Hepres blood test

[Somewhat troubled]

I have been told getting a blood test for both types of herpes (1 and 2) is not all that effective/usefull,can you give a somewhat detailed explanation as to why?

ALso, is it possible to have oral herpes and to have never had a "breakout"?

thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

A positive test for Type 1 herpes isn't very useful, since it doesn't say whether there is active infection, and it doesn't indicate which part of the body is affected.

Some newer Type 2 herpes tests are reliable indicators of genital herpes.  See www.herpesdiagnosis.com.

Negative herpes tests indicate that you've had no exposure.

It's possible to have oral herpes with no visible signs, but you wouldn't know until there is a visible breakout.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mutineer]

Seems to me the only reason that is said is because it
doesn't specifically test for HSV 2.

So what. Its a screening test. If any positive result is
found to either I or II they can reflex to the specific
glycoprotein test for detecting genital herpes. If the
test is negative, no antibodies for I or II were found
and no need to test further.

[mutineer]

Also, by specifically test for HSV II , I mean that only.
The antibodies for I and II are cross reactive but again if the test is negative it means no reactivity to any herpes virus found
and no need to test further. That is my impression. If
you're looking for II only, best to use that test specifically.