Does Valtrex change results of a herpes test?

[inastrangeland]

I went to a doctor today and she told me that she is almost sure that I have herpes and that I should start on valtrex right away.  She also told me that I should have a test done but if I'm on Valtrex, will it affect the outcome of the test?

[gracefromHHP]

sorry to hear this has been such a screw up for you to get properly diagnosed :(  At least you got medication so things are either healing because of the medication or healing on their own.

Let us know how else we can help you :)

grace

[inastrangeland]

So just a quick update....the clinic really screwed up and the doctor apparently put the wrong tests on the lab work and down in South America, apparently if the doctor didn't put the test on the lab work, they can't do the test.  Long story short, I couldn't even get tested and now after several days of taking acyclovir, I'm seeing many of my symptoms go away which does lead me to believe that I do have HSV-2.  
Anyway, I guess that I'll need to do the baseline blood test back in the states which is probably a better thing but I feel like the people that I need to tell, I just don't have a straight answer and more importantly, the truth yet which is seriously getting to me.
Well, nothing I can do at this point and at least they symptoms are going away for now.  That's all I can ask for.  Thanks for your help and suggestions!  I wish I had better news.

[gracefromHHP]

No reason to be without food prior to herpes testing.

this really sounds like the clinic you were seen at doesn't understand herpes testing :(

No, starting the medications now will not interfere with a blood test.  You will need to get a baseline blood test now and then potentially repeat it in 4 months. Should you get new lesions before that - go be seen and get them cultured and typed within 24-48 hours of their appearance.

acyclovir is 400mg 3x/day for 10 days if this is a suspected first ob.

grace

[inastrangeland]

I'm not entirely sure.  I tried to ask but they could give me the test today because they said I needed to not eat for 12 hours prior to getting tested.  
Does that mean that being on Acyclovir or Valtrex will interfere with the blood test?

There are still active sores that haven't healed so I'm hoping that a culture can be done.
I've taken one acyclovir 800mg tablet today but I don't take another one tonight if you are telling me that it will kill any active virus that may show up on the results.

[gracefromHHP]

what test are you having done tomorrow?  A lesion culture and typing should've been done at the time of your appointment.  A blood test now isn't likely to give you any answers except for if this isn't a newly acquired infection.

It's proper to prescribe treatment based on a visual diagnosis but there should also be a lesion culture done and if need be follow up blood testing.

grace

[inastrangeland]

No, just a visual examination and description of symptoms.  Tomorrow is the test.  I am in a foreign country right now so they are already prescribing it before the test is done.

[gracefromHHP]

What testing did you have done so far? Did she do a lesion culture and typing on your symptoms?

grace