Test OverviewA herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can cause small, painful sores that look like blisters on the skin or the tissue lining (mucous membranes) of the throat, nose, mouth, urethra, rectum, and vagina. In rare cases, HSV can infect other parts of the body, such as the eyes and the brain. Show HSV tests are most often done for sores on the genitals. If blisters or sores are present, a sample from a sore can be tested to check if it is caused by the herpes virus. HSV testing may also be done using other types of samples, such as spinal fluid, blood, urine, or tears. Blood testing can be done to find out if you have been exposed to the herpes virus. But it is not usually done as part of a regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). That's because a positive result only means you have been exposed to the virus. The test can't tell if you will get sores or where on the body they might show up. The test also can't tell you if any sores you have are caused by the herpes virus. There are two types of herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Some HSV tests can tell which type of herpes you have. Knowing the type of HSV can help you decide if you want treatment or what treatment might be best for you and your partner(s). Why It Is DoneA test for herpes may be done to:
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How To PrepareIf you may have genital herpes, do not have sexual contact until your test results are back. There are treatments that can help lower the chance of spreading it to others. How It Is DoneFor a viral culture or PCR test, a clean cotton swab is rubbed against a herpes sore to collect fluid and cells to examine. Samples may be collected from the vagina, cervix, penis, urethra, eye, throat, or skin. Doctors usually collect a sample from small sores that are only a few days old. Viruses are more likely to be found in small, newly formed sores. Antibody testA health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from an arm. Rapid tests are available at some clinics. These tests check blood from a finger stick for antibodies to HSV-2. The results are generally ready in about 10 minutes. These tests may not be available everywhere. How It FeelsYou are likely to feel some mild discomfort or pain when the sores are rubbed to collect a sample for testing. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. RisksThere is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. ResultsTest results are ready at different times for the different tests. Some test results may be back the same day. Others may take a few days. Herpes tests
A normal (negative) test result does not mean you do not have a herpes infection. If the first test is negative but you have symptoms of herpes, more tests may be done. CreditsCurrent as of: August 2, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Herpes is one of the most stigmatized, feared, and misunderstood sexually transmitted infections (STI). We test many patients for herpes at our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, and we get lots of positive results, which understandably cause lots of anxiety for affected patients. In this blog, we’ll break it down for you. Bottom line: There’s no need to freak out about positive results. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, which can cause painful sores on the mouth and/or genitals.
It used to be said that “HSV-1 causes lesions above the waist and HSV-2 causes lesions below the waist,” but this an oversimplification: Oral HSV-1 can be communicated to the genitals by oral sex and genital HSV-2 can be similarly communicated to the mouth. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause lesions in the mouth, the genitals, and in other areas (around the anus, in the eyes, or in areas where skin has been traumatized). At our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, we provide STI testing for hundreds (maybe thousands) of women each year, and diagnosis of genital herpes is incredibly common. Women are understandably shocked when they hear that they’ve tested positive, and we often have to “talk them off the ledge.” There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about herpes out there. Here are 4 reasons why a positive herpes test is not the end of the world.
Many people who live with herpes outbreaks learn that they are prone to certain “triggers”: One patient tells me that she gets outbreaks when she’s sleep-deprived, and another tells me she gets lesions when she eats a lot of chocolate. People with herpetic infections can thus learn to manage their triggers to minimize the chance of an outbreak. For those who get frequent outbreaks—say, more than 3 or 4 per year—medications are available which shorten the duration of symptoms and decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus. If you get frequent outbreaks and are have not discussed the possibility of using medications to suppress the herpes virus, you should call us for an appointment.
A diagnosis of herpes is not the end of the world, but women should know where they stand. We encourage testing for all sexually active women. If you suspect you may have had exposure to the herpes virus, you should come see us for an evaluation. We’re here to answer your questions candidly and discuss a long-term management strategy. Can you get a negative herpes test after testing positive?For one person, it could take just a few weeks, while it could take a few months for another. So even with the accurate tests, a person could receive a false negative if the test is taken too soon after contracting the virus.
Can you be misdiagnosed with herpes?Unfortunately, a visual examination without correct testing can result in misdiagnosis, and even if the diagnosis is correct - the type of herpes simply can't be confirmed through a visual exam alone.
Can you test positive for herpes and never have an outbreak?Many people who test positive for herpes antibodies have no symptoms; often, they can't recall even a single outbreak.
Can you have herpes for years and test negative?You may still have an HSV infection if your results were normal. It may mean the sample didn't have enough of the virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to get tested again. Positive/Abnormal.
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