A herpes test in Mesa, AZ is a blood test that checks for antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, showing whether you've been exposed to either one.
How It Works
Three steps. Walk in any weekday.
Walk In
15-Minute Lab Visit
Get Your Results in 24-48 hours
Where to Get Checked for Herpes in Mesa
Right here at Quick Test, on East University Drive at Power Road in Baywood Square.
Walk in or book online, and there's no doctor's order or insurance needed. One quick blood draw checks for both types of herpes, and your results post to your secure patient portal in 24 to 48 hours.
Serving: Mesa · Gilbert · Queen Creek · Apache Junction · San Tan Valley · Chandler · Tempe
Does This Test Check for HSV-1 and HSV-2?
Yes, both. HSV-1 is usually linked to cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 is usually linked to genital herpes, but either type can show up in either place.
Many people carry HSV-1 from childhood without ever knowing it. A blood test tells you whether you have antibodies to each type, but it can't tell you where on the body an infection is.
What Are the Symptoms of Herpes?
First outbreak:
If symptoms appear, they usually show up 2 to 12 days after exposure. The first outbreak is often the strongest: small, painful blisters or sores around the genitals, rectum, or mouth, sometimes with tingling, itching, or burning beforehand. Some people also feel like they have the flu, with fever, body aches, or swollen glands. Sores usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks.
Repeat outbreaks:
The virus stays in your body, so outbreaks can come back, especially with HSV-2. Repeat outbreaks are usually milder and shorter than the first, and they often become less frequent over time.
No symptoms at all:
Many people never have a noticeable outbreak, or mistake mild symptoms for an ingrown hair, a pimple, or irritation. That's why a blood test is often the only way to know.
Can Herpes Spread Without Symptoms?
Yes. According to the CDC, herpes can spread even when there are no sores, because the virus can be active on the skin without any visible sign. That's one reason so many people have it without knowing, and why knowing your status helps protect your partners.
Who Should Get a Herpes Test?
Herpes is very common, and most people who have it never notice symptoms.
According to the CDC, a herpes blood test is most helpful if:
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You've had sores, blisters, or tingling in the genital or mouth area
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Your partner has herpes, or was recently diagnosed
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You want to know your status before starting a new relationship
Want more than herpes checked? The Basic STD Panel adds HIV and syphilis to the same blood draw.
Blood Test or Swab: Which Herpes Test Do You Need?
There are two ways to test for herpes. A blood test, like ours, looks for antibodies and works whether or not you have symptoms right now. A swab test takes a sample directly from an active sore and can confirm herpes while the sore is present.
If you have a sore right now, a swab done by a healthcare provider can give the most accurate answer.
If you don't, or you want to know whether you've ever been exposed, the blood test is the right choice.
How Soon Can Herpes Show Up on a Blood Test?
If symptoms appear, it's usually as small blisters or sores 2 to 12 days after exposure.
But your body takes longer to make the antibodies a blood test looks for, up to about 3 months. If your exposure was recent and your result is negative, test again after 3 months to be sure.
Herpes Testing FAQ:
How much does a herpes test cost? $65 for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The price you see is the price you pay.
Do I need insurance or a doctor's order? No. We provide the lab order, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
What's the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? Both are herpes simplex viruses. HSV-1 most often causes oral herpes (cold sores) but can affect the genitals, while HSV-2 is the usual cause of genital herpes. Our test is type-specific, meaning it tells you which virus you've been exposed to, not just whether you're positive.
What Happens If I Test Positive?
We won't leave you stuck. Herpes is common and very manageable. It can't be cured, but antiviral medication can shorten outbreaks, make them less frequent, and lower the chance of passing herpes to a partner. Treatment options are available here. Just ask us at your visit. You can also take your results to your own provider.