Posts Tagged ‘Viral Culture’

STD Testing For Genital Herpes

Comments: 0September 21st, 2011 by admin



Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing for genital herpes is important for those who are sexually active because the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be easily transferred to another person through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Most of the time, those who are carriers of the disease are not aware of it because there are usually no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, the indications are usually minimal and are often ignored by the infected person.

Herpes is a chronic disease but it could go into remission and if it recurs, the symptoms tend to be milder the next time around. Moreover, the length of the remission periods become longer over time. Some of the symptoms that may occur at the time when a person is first infected include vaginal discharge, ulcers and blisters on the cervix, painful urination, fever, cold sores usually around the mouth, malaise, and red blisters around the thighs, buttocks, genital area and anus. HSV is found on the skin surface and is transmitted to another person through moist skin, such as the genitals, rectum, the mouth and even the eyes.

One method of testing for herpes is through viral culture. A swab sample is taken within 48 hours after a lesion has appeared. This technique is highly accurate when it provides a positive result. However, it has the disadvantage of having a high probability for false negatives. Thus, blood tests may be recommended. These tests are based on measurements of the quantities of IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood because HSV itself is not found in the blood. IgM appears during the first infection but it may not appear during the recurrences of the disease. IgG is produced right after infection and remains in the blood for life. The problem with IgG tests is that they require a certain length of time before the quantity of IgG is detectable. Thus, there is a possibility of getting a false negative if the test is conducted too early. An alternative method for detecting herpes is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects the presence of the virus itself.

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Herpes Testing

Comments: 0June 8th, 2011 by admin

There are basically five ways to diagnose herpes in a patient. Herpes testing should not just include detection of the virus but its type and location as well. Knowing the type and location of the virus is important in assessing risks for transmission. Diagnostic measures in herpes testing include clinical examination, viral culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), non-type specific blood tests and type-specific blood tests.

Clinical examination of a patient includes history and physical examination. The doctor may ask about the patient?s sexual partners and practices. A timeline should be constructed as sores usually appear two to three weeks after the infection. Other important questions include presence of pain, itching, tingling, difficulty in urinating, et cetera. Physical examination includes checking for location of sores and swellings of the lymph nodes. Clinical examination is important in assessing the signs and symptoms of herpes but it does not confirm an infection by herpes as the symptoms may be seen in other diseases, the symptoms may present atypically or symptoms may not be present at all.

The second step in herpes testing is viral isolation and culture, which is the most valid test for herpes. The test is effective only when active viral shedding from open sores is present. Viral culture can identify the location of infection and make a distinction between HSV-1 and HSV-2.

PCR distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2 as well. It is more sensitive than viral culture that produces many false negatives. Active viral shedding is also a prerequisite for this procedure.

Non-type specific blood tests in herpes testing include Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). It can identify the presence of herpes infection but cannot differentiate the two types. Other blood tests which may be requested for herpes testing include detection of IgM and IgG antibodies but these are not specific to herpes and these are only reliable after a certain period of time after the infection.

Type-specific blood tests for detection of herpes include Western blot, Immunoblot test or a more specific type of ELISA. These blood tests do not require active viral shedding from open sores.

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Genital Herpes – The Types Of Common Tests

Comments: 0April 27th, 2010 by admin



The experienced eyes of the doctor commonly diagnose genital herpes. Most of the doctors recognize the disease with clinical examination. To confirm the presence different tests are done. Many times the test reports indicate absence of herpes. They need to be repeated after some days. All the testing facility may not be available everywhere. You need to discuss with your doctor about the reliability of the test and identification of HSV1 or HSV2. The test reports may be misleading if sample is withdrawn from old crusted sores. The common tests that are done to find out the presence of herpes are as below.

Viral Culture-

The common test to confirm the presence of herpes is culture test. In culture test, a small sample of fluid or cells is taken from the suspected sore with a swab. This sample is sent for testing. Many times, the results may be negative but you may be having genital herpes. This test is therefore repeated after some time. The test reports of rapid viral test can take 2 to 3 days while that of standard culture may take up to two weeks.

Herpes virus antigen detection test- In this test, cells that are taken from the sore are viewed under a microscope,. The presence of herpes antigens confirms the presence of herpes infection. The results o9f this tests are reported in a day.

PCR- this test is done on cells or sores. In this test the DNA of herpes virus is detected. This test can identify between the two types of Viruses- HSV1 and HSV2. PCR results are reported within three days.

Blood test-

In blood test, blood is drawn either by a needle or with a pinprick. This blood is tested for the presence of herpes virus. Some tests can identify between HSV1 and HSV2. A blood test can only tell you about the presence of virus in your body. It cannot tell you if you have an active breakout.

Commonly blood is tested for the presence of anti bodies of herpes virus. Your doctor will inform you about the reliability of the blood test he/she has performed, because many varieties of blood test options are available. Antibody test results are reported within two days.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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