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
- Results within 5 days"
- Confidential service
- No GP referral needed
- Professional clinical environment
- Results via secure portal
- Nurse-led expert care
Private Herpes PCR Swab Test in London
South Kensington Medical & Dental provides private herpes simplex virus PCR swab testing at our CQC-registered 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. This test is priced at £106.
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
Strictly Confidential
Your privacy is protected
Fast Results
Results within 5 days"
Expert Care
Professional clinical team
Accurate Testing
Lab-certified results
How It Works
Book Online
Choose a convenient date and time
Visit Clinic
Quick and discreet appointment
Sample Collection
Professional, comfortable process
Get Results
Results 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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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 South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
