If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of herpes, then you must immediately get yourself screened for the virus. Herpes is very contagious and can be contracted even with an indulgence in oral sex. There are proper herpes tests conducted in the labs to detect the infestation of HSV virus in your body. This infection starts showing on your body after a period of one- two weeks. It can cause small and painful blisters in areas like vagina, penis, buttocks, mouth, thighs, rectum, urethra, nose, throat, tongue, etc.

Before understanding about the test for herpes it is imperative to learn about the two types of viruses that can infect you. You can identify the virus that has attacked your body by simply keeping a check on the kind of symptoms you experience.

Types of virus:

HSV type 1- This virus can be identified by the formation of cold sores in the upper lips. These sores are also known as fever blister. They can be spread by mere kissing or sharing the used utensils of the infected person. To be precise, you can contract HSV-1 by simply using the spoon or plate of the infected person. If you are infected with this virus, you will predominantly observe the formation of painful cold sores around your genitals, thighs, buttocks, lips, throat and roof of the mouth.

HSV type 2- You are lately experiencing the appearance of sores in your genitals and other exposed areas, it is quite possible that you are infected with HSV-2 virus. This virus may be transmitted to the babies delivered from the womb of infected women. This virus is mostly contracted via sexual relationships. It can sometimes also cause mouth sores.

Tests for HSV

Most of the tests to detect herpes are done on the samples of sores occurred around the genital area. In rare cases, these tests are conducted on the blood sample, spinal fluid, urine sample or tear sample of the person. Below is the list of different types of tests conducted for HSV

Herpes viral culture: In this test fluid or cells from a fresh sore are accumulated with a cotton swab. This sample is then placed on the culture cup. With the help of this cup the person is tested for the presence of HVS virus in the body.

Herpes Virus antigen detection test: For herpes testing, this is one of the most reliable methods. In this test sample fluid is scrapped off from a sore. This fluid is then smeared on the microscope for detection. Microscope is able to spot the markers called antigens present only on the cells of infected person.

Polymerase chain reaction test: This test can be done on the sore fluid, blood sample, or any other fluid. It is also know as the blood herpes test. This test detects the genetic construction of the HSV virus on the infected cell.

Antibody tests: This herpes blood test includes the detection of HSV virus only on the blood sample. It is conducted to find the presence of antibodies to combat the HSV virus. It is not as accurate as other tests. If there is adequate presence of antibodies in the blood sample, this means that the person has recuperated from the previous infection.