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herpes blood test

Answered by
H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. -
University of Washington Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
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MedHelp Member's Question
herpes blood test
by Lady83, Dec 21, 2004 12:00AM
Two months ago I had genital to genital contact with someone I didn't know.  Now I am obsessed with thinking I have contracted herpes.  I went to my doctor who said that since I didn't have any sores that he could not test for it since blood tests are not covered by OHIP and are used primarily for research purpose, not for diagnosis.  She said there may be a test out there but it would cost about $300 to get.  The symptoms I've noticed were an aching feeling around my vagina but it wasn't sore to touch and many painless white bumps that cover most of my vagina and I'm pretty sure have always been there, and a little itchiness.  I also had a painless flesh-coloured bump that I have had before and the doctor said was not herpes but he didn't know what it was.

My question is, should I find a way to get a blood test?  And why doesn't OHIP cover blood tests and why aren't they used regularly?  If I do have it without any symptoms, how likely am I to spread it to others?
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Dec 21, 2004 12:00AM
From a single exposure the chance you caught herpes is low, especially if you had no symptoms.  But a blood test can tell for sure.  The test you need is the HerpeSelect test for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the usually cause of genital herpes.  It is produced by Focus Technologies and many labs offer it.   But some labs don't, so tell (don't just ask!) your doctor to do that particular test.  If negative, it will be strong evidence against genital herpes.  It should cost somewhere in the range of $30 (if you're lucky) to $60, but nowhere near $300.

I can't say much about the "flesh colored bump"--but agree that doesn't sound like herpes.

Good luck-- HHH, MD
Related discussions
Member Comments (4)
by rook_pup, Dec 21, 2004 12:00AM
Hi,

Here is a very good site on Herpes.

WebMD: http://boards.webmd.com/topic.asp?topic_id=90

The doctor mention in previous posting, there is only one very good test for herpes. It's by Focus technology and is called HerpeSelect. They can test for HSV 1 and 2 with a single blood sample. It's very reliable as well. You should take the test at least 90 to 120 days after exposure (unless you should symptoms before hand).

I went to Planned Parenthood and they charged me $85 . However, they work on a sliding scale, so the less you make, the cheaper the test is (I'm at the top end of the scale. So this will be the most you will pay). If there is no Planned Parenthood, go to www.healthcheckusa.com. I believe it's $150 for here.

Remember- Symptoms don't mean disease. So, don't worry about it and go get checked out.

Take care!! T
by rook_pup, Dec 21, 2004 12:00AM
Sorry.. But here is another good site.

www.yoshi2me.com


by Suncoast, Dec 30, 2004 12:00AM
What are the odds of catching herpes from a single incident of unprotected oral sex?

If all other std tests are negative, and a person shows no symptons after 6 weeks, is there a good chance that there's nothing to worry about?

Thanks!
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