Confidential · Type-Specific IgG · Lagos

Herpes HSV-1 & HSV-2 Test

A blood test that identifies whether you carry HSV — even without symptoms — using type-specific IgG antibodies. Available privately and confidentially across Lagos from our Akoka laboratory. No fasting. 24-hour results.

2Types Screened
24hResults
100%Confidential
Herpes IgG Panel
HSV-1 IgG Reactive Positive
HSV-1 Index 3.4 >1.1 pos.
HSV-2 IgG Non-reactive Negative
HSV-2 Index 0.3 <0.9 neg.

Type-Specific IgG — Not Just "Herpes Positive"

Many older tests in Lagos report only combined HSV antibodies — leaving patients unsure whether they carry HSV-1, HSV-2, or both. Our type-specific IgG test reports each type separately with an index value.

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HSV-1 (Oral / Genital)

Classically causes cold sores around the mouth but increasingly causes genital herpes through oral-genital contact. IgG antibody confirms past infection and latent carriage. Around 60–70% of Lagos adults carry HSV-1, most without knowing.

  • Lifelong latent infection in sensory ganglia
  • Oral lesions (cold sores) most common
  • Can cause genital herpes in Lagos partners
  • Most people asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic
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HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)

The primary cause of recurrent genital herpes, transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. 70% of Lagos HSV-2 carriers have no classic symptoms — their infection is misidentified as "razor bumps," fungal rash, or folliculitis, while transmission continues.

  • Transmitted sexually (skin-to-skin)
  • Recurrent genital blisters or ulcers
  • 70% of carriers: no recognised symptoms
  • Increases HIV acquisition risk 2–3×
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Blood IgG vs. Swab

A swab only works during an active outbreak. Our IgG blood test detects antibodies formed weeks to months after exposure — useful even when you have no current lesions. Results include index values: >1.1 positive, 0.9–1.1 equivocal, <0.9 negative. Window period: 12–16 weeks.

  • Works without active lesions
  • Distinguishes HSV-1 from HSV-2
  • Window period: 12–16 weeks post-exposure
  • Equivocal results repeated at 16 weeks

When Lagos Residents Should Test

Unexplained genital sores or ulcers Blisters, recurring skin irritation, or ulcers in the genital area that Lagos clinics have not clearly diagnosed — herpes is often the cause even without typical symptoms.
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New relationship or routine sexual health check Lagos sexual health advocates recommend routine STI screening including HSV when starting a new relationship or after unprotected sex with a new partner.
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Pregnancy — neonatal herpes prevention Active HSV-2 at delivery carries serious risk to the newborn. Lagos obstetricians should be informed of maternal herpes status for appropriate delivery planning.
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HIV-positive Lagos patients HSV-2 co-infection is very common among HIV-positive people in Lagos; both viruses accelerate each other. Annual herpes screening is part of comprehensive HIV care.
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Peace of mind Many Lagos patients test simply to establish a baseline. A negative result is reassuring; a positive result enables informed decisions about partners and safer sex practices.
Window Period Guide
Week 1–3 post-exposure IgG not yet detectable. Testing too early will give a false negative.
Week 4–11 (equivocal zone) Antibodies beginning to rise. Equivocal index (0.9–1.1): repeat at 16 weeks.
Week 12–16 (reliable window) IgG fully detectable. Negative result at this point is highly reliable.
During active outbreak Swab (PCR) preferred. Blood IgG still useful for type identification in Lagos labs.

Nothing to Fear, Just Bring Yourself

1

No Preparation Needed

No fasting, no dietary restriction. Lagos patients can walk in at any time during our operating hours — Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. A small venous blood sample is all that is needed. Results are available within 24 hours.

2

Timing After Exposure

If testing after a known or suspected exposure, wait at least 12 weeks for a reliable result. If you tested earlier and got a negative, repeat at 12–16 weeks. Tell us the approximate date of exposure so we can advise on whether to retest.

3

Total Privacy

Herpes results are handled with complete confidentiality at our Lagos laboratory. Results are not discussed at the reception desk — consultation is private. You may also request digital delivery of results so no paperwork circulates.

Lagos's Private Herpes Testing Centre

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Type-specific IgG — not combined antibody

We report HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG separately with index values — not a combined "herpes antibody" result that leaves you unable to distinguish which type you carry.

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Post-result counselling in Lagos

A positive result changes management decisions, not your worth as a person. Our Lagos laboratory staff explain what the result means practically and what options are available to you.

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Complete privacy — no front-desk disclosure

Your booking, sample, and result are handled in a private consultation environment throughout. We do not confirm patient attendance to callers.

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52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Lagos

Accessible from Lagos Island, Lekki, Ikeja, and the Mainland. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM. Walk-ins and WhatsApp bookings accepted.

"Came from Lekki — staff were professional and non-judgmental. Had a positive HSV-1 result, it was explained clearly, and I left with a complete understanding of what it means for my health."

YB
Y.B.Lekki, Lagos
✓ Type-specific HSV-1 & HSV-2 IgG
✓ 100% confidential Lagos testing
✓ Post-result counselling included
Book Your Herpes Test in Lagos

Know Your Status, Privately

Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.

Monday – Saturday  ·  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  ·  Closed Sundays & Public Holidays

No fasting required  ·  Strictly confidential  ·  Walk-ins welcome Mon – Sat