Genital Herpes TestingThe importance of Genital Herpes testing continues to rise. Estimates project that more than half the adults in the United States carry HSV antibodies. With more and more people at risk of contracting herpes simplex virus (HSV) it is foolish to put off getting a herpes virus test. We are all exposed to situations where the HSV-1 can be contracted on a daily basis. HSV-2 less common, better known is still a threat and can be detected with the same herpes simplex virus test that HSV-1 requires. HSV-2, the most commonly known form of genital herpes simplex virus is generally contracted through sexual contact. Commonly causing sores in the genital region, it can also cause sores in the mouth area. Very rarely, either form of herpes simplex can affect other areas of the body, like the brain and eyes. There are several ways a sample can be collected for a herpes virus test. Most commonly fluid or cells from the area of the sores is collected with a cotton swab. Several types of bodily fluid can be collected for testing as well; spinal fluid, blood, and rarely, urine or tears. Because it is so specific, the most common genital herpes test is done by a viral culture. The area of the sores is cotton-swabbed to collect a sample. The cells are then developed in a culture cup. Another method of genital herpes testing that uses the cells collected from the cotton swab is the herpes virus antigen detection test wherein the cells are smeared onto a slide and the surface of the cells is checked for markers, called antigens. In the rare occurrence where a herpes infection in or around the brain is suspected the most useful test is the (polymerase chain reaction) PCR test. The test can be used on cells or fluid from a sore however it is more complicated than the viral culture method so that doesn't happen often. PCR is much more common for testing the spinal fluid since that indicates the presence of herpes near the brain. The test finds the genetic material that makes up the HSV virus. PCR herpes tests also offer an advantage to those who want to know if they have HSV-1 or HSV-2 as it can differentiate between the two. Current genital herpes testing commonly use antibody (IGg) specific serology or genital herpes blood tests. The immune produces a certain type of antibodies in an attempt to fight the herpes virus. The presence of these antibodies indicates a herpes infection. It cannot tell you when you were first infected but it occurend more than 6 weeks ago. These antibodies take time to develop, so herpes blood tests cannot detect recent infections. One of the benefits of this form of genital herpes testing is that it can determine if the antibodies present are a result of HSV-1 or HSV-2 
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