Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Hepres blood test
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Hepres blood test
by Somewhat troubled, Feb 20, 2004 12:00AM
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
ALso, is it possible to have oral herpes and to have never had a "breakout"?
thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 20, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 20, 2004 12:00AM
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
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
Related discussions
-
Follow up to herpes questoin (1 replies):I posted a question on the std board http://www.medhelp....[more]
-
Is it possible that my Grover's disease caused my body t... (1 replies):Hello, I am a 36 year old male who was diagnosed with Gr...[more]
-
Might I test positive for Herpes if I have Grover's dise...Hello, I am a 36 year old male who was diagnosed with Gr...[more]
-
PLEASE HELP!! (11 replies):Burning and itching I had protected sex with a girl ...[more]
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.
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.