Herpes Testing

What type of test is used? 

Virus culture or molecular methods like Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), also called Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), detecting herpes simplex virus DNA are the most commonly used test.

How is it used?

The test is used in two ways:

• to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus, and
• to screen sexually active people

Your doctor may use the test if you have a blister or vesicle on your genitals or mouth. Any sore in the genital area can be a symptom of a serious disease and should be tested.

A positive test result (virus culture or detection of herpes simplex virus DNA) on a scraping from a vesicle indicates an active infection.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV):   

• HSV-1 typically causes fever blisters or cold sores on the mouth or face, which is called oral herpes. 
• HSV-2 typically causes vesicles in the genital area and is called genital herpes.

The type of infection depends on the location of the virus more than on the type of virus—each type can cause either genital or oral infections if that is where it is contracted.

Blood tests are not useful for the initial diagnosis of HSV infection but they are available to for determining which type of HSV a person has been infected with, although they are not completely reliable for differentiating between HSV1 and HSV2. Most doctors rely on visual inspection of any lesions and culture or molecular tests on the scrapings taken from the infected area. Virus’s is grown in culture can be typed using specific antisera for HSV 1 and HSV 2 and molecular methods can distinguish between the two types of HSV.

Active herpes simplex virus infections can make people more susceptible to HIV infection and can make people who have HIV more infectious to others.

HSVs are transmitted through direct contact, which can include kissing; vaginal, oral, or anal sex; or other skin-to-skin contact. Genital herpes is most easily contracted by having sex with someone who has a vesicle, but it can be transmitted even if there are no sores or other symptoms. People often catch it by having unprotected sex with someone who doesn't know they are infected.