny, and you have to position your bleeding finger just right so that the blood drops into the tube and not all over your workspace.
"It's a delicate balancing act of working quickly enough to get your blood into the tube but also staying patient and vigilant enough to massage your finger properly to work up blood flow and not minding some mess," she said.
Once you get the hang of the blood collection, however, you're good to go, Mona says. The herpes test kit comes with prepaid packaging to return it to a lab, where you'll be notified of your results within a few days.
"It can be a satisfying process, especially for those who want fast results and prefer to skip a visit to their doctor," Mona said.
Who it's good for: People who are comfortable around blood, don't want to test at a doctor's office, or who don't have insurance or have a high insurance deductible
Not recommended for: Someone who faints at the sight of blood
Pros & consUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
Healthline's reviewFor $169, people with a vagina can test for six common STIs at once, including HSV-2. Tests require both a finger prick and a vaginal swab.
For the same price, people with a penis can also test for herpes by purchasing the company's STD Test for Men. It looks for the same six STIs as the other test, but sample types include a finger prick and a urine sample instead of a vaginal swab.
The kit includes prepaid shipping both ways, digital results, and detailed instructions. Once your kit arrives, you'll need to register it on Everlywell's website using the unique ID number included in your box.
In your kit, you'll receive all you need to collect a finger-prick sample and either a vaginal swab packet or a urine cup and urine sample tube.
After shipping your sample, you'll receive digital results on your account within a few days. If your results are positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication if necessary. Everlywell will also send you a personalized report detailing your results.
The site is HIPAA compliant and physician reviewed. This means your information is kept private, and medical information is approved by independent, board certified healthcare professionals.
Pros & consPriority STD tests also require in-person collection. What makes these unique, however, is that you can get tested the same day you sign up, with no appointment necessary.
First, you order your herpes test online or by phone. You can also choose to order the 10 Panel STD Test.
You are then directed to find a lab near you, from more than 4,000 locations. You can go immediately to take your test, which requires a blood draw taken by a technician, and possibly a urine sample.
Your test results will be available online through a secure patient login, typically within 1–3 days of collection.
Pros & consEvery product we recommend undergoes Healthline's stringent vetting process. In addition, when researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys. Here's what we considered:
Herpes is a common STI caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.
Globally, approximately 67% of people under 50 years old have HSV-1, while 13% of people 15–49 years old have HSV-2, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or having oral sex with someone who already has it.
Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into the body through oral sex.
It generally takes 4–7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:
Some people don't have any symptoms, but they can still transmit the infection to others. This is one reason testing is so important if you suspect you might have been exposed to the virus.
Worldwide, more than half of people under 50 years old have herpes. If you've been exposed to herpes or have been sexually active with a partner who has a history of herpes, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about whether you should be tested.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that only people with herpes symptoms test for it because of the high possibility of inaccurate test results: Those with a low risk of infection have a higher chance of getting the wrong results.
If you're considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:
Talk with a healthcare professional if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.
Your doctor will let you know whether you should get tested for herpes or another STI, and order a few different tests, including a virus antigen detection test, and/or an antibody test. They can also help you get treatment if you test positive.
If you take a herpes at-home test and receive a positive result, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.
Meanwhile, If you've been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.
How to test for herpes at home? How can I check if I have herpes?It's common to have an outbreak of sores or blisters around your mouth or genitals 4–7 days after contracting the herpes simplex virus. You may also experience pain during urination, itching, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
But some people don't have any symptoms, and they can still transmit the infection to others.
The only way to know for sure if you've contracted HSV is through testing. You can do this by visiting a doctor, a health clinic, or by taking an at-home herpes test.
It's common to have an outbreak of sores or blisters around your mouth or genitals 4–7 days after contracting the herpes simplex virus. You may also experience pain during urination, itching, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
But some people don't have any symptoms, and they can still transmit the infection to others.
The only way to know for sure if you've contracted HSV is through testing. You can do this by visiting a doctor, a health clinic, or by taking an at-home herpes test.
Is there an instant herpes test?Rapid or instant herpes tests are available in some clinics and healthcare settings. These tests collect specimen samples and analyze them onsite. They can return results within minutes.
At-home herpes tests only collect specimen samples, which then need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You should receive your results within 1–5 days after the samples are received.
Rapid or instant herpes tests are available in some clinics and healthcare settings. These tests collect specimen samples and analyze them onsite. They can return results within minutes.
At-home herpes tests only collect specimen samples, which then need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You should receive your results within 1–5 days after the samples are received.
There's no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.
Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect your sexual partners from contracting the virus. With quick and discreet at-home herpes testing, you can help keep yourself and others safe.
6 Best At-Home STI Tests: Free And Low Cost Options To Try In 2024
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.
How we vet brands and productsMedical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
Local organizations often offer free or low cost sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. While most companies do not offer free STI testing, we have chosen our top picks for low cost, convenient kits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that worldwide, people contract 1 million STIs daily. In 2021, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections continued to increase in the United States.
Free and low cost STI testing can help people identify and manage STIs.
This article discusses what home STI testing is, how often a person should test, and where someone can go to find an at-home STI test free or for a low cost.
Some organizations may offer free or low cost STI tests.
TakeMeHome helps health departments offer free at-home STI, HIV, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tests to local people. A collaboration between Emory University, NASTAD, which provides HIV and AIDs support worldwide, and Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC), an organization that advocates for gay men's health online.
According to Planned Parenthood, health insurance, Medicaid, and other government assistance programs can also provide free STI testing. Some Planned Parenthood centers offer free or low cost testing depending on a person's income.
The CDC's Get Tested tool provides a database of places that offer free or low cost STI testing, including screens for HIV and hepatitis. People can enter their state, city, or ZIP code to find local centers.
Home STI testing is similar to the testing a person receives in a doctor's office or healthcare clinic. These tests screen for the presence of infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
To perform a test, a person collects their sample, usually a urine, blood, or swab sample, and then sends it to a lab. Testing at home may be more convenient and private than testing in a clinic, and some companies offer care and advice if a person receives a positive test result.
While there may be some loss of accuracy when taking a home test, if a person follows the instructions on the test kit carefully, home test results are generally reliable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that people call the company if they have any questions about collecting a sample.
Learn more about the best at-home STI tests.
Testing for STIs is important to prevent transmitting an infection to sexual partners.
Not all STIs have symptoms. It is important for people to undergo regular testing to ensure that they and their sexual partners receive any treatment necessary to protect their health.
It is also important to test regularly because STIs can cause complications. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility.
Pregnant people who have an STI can pass the infection to their infant during delivery. Certain infections can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or lung and kidney infections. Some STIs also increase the chance of pregnancy loss.
Everyone should receive testing if they believe they are at risk of contracting an STI or showing symptoms of an STI.
SymptomsSymptoms may include an unusual urine color, odorous discharge, or urinating pain. However, people can have STIs without having symptoms.
People need to undergo testing if a sexual partner discloses that they have an infection. STI testing is more accurate after the infection is in the detection period.
Some populations should receive regular testing to minimize the risk of complications. We outline these groups in greater detail below.
Learn more about STI testing.
Detection periodBelow, we describe how long after exposure STI tests generally start yielding reliable results:
How often should you test?The CDC recommends that the following people receive testing:
While each company may have slightly different instructions, home STI tests generally require:
Companies will provide detailed instructions on how to collect a sample correctly. If a person finds it difficult to perform a finger prick test, they may wish to ask a friend or family member for help.
Some companies will also offer follow-up care and advice if a person receives a positive test result.
Types of resultsUsually, home tests will return one of the following results:
The time it takes a company to return results depends on the type of test a person takes and the company that offers it.
However, people can typically expect home STI test results around a week after the lab receives their samples.
Below are some free or lower cost home STI tests available to purchase online.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers' own.
Through TakeMeHome, eligible people in the United States and Puerto Rico can access free HIV and STI testing. Anyone over the age of 17 who has not had recent STI and HIV testing can use the service.
To use TakeMeHome, people must go onto the website and choose to order a test. They will have to answer some eligibility questions before they can order the screening.
People can choose from the following tests:
TakeMeHome can offer these tests for free because local or state health departments pay for them rather than the customer.
TakeMeHome writes that people will get their results within 3 days on average, but it can take up to 6 days.
People cannot get treatment from TakeMeHome if they test positive for an STI or HIV. They must speak to a doctor in this case.
Learn about the transmission of HIV.
Pros & consThis service offers three different STI self-test kits.
The Basics Covered Kit screens for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
The Healthy V Kit is a vaginal test that screens for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
The Full Control Kit screens for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.
The company charges a $15 fee, which includes 1 year's worth of unlimited messaging with its medical team.
Learn more about Nurx.
Pros & consThis dual test covers both gonorrhea and chlamydia.
With a positive chlamydia test, Lemonaid Health offers people the opportunity to discuss whether treatment would be appropriate for them, and if so, they will prescribe antibiotics. There is a $25 visit fee for this service.
The company states results should be available within 3–5 business days, and it has a 24-hour medical response team.
Lemonaid testing is available in all U.S. States, including Washington DC.
Lab test costs may vary in New York and Rhode Island.
Learn more about Lemonaid Health.
Pros & consUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
MNT's reviewPrice: $69–$169
Everlywell sells tests for specific STIs and offers panel tests for males and females.
Both options screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
People can also use the Everlywell subscription service to make frequent testing more affordable. Additionally, Everlywell offers some of the most affordable STI testing for those without insurance.
Learn more about Everlywell.
What our tester says"It was very easy to register the kit – I could either scan the QR code that came on it, or manually type in the unique code on Everlywell's site. All the questions were super clear and pretty quick to answer. You do need to make sure you register the same day or time as you plan on taking the test, however, it will ask for the time of test-taking as you finish registration.
"Everlywell provided very clear instructions (both written within the kit and via its website as I registered the kit – the website even had a video walking you through the process). I was provided three lancets, disinfectant, gauze, and a bandaid.
"Some helpful tips included warming your hands under hot water, shaking them, and then lancing the edge of your ring finger (not the pad). All solid tips (I'm definitely glad the company warned me not to prick the pad, as I probably would have, and then would have been sore!), which were helpful. The lancets were easy to use and as painless as a needle can be.
"However, the test wanted twelve (!) samples, and you had to completely fill each circle (which for me, was often more than one drop). So I ended up pricking two of my fingers (again, with only one bandage!), and ended up putting my sample card on a step to keep it low and encourage the blood to flow.
"Everlywell's test comes with the prepaid shipping envelope to return your test, so I just had to swing by the nearest post office to drop it off. It wasn't clear in the kit whether there was a timeframe when you had to get the sample into the lab, so to be safe, I mailed it same day.
"I dropped my test off during the last USPS collection window on a Tuesday, and I got a text from Everlywell Thursday midday, telling me it received my sample for processing. Then, Friday afternoon (3 days from when I took my sample), it texted me to let me know my results were ready. I was able to click in directly from the text, and was directed to a results page where it looks like it keep the results of all tests you take in one convenient place for easy access.
"Clicking into the test's results, I was greeted with a very clear screen that showed my results for each of the six STIs it tested for. Clicking into each STI provided a quick detail about that infection, and I could click in more to learn more, or click into some of the external resources it provides (CDC and WebMD).
"The company also allows you to download to a PDF, which could be very helpful for printing if you needed to share these results with a medical professional.
"At the bottom of the results, Everlwell provides suggestions for how to share these results with your PCP, as well as preventative tips to avoid STIs going forward."
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager.
"It was very easy to register the kit – I could either scan the QR code that came on it, or manually type in the unique code on Everlywell's site. All the questions were super clear and pretty quick to answer. You do need to make sure you register the same day or time as you plan on taking the test, however, it will ask for the time of test-taking as you finish registration.
"Everlywell provided very clear instructions (both written within the kit and via its website as I registered the kit – the website even had a video walking you through the process). I was provided three lancets, disinfectant, gauze, and a bandaid.
"Some helpful tips included warming your hands under hot water, shaking them, and then lancing the edge of your ring finger (not the pad). All solid tips (I'm definitely glad the company warned me not to prick the pad, as I probably would have, and then would have been sore!), which were helpful. The lancets were easy to use and as painless as a needle can be.
"However, the test wanted twelve (!) samples, and you had to completely fill each circle (which for me, was often more than one drop). So I ended up pricking two of my fingers (again, with only one bandage!), and ended up putting my sample card on a step to keep it low and encourage the blood to flow.
"Everlywell's test comes with the prepaid shipping envelope to return your test, so I just had to swing by the nearest post office to drop it off. It wasn't clear in the kit whether there was a timeframe when you had to get the sample into the lab, so to be safe, I mailed it same day.
"I dropped my test off during the last USPS collection window on a Tuesday, and I got a text from Everlywell Thursday midday, telling me it received my sample for processing. Then, Friday afternoon (3 days from when I took my sample), it texted me to let me know my results were ready. I was able to click in directly from the text, and was directed to a results page where it looks like it keep the results of all tests you take in one convenient place for easy access.
"Clicking into the test's results, I was greeted with a very clear screen that showed my results for each of the six STIs it tested for. Clicking into each STI provided a quick detail about that infection, and I could click in more to learn more, or click into some of the external resources it provides (CDC and WebMD).
"The company also allows you to download to a PDF, which could be very helpful for printing if you needed to share these results with a medical professional.
"At the bottom of the results, Everlwell provides suggestions for how to share these results with your PCP, as well as preventative tips to avoid STIs going forward."
– Laramy Applekamp, Content Project Manager.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
MNT's reviewLetsGetChecked offers three STI testing kits.
The Simple 2 tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The Standard 5 tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, and syphilis.
The Complete 8 tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, Gardnerella, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma.
In 40 states, if a person tests positive for chlamydia, trichomoniasis, Gardnerella, mycoplasma, or ureaplasma, the company will provide prescriptions at no extra charge.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Pros & consPeople can order tests and view results on STDcheck's website, but they must go to one of over 4,500 partnered testing centers to collect samples.
The company offers individual and panel tests for a range of STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis A, B, and C.
This service boasts the fastest results turnaround at 1–2 days, making it a suitable option for people looking for rapid testing.
Pros & consThe following table compares the home STI tests in this article.
Some several organizations and locations may offer free or low cost STI testing:
People need to consider contacting a healthcare professional or using an at-home STI test if they have sex without a barrier method, such as a condom, with someone who may have an STI. They should also contact a doctor if they experience a
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