A member asked:

Is blood pcr test accurate for hsv? i don't have any symptoms nor lesions or blisters on my genitals. i tested <0.9 igg & 1.5+ igm a week ago. help?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

HSV: Pcr would detect the viral level in the blood stream, but you have no symptom, a pcr would not be of any use, antibodies to hsv only mean post expousre to hsv.

Answered 3/8/2013

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Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

You misunderstand HSV diagnosis. If a doctor ordered these tests, so does s/he. PCR isn't used to diagnose new HSV infection. The IgM HSV test is useless, never done by STI/herpes experts; your weakly positive IgM result means nothing. The IgG test is useful only 90+ days after the last exposure. Also, testing works differently for HSV1 vs HSV2. If no symptoms, probably no need for any test.

Answered 10/17/2021

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