Diagnosing Herpes

Your doctor will ask about your health and sexual history. Tell your doctor:

• If you have sores.
• If you had any sores in the past.
• If any of your sex partners have had herpes.
• If any of your sex partners have had outbreaks of sores on their genitals, buttocks, or mouth.

If your doctor thinks you may have herpes, you may need tests done. Tests like these can confirm the diagnosis:

• Molecular amplification. PCR/NAAT. This is the preferred test and most accurate. A sample of fluid that may have herpes virus is mixed with chemicals. These chemicals let pieces of the virus multiply very fast. These viral pieces can be found very quickly.
• Viral culture. A small amount of fluid is swabbed from the base of a blister. The fluid is grown in a special culture with healthy cells. If herpes is present, it will change how the cells look. This is only used if PCR is not available.
• Fluorescent antibody test. Cells are taken from the base of a blister. They are stained and checked under a microscope. If herpes is present, the cells will change color. This is only used if PCR is not available.
• Molecular amplification. A sample of fluid that may have herpes virus is mixed with chemicals. These chemicals let pieces of the virus multiply very fast. These viral pieces can be found very quickly.
• Other tests. If you don't have sores, tests can be done on blood or cell samples. These tests may show if you carry the herpes virus. But they are the least accurate of all the tests.