Herpes Definition
Herpes is short for the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two different types of HSV: HSV-1, which is responsible for cold sores in the mouth area and is often referred to as oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is often called genital herpes and is considered a sexually transmitted disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the herpes infection can lie dormant within the patient for years before any symptoms appear. Most people recognize oral herpes, or cold sores, therefore testing and treatment is not often sought. Genital herpes can be more serious, especially if pregnancy is involved. The testing described relates primarily to genital herpes.
Visual Exam
When you suspect you have herpes, the doctor will first ask you for a history of your symptoms and then do a visual exam. You will be questioned about pain or itching in the genital area, including the buttocks and thighs. After the history, she will do a visual exam, in which she will be looking for red bumps, blisters, or sores in the genital area. These are symptoms that often occur after the pain and itching.
Viral Culture
The doctor will order a viral culture when he finds what appears to be an active herpes blister. In this test, he takes a sample of the tissue from the outbreak by scraping the sore and sending it to the lab for evaluation. According to the American Social Health Association, the viral culture can also determine which type of HSV is present: HSV-1 or HSV-2. The downside of the viral culture is that if the sore has begun to heal, the test can read negative, as the HSV is not active.
Blood Test
The Center for Disease Control notes that blood tests are helpful in the diagnosis of herpes simplex, as it will show whether there are antibodies present within the blood. These antibodies can signal a past herpes outbreak and this is especially helpful if the most recent infection has already begun to subside. The Mayo Clinic reports that blood samples are also used to perform a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, and this test in particular can also determine which type of HSV is present.
