How Accurate Herpes Blood Test

How Is Herpes Treated

Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Medications are available that can prevent or shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks. There is a medicine that you can take on a daily basis that can help prevent outbreaks and also lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.

Accuracy Of Herpes Blood Test

Wondering if you have herpes can be very stressful. Its important to get tested whether you have symptoms or have had sex with someone with the disorder. Knowing your condition can help you find ways to protect yourself and others, including your baby after pregnancy.

A herpes blood test is a quick and easy way to find out if you have herpes. While they are highly accurate, this test may not be as sensitive as some of the other options.

This article examines the accuracy of blood tests for herpes and the current recommendations for herpes testing in the United States.

The Bottom Line On Herpes Tests

Unless you are pregnant or you think youve contracted herpes from your partner, wait until you see actual symptoms to get tested.

A swab is taken from your genitals or wherever the lesion or sore occurs the most accurate way to test for herpes.

If you dont want to go to the doctor, you can order an at-home Herpes test. It offers more privacy and convenience than going to the hospital or clinic.

If you get a positive result from an at-home test, its a good idea to go to the hospital for further testing to make sure it is not a false positive.

Dont Miss: How Do They Check For Herpes

You May Like: Can Planned Parenthood Test For Herpes

Hsv 1/2 Test Results Interpretation

Positive IgG antibodies against Virus herpes 1 means the body is immune to this virus or the immunity still build up, the same for IgG antiherpes antibodies means an old infection that the body has built defense against.Positive IgM anti-herpes antibodies Virus 1 and 2 means the body just started the immunity response against the herpes virus, while beginning of the virus infection may be occurred several weeks ago.In the acute stage of herpes infection skin lesions with characteristic blisters occur by HSV-1 or genitalia sores which associated with STD infections. Severe manifestations, such as an HSV-associated encephalitis or herpes corneae are rare. Herpes simplex virus infects the neurons of the dorsal root ganglia, where it causes lifelong latent infection. The virus is often reactivated, leading to recurrent symptoms.Which Ab. test can detect herpes virus earlier?In the acute stage of infection direct detection of the virus from the vesicles content via PCR is indicated. In addition, detection of IgM antibodies against HSV is important to confirm acute primary infection. However, not all patients produce IgM antibodies in the acute phase of infection besides, IgM antibodies may also be detectable in cases of recurrent or persistent infection.What is the most accurate specific test against herpes virus types other than PCR test?What is against HSV-1 glycoprotein G or HSV-2 glycoprotein G ?Classic ELISA Antibody Blood Test

Which Herpes Test Should You Get

Each method of testing for herpes has advantages and disadvantages, from time and cost, to an increased possibility of false results. Often, people concerned about the virus use a range of herpes testing to get a more accurate, proven picture of whether or not theyre infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Since herpes is a lifelong infection that cant be cured, its important to discuss testing options with your healthcare provider and make sure you receive an accurate result. Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you more about the best options for herpes testing based on your symptoms and situation.

Typically, your healthcare provider will carry out a physical exam before choosing the best testing method for you. As herpes symptoms tend to be worst during the initial outbreak of the virus, its best to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.

In the event that you do have herpes, theres no need to panic. Both oral and genital herpes are extremely common, and a variety of effective treatments are available for both.

Our Valacyclovir 101 guide goes into more detail about one of the most common, effective drugs for treating both symptomatic and asymptomatic herpes. You can also learn more about the risk of catching herpes in our guide to how herpes is transmitted between people.

Get the latest from Hims

Don’t Miss: How Do You Get The Herpes Virus

Why Do You Want To Work For Rev

This can be analyzed for herpes. Available types of Herpes Tests. There are several tests that are used to diagnose herpes, some are more accurate then others. If you have NO symptoms of herpes. Herpes Blood Tests are generally used in cases where no visible symptoms are present. A blood test works by detecting the presence of herpes antibodies. “for hsv-1, close to 100 percent of people in the u.s. are antibody-positive because they have been exposed at some point in their lives, though only a percentage of these individuals will actually. The significance of HerpesSwabTest is explained: A positive test may indicate an infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2. A negative test may indicate: Not enough time has passed to allow for the production of detectable levels of anti-HSV antibodies. There may be an infection by a similar virus. That’s bullshit tho, tests like the Quest Herpesselect are very accurate , although if you score between 1 and 5 without ever having a positive swab it’s not considered definitive. If you score above 1 and you get a positive swab you’re considered positively positive. Link to comment. nmo27. Posted July 28, 2012. .

Are There Other Types Of Herpes Viruses Besides Hsv

Yes. There are over 25 viruses in the herpes family and at least 8 types that infect humans. These include herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 discussed in this article as well as varicella zoster virus , associated with chickenpox and shingles, Epstein Barr virus , which can cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus , human herpes virus 6 and human herpes virus 7 , both associated with roseola in young children, and human herpes virus 8 , which has been found in tumors in people with Kaposiâs sarcoma . KS primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant recipients.

Recommended Reading: Does Planned Parenthood Do Blood Test For Herpes

You May Like: Does Acyclovir Cream Work For Genital Herpes

Herpes False Positives: The Accuracy Of Herpes Tests

Worried you have been handed a herpes false positive? Is there a small chance of being handed a false positive herpes test result or are these supposedly fail-safe tests always accurate? If recent test results confirm you are carrying the herpes simplex virus, you may need to be reassured that the current herpes blood tests are reliable.

There Are Two Common Blood Tests Used To Identify Herpes And Theyre Often Misleading

I had a patient once who underwent this test, which was positive, and was told she has herpes, which to her was devastating and life-altering, Friedman says. She burst into tears when I explained the significance or lack thereof with this test, which is very misleading. There are two common blood tests used to identify herpes: IgG and IgM. The IgM test is still used by some doctors even though it has been denounced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . According to the American Sexual Health Association , IgM tests can lead to deceptive results, as well as false assumptions about how and when a person acquired HSV.

And thats not all: IgM tests fail to accurately distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, leading them to provide false-positive results for HSV-2. In other words, if youve been exposed to oral herpes , results of the IgM test could lead you to believe youre positive for genital herpes, when in fact you simply have antibodies against HSV-1.

IgG tests, on the other hand, are more accurate, but arent without their own issues. For instance, ASHA says that while an IgG test can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, the problem is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach a detectable level varies from person to person. This means that even with accurate results, someone could get a false-negative if they have the test administered too soon after contracting the virus .

Recommended Reading: Topical Cream For Genital Herpes

Herpes Testing : What Are Your Options

Medically reviewed by Michele Emery, DNP

Are you worried you might have been exposed to the herpes virus?

First: don’t panic. The HSV viruses are a lot more common than you may think, and are very manageable in most cases.

Second: if you think youve been exposed to the herpes virus, testing is going to be your first plan of action.

Take a couple deep breaths and when you’re ready, read on.

What To Expect From An Hsv

HSV-2 testing should be conducted between four and six weeks after potential exposure.

When the body is infected with HSV-2, it produces antibodies to help fight the infection, called immunoglobulin G . The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test is used to identify IgG in the blood. The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test is 97 to 99 percent accurate between four to six weeks post-exposure and remains 99 percent accurate after 6 weeks post-exposure. Its important to wait at least four weeks after exposure, because it takes time for the body to develop antibodies that are detected by a blood test. The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test detects HSV-2, even when there are no symptoms and the infection is not active.

Our herpes type 2 blood test requires a blood draw from the arm. Simply choose your test, use our lab locator to find the lab closest to you, and visit at your convenience. An appointment is not necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. You can expect results to arrive to your HealthLabs.com account in one to three business days.

The herpes type 2 blood test does not test for herpes type 1. If you would also like to be tested for herpes type 1, consider using our HerpeSelect® herpes type 1 & 2 panel.

Also Check: Do Most People Have Herpes

What Abnormal Results Mean

A positive test means you have been infected with HSV recently or at some point in the past.

Tests can be done to help determine if you have a recent infection.

About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20% to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus, which causes genital herpes.

HSV stays in your system once you have been infected. It may be asleep , and cause no symptoms, or it may flare up and cause symptoms. This test cannot tell whether you are having a flare-up.

Related: Gonorrhea May Become Resistant To All Antibiotics Sooner Than Anticipated

Some research has shown that two-step testing might improve the specificity that is avoid false positive results for the blood test which would be a great thing because these diagnoses create great anxiety and concern for people, he said. In a commentary accompanying the USPSTF guidelines, Hook expressed disappointment that herpes testing had barely improved over the past decade.

There is no perfect test but there are ways to reduce the inaccuracies and reduce the number of equivocal results and those are actively used in other diseases, he said in an interview with STAT. But they havent been used very aggressively for the purpose of herpes.

In the absence of sure-fire test advances, education and a lessening stigma surrounding herpes might help, not only by reducing test-related confusion, but potentially by bringing discussion of the virus out into the mainstream, said Hook.

Theres no major herpes advocacy group, he said. People call attention to diseases that they suffer from, but people with herpes dont feel they can call attention to it. And that creates a lot of suffering.

You May Like: Is It Possible For Herpes To Go Away

Related: Syphilis And Gonorrhea Rates Have Risen Sharply In Us Cdc Says

When tests fall between 1.1 and 3.5, more testing is necessary, said Johnston. This recommendation is also noted in the 2015 CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. But some patients will never be referred for a second test.

I think most clinicians are unaware and perhaps labs dont have this available and/or it is not straightforward to order, Johnston said of second-step tests.

But while her facilitys Western blot is considered highly accurate, it is expensive and cumbersome to perform. Each test costs over $200 and the University of Washington is the only lab that provides it.

Other confirmatory tests also exist, for instance Biokits HSV-2 Rapid Test and Quests own HSV-2 IgG Inhibition assay. The latter, which adds only $4 to the price of the HerpeSelect test, performed well in a study conducted over a decade ago. Rick Pesano, the medical director for infectious disease at Quest, believes that with more awareness, the test could stand in for the Western blot. But the test was not mentioned in the USPSTF guidelines because it still has not been evaluated in asymptomatic individuals, according to Cindy Feltner, associate director of the RTI-UNC Evidence-based Practice Center, who helped prepare the science review for USPSTF.

We need better diagnostic testing. That is where we are stuck at this point, said Johnston. We dont have a good test thats inexpensive, high throughput, and reliable.

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.

Read Also: How To Relieve Herpes Pain

When Should I Talk With A Doctor

If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

If you dont have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.

If youve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

How Accurate Is A Herpes Blood Test After 6 Weeks

The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test is 97 to 99 percent accurate between four to six weeks post-exposure and remains 99 percent accurate after 6 weeks post-exposure. It’s important to wait at least four weeks after exposure, because it takes time for the body to develop antibodies that are detected by a blood test.

You May Like: Will Antifungal Cream Help Herpes

If You Have Zero Symptoms Getting Tested Wont Help You

The problem is that blood tests for herpes when no lesions or symptoms are present are often bullshit. I realize thats a pretty strong word, but after speaking with doctors who have administered these tests, its become more and more apparent to me how misunderstood and in some cases, just plain wrong the results they give are.

Part of the reason theyre flawed has to do with the fact that most people have been exposed to HSV-1 or oral herpes. For HSV-1, close to 100 percent of people in the U.S. are antibody-positive because they have been exposed at some point in their lives, though only a percentage of these individuals will actually get cold sores, says Adam Friedman, the residency program director at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. He adds that blood tests can be misleading because they usually dont detect the herpes virus itself and instead look at the level of antibodies against the virus, which is merely a sign of immune response to it.

Dont Miss: Do You Have Discharge With Herpes

The Accuracy Of Various Herpes Tests

This table summarizes the overall accuracy of different herpes tests. Please especially pay attention to the most common test, the IgG testâand most importantly to its false positive and false negative rates.

The table has three columns:

• Test accuracy: how accurate is the test in detecting the herpes virus
• False positive: the test detects the presence of herpes, but the person doesnât actually have it
• False negative: the test doesnât detect the presence of herpes, but the person does have it

Please note: the numbers in the table are averages and may vary from case to case based on factors such as when the test is performed , the testing technique, and the herpes viral load.

* The Washington University test is considered the âgold standardâ blood test. The false-negative and false-positive rates for the commercially available IgG test are based on a comparison to the Western blot results of the Washington University test.

Read Also: What Medication For Herpes Outbreak

Can Herpes Be Dormant And Not Show Up In A Blood Test

During the herpes incubation period, you may still test negative for the virus, as your body is building an immune response to the infection. If your immune system has not yet produced the antibodies, they wont show up on an antibody test. This can lead you to believe that you dont have the virus, even though you do.