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Home Herpes and Syphilis test

Herpes & Syphilis test

£98.50

  • Only £98.50 for confidential results in 2 working days
  • Tests for the Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 and Type-2 and syphilis
  • All tests performed at our UK laboratory – so your samples won’t be sent abroad
  • Adheres to BASHH, FSHR and MHRA guidelines for sexual health testing
  • Test kit sent out in discreet, plain packaging
  • Only a lesion swab sample required
All major debit and credit cards accepted, or…
Pay in 3 interest-free payments using PayPal. Learn more

You must be at least 16 years of age to purchase a home STI test kit from AlphaBiolabs.

If you are experiencing symptoms causing severe pain and discomfort or require face-to-face examination, we advise you to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.

Discreet, reliable STI testing from our award-winning laboratory

Why choose an at-home Herpes & Syphilis test?

If you are experiencing symptoms, an at-home Herpes & Syphilis test from AlphaBiolabs is a simple, accurate way of finding out whether you have contracted syphilis or the herpes simplex virus (herpes).

There are many reasons why you might want a Herpes & Syphilis test including:

  • You are experiencing symptoms e.g. pain or itching, small red bumps or white blisters, ulcers, scabs (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches and/or tiredness
  • You engage in unprotected sex (or have engaged in unprotected sex in the past)
  • You and/or your partner(s) have multiple sexual partners
  • You and/or your partner(s) engage in drug use before/during sex
  • You’ve met someone new and want to be sure you’re both healthy before beginning a physical relationship

Our Herpes & Syphilis test can be used to detect syphilis and the herpes simplex virus (Type-1 and Type-2) if you are experiencing symptoms and requires a lesion swab sample to be collected from a visible lesion, sore or ulcer.

If you do not have symptoms but still want to get tested, we have many other testing options available.

Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect your samples and return them to our UK laboratory.

Once we receive your samples, your results will be emailed to you in just 2 working days, using the email address you supply when registering your test.

Order your at-home Herpes & Syphilis test online now or by calling our friendly and discreet Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300.  

How does the Herpes & Syphilis test kit work?

paternity testing

Order your test kit and register online

home dna test kit

Collect your sample

paternity testing

Post back to our UK laboratory

dna paternity testing

Receive your confidential results by email

When is the best time to take an at-home Herpes & Syphilis test?

We recommend that you take a Herpes & Syphilis test as soon as symptoms appear i.e. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths on your genitals and/or other parts of your body.

The incubation period for herpes – the amount of time from when you are first infected to when you first begin to show or experience symptoms – is 3-6 days, but it can take up to 14 days (2 weeks) for symptoms to appear.

The incubation period for syphilis – the amount of time from when you are first infected to when you first begin to show or experience symptoms – is 2-12 weeks (up to 3 months).

Regardless of when you were last potentially exposed, if you start to experience symptoms, you should test immediately. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even years after you’ve been infected with herpes or syphilis and, even if you have received treatment, you may suffer from an outbreak or recurrence.

Please note: our Herpes & Syphilis test can only be used to test for herpes and syphilis if you have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a syphilis infection but do not have symptoms, you can order our Syphilis test or our HIV & Syphilis test, both of which require a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device. Our Syphilis and HIV & Syphilis tests are suitable for people who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).

Sample collection

An AlphaBiolabs Herpes & Syphilis test requires a lesion swab sample to be taken from a visible lesion, sore or ulcer.

When you receive your sample collection kit, simply follow the enclosed instructions to collect your sample.

Once you have collected your sample, carefully package the sample in the protective packaging, place it into the pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope and return it to our UK laboratory.

If you would like confidential advice on how to collect your sample, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to assist you (call 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com).

Results emailed to you in just 2 days

How accurate is a Herpes & Syphilis test?

Our Herpes & Syphilis test is 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

The test meets the highest possible quality standard for STI testing, including laboratory testing methods and sample types used for testing.

Better still, all our STI/STD tests have been developed in accordance with stringent guidelines as set by the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH), Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health (FSHR) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Learn more: Why is compliance with guidelines so important for STI testing?

What does the Herpes & Syphilis test kit include?

The Herpes & Syphilis test kit includes:

  • Sample collection kit box
  • Instruction leaflet
  • Sterile lesion swab in a tube with liquid
  • Biohazard bag containing an absorbent pad
  • Pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope

100% accurate NHS-standard laboratory test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is herpes?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is typically passed on through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

There are two types of herpes infection, both of which are caused by the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 which typically causes oral herpes (e.g. cold sores) but can also cause genital herpes, and HSV-2, the more common cause of genital herpes.

There is currently no cure for herpes, with the infection remaining in a person’s body throughout their life once they have been infected.

However, certain antiviral medications can be used to treat the symptoms, which include painful ulcers and blisters, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other people.

Most people infected with the herpes simplex virus will not experience any symptoms when they are first infected however symptoms can continue to appear for months and years after a person is first infected.

If you are sexually active and begin to experience symptoms, herpes testing can help give you peace of mind or enable you to seek the appropriate treatment to help you manage your symptoms.

For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of herpes and syphilis?’

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems if left undiagnosed/untreated.

The infection is caused by Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) bacteria, and develops in four stages:

  • Stage 1: This is known as primary syphilis. The infection is contagious at this stage and symptoms include one or more painless, firm, round sores on the genitals and/or other parts of the body. These can occur anywhere from 10 days to three months after the bacteria has entered the body.
  • Stage 2: Also known as secondary syphilis. The infection remains contagious at this stage and symptoms include genital, anal, or oral (mouth) sores resembling warts, a red or red-brown rash, fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.
  • Stage 3: Latent syphilis can last for several years, during which the infection remains in the body, but the infected person does not display any symptoms. However, there is a risk of symptoms reoccurring, and treatment is still recommended to reduce this risk and the chances of passing the infection to other people.
  • Stage 4: This is known as tertiary or late syphilis and can occur many years after the initial infection. Some people have been known to develop tertiary syphilis as many as 10-30 years after first exposure and, although not contagious at this stage, symptoms can be much more severe and even life-threatening, causing damage to vital organs and systems including the heart and liver, as well as bones, blood vessels and joints.

If you are sexually active, regular syphilis testing can help give you peace of mind, or ensure the infection is detected early, so that you can seek the appropriate treatment.

When caught early, syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics. If the infection develops to a later stage, it can still be treated with antibiotics, but treatment can take much longer.

For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of herpes and syphilis?’

When should I consider taking a Herpes & Syphilis test?

If you are experiencing symptoms, an at-home Herpes & Syphilis test from AlphaBiolabs is a simple, accurate way of finding out whether you have contracted syphilis or the herpes simplex virus (herpes).

There are many reasons why you might want a Herpes & Syphilis test including:

  • You are experiencing symptoms e.g. pain or itching, small red bumps or white blisters, ulcers, scabs (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • You engage in unprotected sex (or have engaged in unprotected sex in the past)
  • You and/or your partner(s) have multiple sexual partners
  • You and/or your partner(s) engage in drug use before/during sex
  • You’ve met someone new and want to be sure you’re both healthy before beginning a physical relationship

Whatever your reasons, if you are sexually active, regular STI tests – including herpes and syphilis testing if you have symptoms – can help you remain in good health, detect infections early to reduce the likelihood of complications, and prevent infections spreading to other people.

Our Herpes & Syphilis test requires a lesion swab sample to be collected from a visible lesion, sore or ulcer, meaning that it can only be used to test for herpes and syphilis if you are experiencing symptoms (symptomatic).

If you suspect you have been exposed to a syphilis infection but do not have symptoms, you can order our Syphilis test or our HIV & Syphilis test, both of which require a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device. Our Syphilis and HIV & Syphilis tests are suitable for people who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).

For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of herpes and syphilis?’

Which STIs should I get tested for?

How often you get tested and which STIs (previously called STDs) you are tested for can depend on your age, gender, risk factors, and how sexually active you are.

If you’re a man who’s sexually active…

It is recommended that you get an STI test annually. However, you may want to consider having a test every three- to- six- months if you are having regular unprotected sex with new or casual partners.

If you’re a woman who’s sexually active…

  • It is recommended that you get an STI test annually. However, you may want to consider having a test every three- to- six- months if you are having regular unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
  • If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis. Women who are high risk may also consider being tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

AlphaBiolabs offers a range of STI tests to help you keep your sexual health in check, including:

If you are having regular unprotected sex – especially if you and/or your partner have multiple sexual partners – it is recommended that you have a comprehensive sexual health test at least once a year.

This should include a multi-panel test such as our 7-panel STI test, which tests for some of the most common STIs in the UK, and at least one blood test, such as our:

For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of herpes and syphilis?’

When is the best time to take a Herpes & Syphilis test?

We recommend that you take a Herpes & Syphilis test as soon as symptoms appear i.e. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths on your genitals and/or other parts of your body.

The incubation period for herpes – the amount of time from when you are first infected to when you first begin to show or experience symptoms – is 3-6 days, but it can take up to 14 days (2 weeks) for symptoms to appear.

The incubation period for syphilis – the amount of time from when you are first infected to when you first begin to show or experience symptoms – is 2-12 weeks (up to 3 months).

Please note: our Herpes & Syphilis test can only be used to test for herpes and syphilis if you have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a syphilis infection but do not have symptoms, you can order our Syphilis test or our HIV & Syphilis test, both of which require a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device. Our Syphilis and HIV & Syphilis tests are suitable for people who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).

General guidance

If you are sexually active, a comprehensive sexual health check is recommended once a year, and should include at least one blood test, such as our Syphilis test, HIV test, HIV & Syphilis test or our Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HIV test, and a multi-panel test such as our 7-panel STI test, which tests for some of the most common STIs in the UK.

If you are in a high-risk category and/or engage in frequent sexual activity with multiple partners, you may want to consider having a comprehensive sexual health check every 3-6 months.

For further advice and guidance, visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/

How accurate is a Herpes & Syphilis test?

Our Herpes & Syphilis test is 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

Our UKAS-accredited laboratory works to strict, government enforced protocols to ensure your results are as accurate as possible.

Unlike many other online STI testing providers, our range of STI/STD tests has been developed in accordance with stringent guidelines as set by the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH), Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health (FSHR) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

If you have any concerns about the reliability of your results, we would be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have.

For further guidance, we recommend making an appointment with your GP or visiting your nearest sexual health clinic.

You can also learn more about STIs/STDs by visiting https://www.sexwise.org.uk/

How do I register my test?

Once you have ordered your test, we will dispatch your test kit and also send you an email with a link to register your test online.

Please follow this link to complete your registration form online, ensuring that all your personal details are correct before collecting your samples.

If you have not received the email by the time you receive your test kit, please contact us on 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com for assistance.

IMPORTANT: You MUST register your test online before returning your samples to our laboratory.

We will not be able to start the testing process until you have registered your test.

What samples are required?

Our Herpes & Syphilis test requires a lesion swab sample to be taken from a visible lesion, sore or ulcer.

When you receive your sample collection kit, simply follow the enclosed instructions to collect your sample.

Once you have collected your sample, carefully package the sample in the protective packaging, place it into the pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope and return it to our UK laboratory.

If you would like confidential advice on how to collect your sample, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to assist you (call 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com)

How can herpes and syphilis be detected using a lesion swab sample?

Our Herpes & Syphilis test can detect the presence of herpes simplex virus Type-1 or Type-2 and syphilis, using a lesion swab.

The swab must be gently rubbed over an active lesion, sore or ulcer, to collect a sample of fluid and/or skin from the affected area.

The sample is then analysed at our laboratory using a PCR testing method.

Please note: our Herpes & Syphilis test can only be used to test for herpes and syphilis if you have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a syphilis infection but do not have symptoms, you can order our Syphilis test or our HIV & Syphilis test, both of which require a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device. Our Syphilis and HIV & Syphilis tests are suitable for people who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).

For further advice and guidance, visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/.

What are the symptoms of herpes and syphilis?

Many people with STI infections will not experience any symptoms at all, meaning that regular STI testing is important.

Our Herpes & Syphilis test can detect the herpes simplex virus (Type-1 and Type-2) and syphilis pathogens using a simple lesion swab. The test requires test requires a lesion swab sample to be taken from a visible lesion, sore or ulcer.

Below is an overview of some of the most common herpes and syphilis symptoms experienced by men and women, along with possible complications if left untreated:

MEN

STI/STD SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Herpes simplex virus (Herpes)
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • Itching or burning around your genitals
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Higher risk of contracting HIV or transmitting other STIs, including HIV
  • Bladder problems
  • Rectal inflammation
Syphilis
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • A rash on the palms of the hands/soles of the feet
  • Swollen glands
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches, and tiredness
  • Serious damage to major organs including the heart (angina, heart failure) and brain (seizures, memory problems, personality changes)
  • Problems with the nerves, skin, bones, and other organs

WOMEN

STI/STD SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Herpes simplex virus (Herpes)
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • Itching or burning around your genitals
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Higher risk of contracting HIV or transmitting other STIs, including HIV
  • Bladder problems
  • Rectal inflammation

If you are pregnant and have HSV-2 (genital herpes), there is a risk of the baby developing neonatal herpes, a serious condition with complications

Syphilis
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • A rash on the palms of the hands/soles of the feet
  • Swollen glands
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches, and tiredness
  • Serious damage to major organs including the heart (angina, heart failure) and brain (seizures, memory problems, personality changes)
  • Problems with the nerves, skin, bones, and other organs

Syphilis can also be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriages, still births and birth defects.

MEN

Herpes simplex virus (Herpes)
Symptoms Possible Complications
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • Itching or burning around your genitals
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Higher risk of contracting HIV or transmitting other STIs, including HIV.
  • Bladder problems
  • Rectal inflammation
Syphilis
Symptoms Possible Complications
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • A rash on the palms of the hands/soles of the feet
  • Swollen glands
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches, and tiredness
  • Serious damage to major organs including the heart (angina, heart failure) and brain (seizures, memory problems, personality changes)
  • Problems with the nerves, skin, bones, and other organs

WOMEN

Herpes simplex virus (Herpes)
Symptoms Possible Complications
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • Itching or burning around your genitals
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Higher risk of contracting HIV or transmitting other STIs, including HIV
  • Bladder problems
  • Rectal inflammation

If you are pregnant and have HSV-2 (genital herpes), there is a risk of the baby developing neonatal herpes, a serious condition with complications

Syphilis
Symptoms Possible Complications
  • Small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body)
  • A rash on the palms of the hands/soles of the feet
  • Swollen glands
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches, and tiredness
  • Serious damage to major organs including the heart (angina, heart failure) and brain (seizures, memory problems, personality changes)
  • Problems with the nerves, skin, bones, and other organs

Syphilis can also be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriages, still births and birth defects.

Can I take a Herpes & Syphilis test if I don’t have symptoms?

No, you cannot take a Herpes & Syphilis test if you do not have any symptoms.

The Herpes & Syphilis test has been designed to test people who are symptomatic (displaying symptoms of herpes) and requires a lesion swab to be rubbed gently and painlessly over an active lesion, sore, or ulcer.

If you believe you have been exposed to an STI, but do not have symptoms, you can order a different test such as our Syphilis test, 7-panel STI test, HIV & Syphilis test, Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea test, HIV test, and/or our Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HIV test.

You can order one of these tests here.

What will the results of my Herpes & Syphilis test tell me?

Our Herpes & Syphilis test can detect the presence of herpes simplex virus Type-1 or Type-2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2) and syphilis using a lesion swab.

The swab must be gently rubbed over an active lesion, sore or ulcer, to collect a sample of fluid and/or skin from the affected area.

The sample is then analysed at our laboratory using a PCR testing method.

Your test results will tell you whether you had a detectable herpes or syphilis infection (HSV-1 and/or HSV-2) at the time your sample was collected.

If a herpes (HSV-1 and/or HSV-2) and/or syphilis infection is Detected this means that you had an infection at the time you collected your sample.

If you receive a Detected result for herpes and/or syphilis, you MUST contact your local GP or healthcare provider for treatment and confirmatory diagnosis as soon as possible.

If a herpes and/or syphilis infection is Not detected, this means that you did not have a detectable infection at the time you collected your sample.

If you receive a Not detected result but continue to experience symptoms, we recommend that you take another test after 2 weeks to confirm the result.

Please note: our Herpes & Syphilis test can only be used to test for herpes and syphilis if you have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a syphilis infection but do not have symptoms, you can order our Syphilis test or our HIV & Syphilis test, both of which require a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device. Our Syphilis and HIV & Syphilis tests are suitable for people who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms).

Are the results of my Herpes & Syphilis test private and confidential?

Full confidentiality is maintained throughout the testing process and when providing you with your results.

However, it is important to note that in the interests of public health and safety, AlphaBiolabs is required to report certain ‘clinically significant’ core organisms to Public Health England if they are detected within your sample.

These organisms include herpes, syphilis, chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasma hominis, mycoplasma genitalium, neisseria gonorrhoea and trichomonas vaginalis.

For this reason, we do ask for limited personal information from individuals submitting their samples for STI testing.

Reports made to Public Health England include the individual’s full name, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, and postcode.

Can you take a Herpes & Syphilis test when you’re pregnant?

Yes, you can take a Herpes & Syphilis test or any other STI (STD) test when you’re pregnant.

If you are expecting a baby and you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have an STI, it’s especially important to get a test before the baby is born.

This is because certain STIs/STDs including herpes and syphilis can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or during delivery.

You can still collect your lesion swab sample while you are pregnant, and your test result will be just as conclusive as if you weren’t pregnant.

Should my partner also take a herpes and syphilis test?

Your partner does not have to take a Herpes & Syphilis test just because you have decided to take one. If they do not have symptoms (small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths) but still want to get tested, we have many other testing options available.

However, if your results show that an infection has been detected, you should let your partner know so that they can also arrange to be tested.

We strongly advise that you get an STI test if an infection has been detected in your partner’s sample.

My test results show that I have herpes and/or syphilis. What should I do?

If you have received your results and a herpes and/or syphilis infection has been Detected, you MUST contact your GP or visit your local sexual health clinic for further guidance and treatment options as soon as possible.

Any Detected results will require further testing for confirmation. Your GP or local sexual health clinic will be able to advise on next steps.

You should also abstain from sexual contact, to avoid passing the infection(s) on to other people and contact any sexual partners as soon as possible to inform them of the result.

Order your Herpes & Syphilis test from our award-winning laboratory

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