A Herpes Diagnosis of HSV Infections
A herpes diagnosis of HSV infections can be based on many factors. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak exhibits the common symptoms, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks by the use of a blood test. Blood tests, which detect antibodies to HSV 1 or HSV 2 infections, can be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut.
Some forms of laboratory tests used for diagnosing herpes are: - Clinical Examination
- An assessment of your previous symptoms by a health care provider. This practice is a very poor method for detecting herpes. HSV symptoms are easily confused with other diseases, so an incorrect diagnosis is possible.
- Viral Culture.
- This test is the most valid available because it involves taking tissue samples or scraping of the open sores for examination in the laboratory. Unlike blood tests, it requires the presence of active viral shedding. This test can distinguish between HSV 1 and HSV 2 and has the advantage of being able to identify the location of infection. Ask your doctor to request the testing laboratory to report the HSV type.
- Non-Type Specific Blood Test
- These blood tests, such as the older type of ELISA, can detect herpes but cannot distinguish between HSV 1 and HSV 2.
- Type-Specific Blood Tests
- Such blood tests as the Western Blot, ELISA or Immunoblot test for both HSV 1 and HSV 2 and have been used to show the two types of HSV. Active viral shedding is not necessary.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test From a blood, tissue or spinal fluid sample, this DNA test can establish the presence of HSV and determine which type of HSV you have. PCR testing also requires the presence of active viral shedding.
If you have even the slightest suspicion you may be infected with HSV see your doctor for tests. Remember that a herpes diagnosis is based on many factors.
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