Test for Herpes
Test for herpes is very important process to determine the presence of herpes simplex virus in the person. There are various ways to diagnose the presence of herpes.
Some of the tests available to test herpes may include:
- Viral Culture
- Accurate blood tests
- Other diagnostic blood tests
Viral Culture
Viral culture is one reliable test to diagnose the presence of herpes simplex virus. Though the presence of symptoms may vary for each suspected individual, a viral culture is highly recommended.
Viral culture is done through taking of sample or a swab from the infected area within 48 hours after the appearance of the sores. The results are normally obtained after one week after the sampling was done.
This is considered the most reliable among all the tests as it can really determine if the herpes simplex virus is present and which type of the herpes simplex virus is responsible of the sores.
The only setback of viral culture is if the proper way of sampling is not followed. This means that the required 48 hours after the appearance of the sores should be followed strictly, because if the sampling is done if more than the required time, the result may be affected.
Getting negative results is most common if the sampling is taken when the sores are already in the stage of healing.
Accurate Blood Tests
At present, there are four accurate blood tests, which are approved by FDA to diagnose herpes condition. Any person who suspect contracting herpes or have exhibit any symptoms of herpes condition may request their health care provider.
The four accurate blood tests are:
This is blood test is normally performed in any doctor’s office and the results are readily available in matter of 10 minutes.
- HSV 1 and HSV 2 Herpes Select tests
This type of blood test can also be performed in your doctor’s office however the blood sample will be then send to laboratory for further test.
This test can determine the antibodies of HSV type 1 or type 2. The blood taken in this test will also be send to the laboratory and you have to wait for the results. You may ask your health care provider on how you can undergo this type of blood test.
Western blot for herpes is also a an accurate test which can classify whether what type of herpes simplex virus is present. This is not readily available for anyone. Ask your health care provider regarding on how to take this test.
Other Diagnostic Blood Tests
Aside from viral culture and accurate blood tests, there are also other diagnostic tests, which may help identifying the presence of herpes.
Other diagnostic tests, which can be helpful in identifying the presence of herpes, are:
- Polymerase chain reaction tests
- Viral antigen tests
- Tzanck test
The Polymerase chain reaction test is very reliable in determining the herpes simplex virus. This is considered to the most accurate test, which can replace the viral culture test in the future however, at present; it is still not available in all laboratories.
Viral antigen tests is also available but the accuracy of this test decreases as the sores of the test heals while Tzanck test needs a good judgment call on the part of the health care provider who will read the results.
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Understanding Test For Herpes Recommended Resources:
The University of Utah
University of Maryland medical Center
