Hi.can genital herpes be detected by vaginal swabs.

Yes, if: Swabs can detect herpes in the vaginal area if the blisters are opened and the fluid is collected on a swab. Just a blind swab in the vagina if there are no blisters present is unlikely to pick up the herpes even if it is present.

Herpes: is not detected on routine vaginal swabs. If an open lesion suspicious for herpes is seen on exam it can be cultured. Growing HSV in culture is not easy so a negative culture does not rule out the virus , but a positive culture does confirm it. When in doubt, antibody testing can be done. Antibody testing may have to be repeated if it is negative because it takes time for antibodies to form.