Overview:
What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to detect the presence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in the blood that may indicate a herpes infection. Herpes is a contagious disease that may cause painful blisters at the site of infection.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To detect the presence of Herpes simplex virus in the body
- To help in the diagnosis of Herpes infection
- To differentiate between infection caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2
- To detect herpes infection in pregnant females to determine the risk of transmission to the child.
- What are the symptoms of HSV-1 infection?
- Burning sensation around the mouth
- Small painful blisters around lips
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- What are the symptoms of HSV-2 infection?
- Tingling in the genitals, thighs or buttocks
- Small painful blisters on and around genitals
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Painful urination.
- What are the risk factors of Herpes?
- Gender: Females are more prone to catching this virus.
- Unprotected sex: Having sex with an infected partner without protection.
- Multiple sex partners: People who have more than one sex partner are at a higher risk of getting this infection.
- Infected mother: During childbirth, this virus can be transmitted from the infected mother to the unborn.
- Weak immune system: People with weakened immune systems are susceptible to all kinds of infections.
- How to manage herpes infection?
Although, there is no treatment for Herpes but following medicines can help decrease the frequency of outbreaks, and relieve the symptoms:
- Anti-viral: Medicines like acyclovir and Valaciclovir have been found helpful for the treatment of Herpes Labialis and Herpes in cancer patients.
- Analgesics: Medicines like ibuprofen and paracetamol can reduce the pain in fever in herpes patients.
- Topical medicines: Topical medicines are also used to relieve symptoms like itching and pain. Prilocaine, Lidocaine, and tetracaine have been found effective.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. However, inform your doctor about your complete medical history. Wear a half-sleeved or loose shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness.
Negative or positive:
- Interpretation of test results:
Negative: A negative test result indicates that HSV is not detected
Positive: A positive test result indicates the presence of Herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. It indicates an active herpes infection.