Private Herpes Testing in London
Confidential herpes testing across London. Have a sore or blister swabbed by a GP with results in 4 hours at our five clinics with on-site labs, or check for a past infection with a blood test.
Book a GP appointment if you have a sore or blister now. To check for a past infection, book a blood test at one of our five clinics with on-site labs, no GP needed.
New to DocTap? Get £5 off
Join our newsletter and get £5 off your first booking.
Thanks — we've received your details.
If there's a next step for you, we'll send it by email.
Create your DocTap account with this email address to claim your £5 off. Offer available to new patients only. Unsubscribe whenever you like.
About Herpes
What You Need to Know About Herpes
What is herpes?
Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, although either type can affect either area. Once you have herpes, the virus stays in your body and can cause outbreaks from time to time.
What are the symptoms?
Many people with herpes never notice symptoms, or have mild ones they mistake for something else. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Tingling, itching or burning before sores appear
- Small blisters that burst and leave painful sores
- Pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge
- Flu-like symptoms during a first outbreak, such as a high temperature and aches
Other skin conditions and STIs can look similar, so a test is the only way to know for sure.
How is herpes passed on?
Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an affected area, including during vaginal, anal and oral sex. It can be passed on even when there are no visible sores, and a cold sore can cause genital herpes through oral sex.
Can herpes be treated?
There's no cure for herpes, but outbreaks usually become milder and less frequent over time. A GP can prescribe antiviral treatment to ease symptoms, shorten outbreaks and help prevent them coming back.
When should I get urgent help?
Contact NHS 111 or a GP urgently if you think you have genital herpes and you're pregnant, have a weakened immune system, can't pass urine or have sores near your eye.
Test Options
Herpes Tests
If you have a sore or blister now, book a GP appointment at any of our clinics and your GP will swab it to check for a current infection. A swab works best while the sore is fresh. If you have no symptoms, a blood test from 40 days after exposure shows whether you've had herpes in the past. It's taken by a healthcare assistant at one of our five clinics with on-site labs, with no GP appointment needed.
Herpes Simplex 1&2 by PCR
Suitable only if you currently have a suspected lesion or blister.
Herpes 1&2 antibodies
This test detects if you've had Herpes in the past and is accurate when taken at least 4-6 weeks after the initial infection.
From Booking to Results
Your Appointment, Step by Step
- 1Book OnlineBook a GP appointment if you have a sore or blister, or a healthcare assistant appointment for a blood test at one of our five clinics with on-site labs.
- 2Come in at the Right TimeA swab works best while the sore is fresh, ideally in the first few days. For a blood test, wait at least 40 days after a possible exposure.
- 3Have Your Sample TakenYour GP gently swabs the sore, or a healthcare assistant takes a small blood sample. It only takes a few minutes.
- 4Receive Your Result SecurelyWe'll message you as soon as your result is ready to view in your DocTap account. If you test positive, a GP can advise on treatment and next steps.
Clinical Quality
The Standards Behind Every Test
- CQC Rated Good.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-Registered Doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every Consultation Reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No Sales Incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Test Further
Related Tests and Services
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I Need a GP Appointment for a Herpes Test?
Only for the swab test. A GP needs to examine and swab the sore, so the current infection test is booked as a GP appointment. The past infection blood test is taken by a healthcare assistant at one of our five clinics with on-site labs.
- Can I Test for Herpes if My Sore Has Healed?
A swab can't be taken once a sore has healed, so a blood test is the only option. It will show whether you've had herpes at some point, but not whether the sore was caused by herpes. If the sore comes back, book a swab test while it's fresh.
- What if My Swab Is Negative but I Still Have Symptoms?
A swab from a sore that's already healing can miss the virus. If symptoms continue or come back, book again while the sore is fresh. Your GP may also test for other causes.
- Is Herpes Included in an STI Screen?
No. Herpes needs a different type of test, so it isn't part of our STI screens. You can book a herpes test separately.
- Should My Partner Be Tested?
It depends on your result and whether they have symptoms. If you test positive, your GP can advise whether your partner should be tested and how to talk to them about it.
- Will My Result Be Shared With My NHS GP?
No. Your appointment, results and records aren't shared with your NHS GP, employer or anyone else without your consent, except where required by law or for serious safety reasons.
Ready to Book?
Book a GP appointment for herpes testing, or compare STI test options and prices.
Herpes Testing at DocTap
Find a London Clinic, Including Five With On-Site Labs for Faster Results
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone while you are in the UK — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.