Aa
Can Herpes PCR test go wrong?
Hi,
Two months after a negative HSV PCR test, I got back sores on penis.
I had HSV pcr test at a popular san francisco hospital and the result was negative. The test was done on fluid collected from penis head and urethral opening, but by then the sore were all gone, except fro some redness.
After the test I have never had sex without a condom.
Two months later I again have sores with whitish layer and itching on the penis head. Can this be yeast infection or should I test for herpes again?
Two months after a negative HSV PCR test, I got back sores on penis.
I had HSV pcr test at a popular san francisco hospital and the result was negative. The test was done on fluid collected from penis head and urethral opening, but by then the sore were all gone, except fro some redness.
After the test I have never had sex without a condom.
Two months later I again have sores with whitish layer and itching on the penis head. Can this be yeast infection or should I test for herpes again?
You should have a blood test. Testing by swab is only accurate a small percentage of the time -- when the sores are active, new and when the sample is handled properly by the doctors and the lab. Very easy for things to go amiss.
If this has been an ongoing issue, a type-specific IgG blood test should give you some answers as to whether this is a herpes problem or not.
If this has been an ongoing issue, a type-specific IgG blood test should give you some answers as to whether this is a herpes problem or not.
Thanks much for the reply. I have setup an appt with a doc tomorrow. I will soon update with the test results.
The sores are not pus filled. But there is whitish layer on the penis head which can be washed away with water. After washing away the red sores become more visible.
When I got tested earlier, the white layer and red sores has almost gone, with one red sore on the penis head and redness at urethral opening. The fact that I had pain during urination, the doc suggested a HSV PCR test. The negative result convinced me that it was Yeast/Cadida.
But the recurrence of the symptoms, make me doubt if its yeast or HSV.
The sores are not pus filled. But there is whitish layer on the penis head which can be washed away with water. After washing away the red sores become more visible.
When I got tested earlier, the white layer and red sores has almost gone, with one red sore on the penis head and redness at urethral opening. The fact that I had pain during urination, the doc suggested a HSV PCR test. The negative result convinced me that it was Yeast/Cadida.
But the recurrence of the symptoms, make me doubt if its yeast or HSV.
continued... herpes sores are not puss filled and your symptoms appear more of a fungal or yeast infection.
Hi a PCR is extremely accurate in detecting the virus but the area swabbed must contain the virus. The urethral opening and the head are not likely places for the virus to be but the shaft and pubic mound areas for new infections and anywhere below the waist for old infections. This test is used on areas where a sore is and should be done within 48 hours after a sore develops. I would retest a new sore or have a blood test.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
