How is testing for herpes done




















Women who get herpes during early pregnancy, or who are infected before they get pregnant can also spread herpes to their babies. Most babies with herpes get infected as they come into contact with the herpes virus while passing through the birth canal, but infection can also occur before birth congenital infection or in the weeks after birth.

If you are pregnant and think that you or your partner may have genital herpes, tell your doctor. Yes, studies show that HSV-2 infection increases the risk of getting HIV infection, even when there are no symptoms of genital herpes.

HSV-2 infection can cause tiny breaks in the genital and anal area that allow HIV to enter into the body. This increases the chance of getting HIV, if exposed. Studies show that testing for genital herpes and treating with herpes medications does not lower the risk of getting HIV.

CDC is also notified, and publishes state-by-state data for these infections. Because herpes infections are not notifiable infections by law, CDC is not able to provide state-by-state data. To make this decision, they follow a number of public health principles, for example, 1 whether or not it is treatable; 2 whether or not it is preventable; 3 how common it is; 4 whether or not a public health response is needed; 5 whether or not there is a good source of information on the number of cases; and 6 whether or not it represents a significant public health threat For example, how severe it is.

False positive test results are test results that say a person has a disease or condition when they do not actually have it. False positive results can occur with many diagnostic tests, including STD tests.

The chances of false positive results increase as the likelihood of the infection decreases in the person being tested. False positive HSV-2 results can happen, especially in people who are at low risk for a herpes infection. Also, we do not know if people who test positive for herpes will change their sexual behavior as a result of a positive test. This tells us that the harm of a possible false positive test may be a greater concern than the benefits of an actual diagnosis.

Unlike curable STDs, such as chlamydia, herpes infections are life-long, so it is especially important to avoid a false positive test.

The U. NIH also maintains a database with information about clinical trials around the world External. This database includes information on all genital herpes studies that are actively recruiting volunteers. Genital Herpes. Samples taken from newly formed sores containing fluid blisters are generally better than samples collected from older, crusted sores. A normal negative test result does not mean you do not have a herpes infection. If the first test is negative but you have symptoms of herpes, more tests may be done.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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Herpes Tests. Herpes simplex virus type 1 symptoms cold sores Herpes simplex virus type 2 symptoms genital herpes. Test Overview Herpes tests are done to find out if you have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus HSV. There are two types of HSV. HSV type 1 causes cold sores also called fever blisters on the lips. HSV-1 is generally spread by kissing or by sharing eating utensils such as spoons or forks when sores are present.

HSV-1 can also cause sores around the genitals. HSV type 2 causes sores in the genital area genital herpes , such as on or around the vagina or penis. HSV-2 also causes the herpes infection seen in babies who are delivered vaginally in women who have genital herpes. HSV-2 is generally spread by sexual contact. HSV-2 can sometimes cause mouth sores. Herpes viral culture. Top of the page. There are two types of HSV.

HSV type 1 causes cold sores also called fever blisters on the lips. HSV-1 is generally spread by kissing or by sharing eating utensils such as spoons or forks when sores are present. HSV-1 can also cause sores around the genitals. HSV type 2 causes sores in the genital area genital herpes , such as on or around the vagina or penis. HSV-2 also causes the herpes infection seen in babies who are delivered vaginally in women who have genital herpes.

HSV-2 is generally spread by sexual contact. HSV-2 can sometimes cause mouth sores. Herpes viral culture. This is a test to find the herpes virus. Fluid from a fresh sore is added to certain cells used to grow HSV. If no virus infects the cells, the culture is negative. If the herpes virus infects the cells, the culture is positive.

The culture often fails to find the virus even when it is present false-negative results. Herpes virus antigen detection test. Cells from a fresh sore are scraped off and then smeared onto a microscope slide. This test finds markers called antigens on the surface of cells infected with the herpes virus.

This test may be done with or in place of a viral culture. Polymerase chain reaction PCR test. A PCR test can be done on cells or fluid from a sore or on blood or on other fluid, such as spinal fluid. Using the PCR test on skin sores isn't common. PCR is used mainly for testing spinal fluid in rare cases when herpes may have caused an infection in or around the brain.

Antibody tests. Blood tests can find antibodies that are made by the immune system to fight a herpes infection. Antibody tests are sometimes done but are not as accurate as a viral culture at finding the cause of a specific sore or ulcer. Antibody tests cannot always tell the difference between a current active herpes infection and a herpes infection that occurred in the past. Because antibodies take time to develop after the first infection, you may not have a positive antibody test if you have just recently been infected.

Find out whether the sex partner of a person with genital herpes may be infected with HSV. Diagnose a herpes infection in a newborn baby whose mother has genital herpes.

How To Prepare If you may have genital herpes , do not have sexual contact until your test results are back. How It Is Done For a viral culture , viral antigen test , or PCR test , a clean cotton swab is rubbed against a herpes sore to collect fluid and cells for examination.

For an antibody test , the health professional drawing blood will: Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein. Clean the needle site with alcohol.

Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed. Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.

Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected. Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed. Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.



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