There are several tests that can be done to verify the presence of herpes viruses in the body. The most common is the viral culture, or assay, in which cells are swabbed from an infection site and tested for the presence of herpes. This test can only be performed while there is an active sore, so if you think you have herpes, it is important to go see a medical professional while symptoms are present. Otherwise, the test cannot be done until the next time they reappear. For some people with herpes, their symptoms never recur, and they may or may not be asymptomatic shedders of the virus.
Like all medical tests, the results are not always 100% accurate, but the viral culture is considered very reliable. It is the accepted standard for herpes tests. Culture samples are easily taken at family planning and medical clinics, and in most areas, the cultures can be tested at a local laboratory.
There are also several blood tests, or serologies, available. These tests check for herpes antibodies in the blood. A serology can be performed at any time, unlike the viral culture, although it usually takes at least two months after initial exposure for the body to build up a sufficient amount of antibodies to register a positive result.
Some blood tests are type-specific; some are not. A type-specific test reveals which herpes virus is present, type 1 or type 2. Because so many people have been exposed to oral infections of herpes type 1 (common "cold sores"), a positive result on a non-type-specific blood test is fairly common and may end up being confusing and frustrating to someone trying to diagnose genital herpes.
If you wish to have a blood test for herpes, most experts recommend a type-specific serology. Knowing the type of herpes present may matter if two partners have herpes separately and wish to avoid cross-infecting the other with a second type. The most reliable of these tests is the Western blot serology, and it is available only through the University of Washington Virology Research Clinic. If you live in the Seattle area, you can get tested directly at their Harborview Clinic (206) 731-3590. If you do not live in the area and wish to have your blood tested using the Western blot, ask your healthcare professional to request an HSV Type-Specific Serology information packet from the Clinic at (206) 598-6066. Your healthcare professional can then draw your blood and send it to the Clinic laboratory for testing.
Go To Page: 1 2
