Herpes (HSV) Test

A herpes test looks for signs of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), a common viral infection. Many people with HSV don't have any symptoms, but those who do often have painful blisters or sores on the affected parts of the body. These sores and other symptoms only last for several weeks.

After their first appearance, they will fade and then come back in the future. These outbreaks tend to be milder over time. A herpes test can be done using fluid from one of these sores during an outbreak or by using a sample of your blood if you have no symptoms.

There are two main types of this virus. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, which can result in cold sores ('fever blisters') on or around your mouth. Most people get oral herpes by the time they're young adults, usually from non-sexual contact with saliva (spit) from a person who has an HSV-1 infection.

That may happen if you share forks, cups, or towels. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with a cold sore.; HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

This means you get it through sexual contact with a person who has a herpes infection, even if they don't have symptoms. HSV-2 can also spread to the mouth, causing oral herpes. This may happen if you give oral sex to a person who has genital herpes from HSV-2.; There is no cure for HSV, but medicines can help manage outbreaks.

HSV usually doesn't cause any major health problems. But if you're pregnant and have genital herpes, you can pass the virus to your fetus before birth or during childbirth. This can lead to a life-threatening HSV infection for your baby.

Why this test is done

The most common reason for needing an HSV test is if you have symptoms of an infection. These include:

• Blisters or sores on the mouth, genitals, anus, buttocks, or other areas of skin. The sores develop a crust as they begin to heal.
• Fever and flu-like symptoms.
• Swollen glands.
• Pain or tingling in the affected area.
• Discharge from the urethra and/or vagina.
• Painful urination (pee).

If you don't have symptoms, you may also need an HSV test if your partner has genital herpes or symptoms that might be genital herpes.

In general, medical experts don't recommend HSV testing for people without symptoms of HSV.

If you are being tested for other STIs, your provider may choose to include an HSV test based on your risk of exposure. You may be at higher risk of getting an HSV infection if you have:

• Multiple sexual partners.
• Other STIs.
• HIV.
• Sex without condoms or dental dams.
• Sex in exchange for money and/or drugs.

You may also be at higher risk for HSV infection if you are a man who has sex with other men.

Using condoms or dental dams can reduce your risk of getting or passing HSV. However, they can't provide complete protection. You can still get an infection from contact with areas of skin that the condom or dental dam doesn't cover.

Rare cases of HSV in the brain and spinal cord can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. You may need an HSV test if you have one of these serious conditions.

Because an HSV infection can be passed to a baby during childbirth, your provider may order an HSV test for your baby.

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a swab test or a blood test. For a lumbar puncture, you may be asked to empty your bladder (pee) and bowels (poop) before the test.

Sample type

Blood Swab CSF

Other names for this test

herpes culture, herpes simplex viral culture, HSV-1 antibodies, HSV-2 antibodies, HSV DNA