Kennesaw, GA

A 20-year-old female asked:

i just saw an answer to a question, do healthcare providers really do oral swabs/tests for herpes these days ? i thought they were unreliable

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered

Pathology 44 years experience

Testing's hard: Neither the bloodwork nor swabs for cells / viral cultures are 100% reliable. The same is true of most labs. The real question is, "who should be treated, with what, and when?" it's often a judgement call for the physician, with the patient participating as well.

4924 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Ask doctors free

Personalized answers

Free

Talk to a doctor

24/7 visits

$15 per month

Related questions

A 45-year-old member asked:

What is the best way to choose a healthcare provider?

2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

A 21-year-old member asked:

How can I find a healthcare provider who treats rls?

2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

A 21-year-old member asked:

Is it important to see a healthcare provider?

4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

A 32-year-old member asked:

How do healthcare providers or med students remove sutures?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A member asked:

I think I may have a stomach ulcer. Can I meet with a doctor virtually concerning this or should I just go ahead and schedule an in person visit with a local healthcare provider? Stomach Pain

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Ask doctors free

Personalized answers

Free

Talk to a doctor

24/7 visits

$15 per month

Last updated Aug 20, 2013

People also asked

Are there healthcare providers other than physicians (e.G. M.D.'s, d.O.'s) on healthtap who answer questions?

2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

I am a unpaid healthcare provider for my mom. She has ms, i live with her now and i need any answer i can get as to how to help.

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Since herpes "shed" with no outbreak can't providers do oral swabs and vaginal cultures without an outbreak to diagnose or rule out herpes 1 or 2?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

I'm at my wits end, healthcare providers keep refusing to give me herpes blood tests, what do I have to do, tell them my partner thinks he's got it?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

What do they inject into your arm during PPD test? In people with (+) even after chest xray, can they still be healthcare providers? Is test painful?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.

Talk to a doctor now

24/7 visits

$15 per month

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.