Herpes tests

A test for herpes may be done to:

• Find out whether HSV is causing sores around the mouth or on the genitals.
• Find out which virus type (HSV-1 or HSV-2) is causing sores around the mouth or on the genitals.
• Find out whether the sex partner of a person with genital herpes may be infected with HSV.
• Diagnose a herpes infection in an infant born to a person who has genital herpes.

For a viral culture or PCR test, a clean cotton swab is rubbed against a herpes sore to collect fluid and cells to examine. Samples may be collected from the vagina, cervix, penis, urethra, eye, throat, or skin. Doctors usually collect a sample from small sores that are only a few days old. Viruses are more likely to be found in small, newly formed sores.

Antibody test

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from an arm.

Rapid tests are available at some clinics. These tests check blood from a finger stick for antibodies to HSV-2. The results are generally ready in about 10 minutes. These tests may not be available everywhere.

If you may have genital herpes, do not have sexual contact until your test results are back. There are treatments that can help lower the chance of spreading it to others.

Test results are ready at different times for the different tests. Some test results may be back the same day. Others may take a few days.

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.