How to use our herpes test kit (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

About this kit

The Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) IgG/IgM Test Kit, pack of 2 is a CE-marked lateral flow test for the qualitative detection of both IgG and IgM antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in whole blood, serum, or plasma. It uses a finger-prick blood sample, and two tests are included in the pack. The result is read at 15 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.

What is in the box

• 2 sterile single-use lancets
• 2 test cassettes, individually foil-sealed
• 1 buffer bottle (enough for 10 tests)
• 2 droppers
• 1 step-by-step instruction sheet

Before you start

Wash your hands in warm water and dry them, and read our guide to getting a good finger-prick blood sample. Use a new lancet for each test and never share a lancet. If you would like spares, we sell sterile 28G lancets in packs of 50 and 100.

How to do the test

1. Bring everything to room temperature. Let the cassette, specimen and buffer reach 15 to 30°C before testing.
2. Add your sample (about 1 minute). Using the dropper, add your blood sample to the specimen well, then add the buffer supplied and start the timer.
3. Wait, then read the result (15 minutes). Read the result at 15 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.

Reading your result

Use the result diagram on your instruction sheet. If the control line does not appear, the test has not run correctly and the result is invalid. The most common reason is not getting enough sample. You will need a new test to get a valid result.

About your result

This is a screening test, intended to support, not replace, professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or sexual health clinic about your result.

Order the kit

Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) IgG/IgM Test Kit, pack of 2 ships in plain, discreet packaging. See the rest of our sexual health range, or read which STI test kit should I choose?

This guide is general product information, not medical advice.