A 35-year-old member asked:
How reliable are genital herpes blood tests vs cultures?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Active vs past: Blood tests can detect exposure to the herpes virus but do not tell if there is active infection. Molecular testing of the affected cells/tissue is more practical than culture for ascertaining active infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Related questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
Will genital herpes show up on a blood test required to get married?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Usually not tested: Different states have different requirements for pre-marital tests. While a blood test can detect history or infection with herpes, I do not know tha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
How long would it take genital herpes after oral sex to show up on a blood test?
Dr. Birendra Tandananswered
Urology 36 years experience
in a few days- within a week
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Nov 24, 2021
View all answers
A 33-year-old male asked:
If i tested positive for genital herpes blood test when I am asymptomatic is it conclusive?
Dr. Marc Goldhagenanswered
Occupational Medicine 35 years experience
Yes: The blood test lets us know that you have the virus lying dormant in your body some where. When your immune system is otherwise compromised due to str... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
I was recently diagnosed with genital herpes through a blood test. Is it possible that i contracted it orally and only had one breakout in 3 years?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Possible: Please discuss this issue with your doctor at your next visit. God forbid the breakouts become an issue, there is treatment to address that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Is there a blood test which tests for genital herpes? Im pregnant and need to know.
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
May be: A blood test will reveal if you have been exposed to the virus but will not tell if you have active genital infection. Examination by a gynecologist ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2018
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