How to Read a Herpes Test
If you suspect that you have herpes, get screened for the virus. Herpes is a contagious viral infection that can be transmitted via skin contact and/or sexual activity. The virus is known as the herpes simplex virus, genital herpes, cold sores, herpes type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2). There are four types of herpes tests. If encephalitis is suspected, blood is drawn from the arm or cerebrospinal fluid to test for herpes antibodies. If there is a sore, a viral culture is swabbed and sent to the laboratory for testing. A polymerase chain reaction herpes test (PCR) analyzes cells from a sore or extracted cerebrospinal fluid; deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is tested for HSV-1 or HSV-2. In an antigen herpes test, a sore is swabbed and the cells are examined for antigen markers.
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Instructions
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Understand the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Speak with your doctor about the kind of herpes test you are receiving.
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Expect a two-to-fourteen day waiting period for a swab test. It takes several days to create a culture that can be tested for the herpes virus.
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Expect a 24 hour waiting period after an antigen herpes test. If the test is coupled with a herpes culture, anticipate a two-to-fourteen day delay in test results.
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Expect a two-to-three day waiting period if you have a PCR test. Expect a similar waiting period for a blood antibody test.
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If you have a blood test, look for information about HSV IgG levels on your test results. If HSV IgG is detected, the herpes virus is either currently active, or has been active, in your body. Higher levels of HSV IgG suggest a recent outbreak. No traces of HSV IgG suggest that you do not have the herpes virus.
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Receiving an abnormal result on a herpes test suggests that the HSV culture proved positive for the virus, or that there were antigens, antibodies or DNA findings that indicate contact with the herpes virus.
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Tips & Warnings
HSV-1 is related to oral herpes, while HSV-2 is related to genital conditions; when receiving a blood test, you will probably be tested for both since either can cause herpes sores in your mouth and/or genital area. If you are waiting for herpes test results, sexual or intimate contact is not recommended. If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor immediately.
The swab sample and culture test for herpes can sometimes result in a false negative. If the herpes virus does not manage to survive from the time the test is taken until the time it reaches the laboratory, or if the herpes test is somehow tainted, the test may prove inaccurate. If a blood test is taken too soon, before HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies have a chance to appear, the herpes test results can prove a false negative. When taking medications like Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Ganciclovir, or Valacyclovir, the herpes test can result in a false negative. Testing normal does not exclude a person from having the herpes virus.
