STD Testing Dallas, TX

Herpes of the Mouth

 There are several ways to test for the herpes virus. Among the tests available are a herpes viral culture, a herpes virus antigen detection test, a polymerase chain reaction test, and antibody testing. Some tests are less convenient because they require an active sore to be present. This raises a problem since some people are asymptomatic meaning they have no visible sores or symptoms.

 The herpes viral culture can only be performed when an active sore is present. Cells from the sore are collected with a swab and tested. This test is known for producing false negatives, meaning that it fails to find the virus even when it is present.

 The next type of testing, herpes virus antigen detection testing, is often done in combination with the viral culture. Again, this test requires an active sore to be present. Cells from the sore are scraped off and smeared onto a slide. This test looks for antigens on the surface of the cells.

 The polymerase chain reaction test finds the DNA of the virus. This can be done on cells or fluid from a sore although this is not common. It can also use blood or spinal fluid to determine if herpes has caused an infection on or around the brain. This type of test can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 (genital).

 The antibody test is a blood test to detect antibodies made by the immune system to fight the herpes virus. This test cannot tell the difference between a current active herpes infection and an infection that occurred in the past. If one has recently been infected, this may not produce a positive since the antibodies take time to develop after the first infection. This test is convenient since an active sore does not have to be present.

 Currently in the Dallas area, Any Lab Test Now is a lab testing facility that performs the antibody test for herpes. Early detection is the best way to prevent spreading this virus.