Herpes simplex (HSV) tests

Explanation

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) tests look either for the virus itself or for antibodies, proteins the immune system makes in response to it. A sample from a sore and a blood antibody test answer different questions.

What can a swab from a sore show?

A swab can be tested for the virus's genetic material using PCR, short for polymerase chain reaction. Another method, culture, tries to grow the virus in the laboratory. A negative result does not always exclude herpes, especially if the sore is healing or little virus was collected.

What are the limits of a blood test?

Antibodies take time to develop, so a test soon after infection can be negative. Some blood tests can give a positive result even when the person does not have the infection. Another test may be needed to confirm the result. An antibody result alone cannot tell when infection happened or who passed it on. Antibodies to HSV-1, one type of herpes simplex virus, cannot show whether the infection is around the mouth or the genitals.

Report excerptExplanation

Confusing Medical Report?

BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.

  • Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
  • Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
  • Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
  • Multilingual. English or German.