Blood Test For Herpes 2

When Should I Get Tested

The best time to get tested for herpes if you havent had an initial outbreak is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.

A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.

Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.

Best Subscription For Herpes Test: Letsgetchecked

The LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the companys subscription options can offer significant discounts.

A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.

The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website that explains how they should take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.m. and return it to the laboratory on the same day.

The company states that it issues the results within 25 days.

Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.

LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.

How To Prevent The Spread Of Herpes

Although herpes is a lifelong virus that cant be cured, it goes through periods of dormancy between outbreaks. This means that while the virus is still present, its not actively replicating.

During this time, you may not experience any signs or symptoms of having the disease even if youve had a previous outbreak before.

However, you can still spread the herpes virus to your sexual partners at any time, even if no sores are present. In addition, although rare, its possible to spread oral herpes to the genital region and vice versa.

For this reason, its extremely important to be mindful of the following preventive measures:

• Tell your partners that you have genital or oral herpes. This allows them to make informed decisions about their own sexual health, and its the responsible thing to do.
• If youre experiencing the signs and symptoms of an upcoming outbreak, avoid all sexual contact. Youre most likely to spread the virus to others during an outbreak.
• Its possible to spread the herpes virus even without an outbreak. If youre worried about spreading the disease to a partner, research shows that antivirals are effective at reducing this possibility.

Having oral or genital herpes doesnt mean that you can no longer have sex. However, its your responsibility to prevent the spread of herpes to your sexual partner.

If you have herpes, you can still take care of your sexual health through open communication and safer sex.

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Are There Any Risks To The Test

There is no known risk to having a swab test.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

If you had a lumbar puncture, you may have pain or tenderness in your back where the needle was inserted. You may also get a headache after the procedure.

Type Of Tests Used To Diagnose Herpes

There are four main types of diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose herpes. Your doctor will determine which type of test to use based on whether an outbreak is present or not.

If youre experiencing what you believe to be a herpes outbreak, your doctor can use a viral culture test or virus antigen detection test. If youre not experiencing symptoms, you can have an antibody test.

• Viral culture test.This test is used to determine if a sore contains the herpes virus. This test can sometimes produce a false-negative, meaning that it may not detect the virus even though its present.
• Virus antigen detection test. This test is used to determine if antigens to the herpes virus are present in a sore or lesion.
• Antibody test. If youre not experiencing an outbreak yet but still believe you may have been exposed, you can opt to have an antibody test performed. This test will only show a positive result if the antibodies to the virus have been developed. Therefore, this test isnt necessarily recommended for recent exposure.
• Polymerase chain reaction test. With this test, a healthcare provider can screen a sample of your blood or tissue from a sore. They can use this to determine if HSV is present and which type you have.

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Why Do I Need To Undergo An Hsv Igm Test

The following conditions are some of the most common reasons for the test. To figure out the exact reason behind the formation of painful blisters or sores around the lips or in the genital area. To check if the sexual partner of a person with genital herpes is also infected by the same. To check for neonatal herpes in new-borns, whose mothers are infected with genital herpes. The doctor will check the physical symptoms of the infection and order for the test. Some of the common symptoms are mentioned below. The occurrence of blistering sores in the mouth or on the genitals Any pain during urination. An itching or burning sensation around the affected area. These symptoms can be accompanied by other general symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness and lack of appetite. In some cases, HSV can also affect the eyes and can cause symptoms like eye pain, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. A few people have an increased risk of infection from the virus as mentioned below. People with recurrent genital sores or atypical symptoms who have negative results on HSV culture. People who have a sex partner who has been diagnosed with genital herpes. People who have been tested positive for other sexually transmitted diseases. Individuals diagnosed with an HIV infection.

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Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About An Hsv Test

The best way to prevent genital herpes or another STD is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of infection by

• Being in a long-term relationship with one partner who has tested negative for STDs
• Using condoms correctly every time you have sex

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes, condom use can reduce your risk of spreading the infection to others.

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Doctors Dont Advise Getting A Blood Test For Herpes Without Any Symptoms

Hilda Hutcherson, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, is one of those doctors. I usually dont do tests for herpes someone has a lesion or a sore, something I can see, I will do a swab and take it to a culture or check the DNA on the materials I removed, she says. If theres nothing there and I do a blood test and the blood test comes back positive, lets say its positive for type 1, what does that really mean? Most people are positive for type 1. She adds that someone could be HSV-1-positive and either have or not have genital herpes. The result doesnt mean much, and it makes people go crazy.

Hutchersons motto is pretty simple: Why stress yourself over something if you havent seen anything especially when its something as common as herpes? Lets say they have a blood test come in positive but theyve never had a lesion. Now what? You may never get a lesion, she says. Its for this reason that she recommends people do not get tested for herpes unless they have a visible lesion that can be cultured and sent to a lab. Lets say you get tested anyway and it comes back positive, despite the fact that you have no symptoms. What do you do?

The Average Person Experiences 4

The issue with HSV 2 is that it can spread even when safe sex measures are taken. A condom may not protect a sexual partner who has not been infected with herpes. It can be present on any skin that remains uncovered while having intercourse and then spread.

Sometimes genital herpes is mistaken for other health conditions, such as a bacterial, bladder, or yeast infection. If there are persistent symptoms that do not go away or are accompanied by tingling feelings around the genital region, then the HSV 2 blood test may help to provide confirmation of the health issue.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments available that can help to lessen the symptoms that are experienced. Antivral medications can help with discomfort and some people may benefit from taking a daily medication that suppresses the virus. Even so, it is still possible to have 4-6 outbreaks every year.

The HSV 2 blood test is useful when it has never been given before. Once a person tests positive, however, then this blood test will always be positive because the antibodies never go away. It is a lifelong chronic infection. Speak to a medical provider today about your risk factors, take preventative measures to prevent transmission during sex, and avoid sexual contact with active symptoms. In doing so, you may be able to reduce or stop the spread of this virus.

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Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Specific Antibodies Blood Test Igg

A HSV Type 2 Specific Antibodies Blood Test, IgG tests for Genital herpes, a highly contagious infection that is usually spread through sex.

Also Known As: Herpes-2, HSV Type 2-Specific Antibody, IgG, HSV-2

Methodology:

Chemiluminescent immunoassay . Reflex of specimens equivocal and low positive for HSV-2 type specific IgG to a membrane based immunoassay

Preparation:

3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Details:

Per CDC guidelines, if the result is an equivocal or low positive a supplemental test will be performed at no additional cost.

Also Known As: Herpes-2, HSV Type 2-Specific Antibody, IgG, HSV-2

Methodology:

2-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Herpes 2 Igg Abs Blood Test

This Test is used to screen for exposure to Herpes type 2 only. It looks for IgG antibodies which typically begin to develop around 4 weeks after exposure. In some cases, these antibodies may take up to 12 weeks to be detectable. The Herpes 2 IgG Abs test is highly accurate in screening for Herpes as it looks for antibodies that will last for the life of the infected person. Per CDC guidelines, this test now includes an automatic confirmatory test which will be performed at no additional cost in the event of an equivocal or low positive result.

Herpes is a viral infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity. Herpes 2 is the stronger, less common form of the Herpes virus. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 and 49 have type 2 Herpes. Herpes 2 is often associated with Genital Herpes. However, both Herpes 1 and 2 are spread through skin-to-skin contact. It is possible to spread either form of the virus to the oral or genital area depending on the type of contact which results in infection. The most common symptom of Herpes is periodic outbreaks of sores or blisters around the infected area. However, it is not unusual for Herpes to display no symptoms for years at a time. Herpes can be spread even if the infected person is not experiencing an outbreak, which is known as asymptomatic shedding. Chronic Herpes infections can cause damage to the nervous system and increase the likelihood of contracting other STDs including HIV.

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When To Ask About The Hsv2 Blood Test

Diagnosing genital herpes in someone without any symptoms caused by the HSV2 virus has not shown to change their sexual behaviors. It does not stop the virus from spreading either. The HSV2 blood test also has a history of false positive results when there are no symptoms present, which may cause a medical provider to issue an incorrect diagnosis.

If you do not have symptoms of HSV2, but have recently had unprotected sexual contact with a new partner, then speak with your medical provider about your sexual history. This is the best solution to determine if the HSV2 blood test is right for you.

You may also wish to speak with your doctor about the HSV2 blood test if you have certain specific situations in your recent history. This includes symptoms which could be related to the herpes virus or if you have had or are currently having sex with someone who may have genital herpes.

It is also a good idea to have a complete STD exam when you have multiple sex partners.

Genital Herpes Is Common Why Doesnt Cdc Recommend Testing Everyone For This Std

CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms. This is because diagnosing genital herpes in someone without symptoms has not shown any change in their sexual behavior nor has it stopped the virus from spreading. Also, false positive test results are possible. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should talk openly and honestly about your sexual history with your doctor to find out if you should be tested for any STDs, including herpes.

Although CDC does not recommend that everyone get tested for herpes, herpes testing may be useful in some situations. Herpes blood tests might be useful

• If you have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes,
• If you have a sex partner with genital herpes, or
• If you want a complete STD exam, especially if you have multiple sex partners.

Please note that while a herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection, it will not be able to tell you who gave you the infection.

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Why Is Testing Recommended Only In These Areas

When a herpes âoutbreakâ occurs, the blistering and rawness that appears around the genitals, rectum, or mouth can be very painful. The sores which appear when an outbreak occurs can take weeks to heal properly. The herpes blood test can provide your medical provider with information about what can be expected in the future. This would include what medications would be necessary to control symptoms and how you could lower the risks of spreading the infection to a partner.

If you know that you have or had a sexual partner with genital herpes, this testing can tell if you also have the virus. For women who are pregnant, this blood test is very important because the fetus can become infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 if the mother is infected. This can place the pregnancy at risk and in babies, a herpes infection can even be fatal.

What Does The Test Result Mean

Direct detection of the virus

• A positive HSV DNA test or culture indicates that you have an active herpes infection, and the result may indicate if it is HSV-1 or HSV-2.
• A negative PCR test or culture indicates that the herpes simplex virus was not detected, but this does not definitely rule out an infection. False negatives can occur if there is not enough active virus in the sample. This may happen if the lesion is cultured more than 48 hours after the symptoms appear. If suspicion of herpes remains high, repeat testing may be done.

Antibody blood tests

• A positive HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgG antibody test means antibodies are present in your blood, which means you have had an infection in the past even if you havenât noticed any symptoms. The type of antibody detected indicates the type of HSV infection.
• Negative HSV antibody results mean that it is unlikely that you have been exposed to HSV or it may mean that your body has not had time to begin producing HSV antibodies.

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How Much Does The Test Cost

The cost of testing for genital and oral herpes depends on the type of test that is performed, where the test is conducted, and whether the patient has medical insurance. Testing is often covered by insurance when ordered by a doctor, although patients may still be responsible for costs such as copays and deductibles.

Genital Herpes Is Common Shouldnt Cdc Recommend Testing For Everyone

CDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms to confirm if they have it. Testing allows a healthcare provider to talk with patients about what to expect in the future. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Providers can also tell patients how to lower the risk of transmitting herpes to sex partner.

CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms in most situations. This is because of the limits of a herpes blood test and the possibility of a wrong test result. The chances of wrong test results are higher for people who are at low risk of infection.

Blood tests might be useful if:

• You have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes, or
• You have a sex partner with genital herpes, or
• Your provider found signs of herpes, but you still need a test to confirm it.

If you are sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about what tests are right for you. These tips can help.

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