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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

HSV 1 2 Viral Load Quantitative Test

Measures the amount of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 in the blood to help monitor infection severity and guide treatment.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Whole Blood, Serum, Plasma, C.S.F, or Genital swab.
Results
Typically within 3 working days via email (36 hours) or 24 hours if contacted by phone. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 15,300

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the HSV 1 2 Viral Load Quantitative Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Monitoring response to antiviral therapy
  • ✓Assessing risk of transmission
  • ✓Evaluating infection severity
  • ✓Diagnosing active HSV infection
  • ✓Patients with recurrent outbreaks
  • ✓Individuals with risk factors for STIs
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Quantifies HSV-1 and HSV-2 viral load in blood to assess infection activity, monitor treatment effectiveness, and guide clinical management.
The HSV 1 2 Viral Load Quantitative Test measures the amount of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 present in a blood sample. This test is important for understanding the activity level of the virus and helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about managing the infection.

This test quantifies the viral load, giving a clearer picture of the infection's current state. It is particularly useful for monitoring how well antiviral treatments are working or for assessing the risk of transmission.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like sores or blisters, or those with risk factors for STIs, may benefit from this test. It provides valuable information for both diagnosis and ongoing management of herpes infections.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleWhole Blood, Serum, Plasma, C.S.F, or Genital swab.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test measures viral load in the specific sample type provided (e.g., blood). Results may vary depending on the timing of the sample collection relative to symptoms or outbreaks. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the quantity (viral load) of Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 in your blood or other specified sample.
It helps doctors understand how active the herpes infection is, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and make informed decisions about your care.
Individuals experiencing herpes symptoms, those on antiviral treatment, or those with risk factors for STIs may be advised to take this test by their doctor.
Results are reported as a quantitative viral load measurement. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.
The test can be performed on Whole Blood, Serum, Plasma, C.S.F, or Genital swabs.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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