Herpeselect

[acer1714]

Does anybody know if a there are clinics in the uK that do the Herpeselect test? If so could you please post the details?

How effective is this test at 28 days post exposure?

When is the ideal time to take it?

Ta

[gracefromHHP]

From what others have posted on the various support boards for herpes - you can't always get a herpes select at the GUM clinics in the UK.  If the clinic near you doesn't offer it - ask for the name of a private doctor nearby that does offer it though I believe you'll have to pay for it out of pocket.  There are also several herpes support groups in the UK you can contact to ask for more help finding a place to have one drawn.

grace

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That exposure indeed was low risk and the symptoms you describe don't sound like herpes.  But if in doubt, a GUM clinic is the place to get the best advice.

HHH, MD

[acer1714]

Thanks Doc, I didn't think it was available in the UK.

If there are already potential symptoms at 3-4 weeks would the test most likely show positive?

By Symptoms I don't have any lesions but the end of my penis is tender around the head on one side - not really bad but I think I can notice it and, if anything it the head appears a little bruised (purple'ish in colour). I had a Chlam/Gonn swab done which was neg, but was a little "violent" (ie it hurt).

Maybe I'm just bruised down there but it's 2 weeks post exposure and I kinda thought that any bruising would be calming down now?

My expose was low risk - oral plus vigourous hand job (hence the possible bruising)...

Any comments? Am I over-reacting a bit here?

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Visit any of the excellent genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics that exist in all large metropolitan areas and many smaller ones.  They will have HerpeSelect, or other type-specific HSV blood tests that work just as well; and you can count on expert care by people who know their business.

Four weeks after a possible is too soon.  It typically takes 6-8 weeks to become positive, often 3 months.  On the other hand, sometimes a good approach is to have an initial test, expecting it to be negative, then a follow-up test at 3 months.  If you test only once and have a positive result, you won't know whether you caught it during the exposure you are concerned about, or some time before that.

Visit a GUM clinic soon, then follow their advice about whether and when to be tested.

Good luck--  HHH, MD