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PCR tests
I'm just curious as to how accurate PCR swab tests are? my GP says that it is easier to diagnose a herpes infection either genital or oral using swabs on a sore. If I had a blister/sore/ulcer looking thing that has a clear liquidy surface would that suffice for a PCR swab? how long does it have to be done after the sore bursts open or becomes a blister/sore/ulcer for it to be a valid result?
If the GP was able to get liquid from the sores surface onto the cottonbud end would that be sufficient regardless of time passed?
If the GP was able to get liquid from the sores surface onto the cottonbud end would that be sufficient regardless of time passed?
Your GP is right about swabbing a blister being the best way to diagnose HSV. A "positive" swab is conclusive. Unlike blood-testing, where a positive value (IgG) of between 1.1 - 3.5 is actually a negative reading 50% of the time, assuming that the testing was taken 3-4 months after the last possible exposure to the virus.
The experts I have followed on this recommend getting swabbed within 48 hours of the appearance of a blister for accurate swab results. Getting liquied may be sufficient for testing purposes; but, I have yet to read anyone saying that specifically.
The experts I have followed on this recommend getting swabbed within 48 hours of the appearance of a blister for accurate swab results. Getting liquied may be sufficient for testing purposes; but, I have yet to read anyone saying that specifically.
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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.
