Private Herpes PCR Swab Test London
PCR swab testing directly from a lesion is the most accurate way to diagnose herpes during an active outbreak. Can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Price
£106
All-inclusive price
- Report within 5 days"
- Completely private, results go to you only
- No GP referral required
- Calm, discreet Marylebone clinic
- Secure portal delivery of results
- Appointments led by registered nurses
Private Herpes PCR Swab Test in London
Wimpole Street Medical & Dental provides private herpes simplex virus PCR swab testing at our clinic. PCR testing from lesions is the gold-standard method for diagnosing active herpes infection, offering superior sensitivity compared to viral culture.
Testing uses a PCR swab, with results available within 2 days.
No GP referral is required. All samples are processed at UKAS-accredited laboratories. Swabs should ideally be taken from active lesions within 72 hours of onset for optimal sensitivity.
Why PCR Is the Gold Standard for Herpes
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detects HSV DNA directly from lesion swabs with significantly higher sensitivity than traditional viral culture. It can differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is important for prognosis – HSV-2 genital herpes recurs more frequently than HSV-1.
Swab testing is most accurate when lesions are fresh (vesicular stage). As lesions crust over, viral shedding decreases and sensitivity declines. If no active lesions are present, blood-based antibody testing is the preferred approach.
Diagnose Active Outbreak
PCR swab testing is the gold standard for diagnosing herpes from active lesions.
- Most accurate during outbreak
- Direct virus detection
- Distinguishes HSV-1 and HSV-2
- Definitive diagnosis
- Best for new lesions
Discretion Guaranteed
Results shared with you alone
Prompt Turnaround
Report within 5 days"
Nurse-Led Appointments
Registered nurses, zero judgement
Laboratory Analysis
Samples processed by partner labs
What to Expect, Start to Finish
Reserve Online
Pick a slot that suits your schedule
Come to Wimpole Street
A short, private visit in Marylebone
Sample Taken
Collected gently by a registered nurse
Report Delivered
Sent securely within 5 days"
Frequently Asked Questions
Swab testing is most accurate on new, fresh lesions - ideally within the first 48 hours.
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Take the First Step Today
Reserve a discreet appointment at our Marylebone clinic, your report follows within 5 days".
Google reviews of our sister clinic, South Kensington Medical & Dental.
Meet Our Medical Team
Our experienced medical team is fully qualified and registered with the GMC and NMC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At Wimpole Street Medical & Dental, our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC, GMC and NMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
We Accept All Major Dental Insurances
We accept all major UK dental insurances, including AXA PPP Healthcare Dental Cover, Aviva Dental Insurance, Bupa Dental Cover, Cigna Dental Insurance, Vitality Dental Health Insurance, Unum and Boots Dental Plan Cover. We provide itemised receipts so you can claim back your treatment costs.
