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Herpes Test FAQs

• What is a herpes (HSV) test?

  HSV can be detected in your body using an HSV test. This STD test is offered as a swab test or a blood test, according to the NIH. Knowing if you have herpes can help you avoid infecting others, particularly unborn children.

• What is a herpes test used for?

  A herpes test is often performed to identify if HSV is producing herpes symptoms, such as oral or genital sores. According to the National Institutes of Health, a herpes test can be used to diagnose HSV in pregnant women and newborn newborns who may have been exposed to HSV while in the womb.

• Why do I need an HSV test?

  If you have had sexual interaction with someone who is infected with HSV, or if you are pregnant and have previously had herpes or signs of genital herpes, you may need an HSV test, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you've had several sex partners, are a male who has sex with men, or have signs of a brain or spinal cord issue including fever, disorientation, or a stiff neck, HSV testing may be required, according to the NIH.

• What happens during an HSV test?

  A healthcare provider collects a fluid and cell sample from a herpes sore with a cotton swab during an HSV swab test. During a blood test, a healthcare worker draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm with a thin, tiny needle. A spinal tap is a procedure in which a healthcare specialist extracts a little amount of fluid from your spine in order to diagnose HSV.

• Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

  According to the National Institutes of Health, the swab test and herpes blood test require no specific preparation. Before getting a spinal tap, you may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels. More information about the preparation required for your type of HSV test can be obtained from the lab test supplier.

• Are there any risks to the test?

  According to the National Institutes of Health, there are no hazards associated with the herpes swab test. According to the NIH, the blood test may produce slight soreness and bruising at the injection site, but these symptoms normally go away quickly. A spinal tap can result in a headache, as well as soreness or tenderness where the needle was put in the back. Your doctor may go over the potential hazards of HSV testing with you in further detail.

• What do the results mean?

  Normal or negative HSV test results indicate that no herpes virus was found or detected. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, an HSV infection can occur even if test findings are benign. Positive or abnormal results indicate that HSV was detected in your sample and that you are either infected or have been affected in the past.

• Is there anything else I need to know about an HSV test?

  The CDC does not advocate HSV testing for persons who do not have herpes symptoms since a positive diagnosis in someone who does not have symptoms does not induce people to change their sexual activity or stop the virus from spreading, according to the CDC. False-positive findings are also possible in persons who do not exhibit symptoms, according to the CDC. According to the CDC, the herpes test is currently only advised for persons who have HSV symptoms.

• Where can I get a herpes test in Washington DC?

  A herpes test is available in Washington DC from many healthcare professionals who provide lab tests and STD testing. HSV testing may be available through your general care physician, a hospital, an urgent care center, or a walk-in clinic, among other places.

  Use Solv to find herpes test providers in your area and schedule an appointment for the same day or the next day. To find top-rated providers in your area, type "herpes test" or "STD testing" into the search form on Solv's website, then choose your location.