What blood test that is accurate for herpes?

by tim brown
(nashville nc nash)

I have a question so is there a blood test that is accurate to take for a herpes test?

Answer

Initially for diagnostic purposes blood tests can be used when a person has no visible symptoms but has concerns about having herpes. Blood tests do not actually detect the virus; instead, they look for antibodies (the body's immune response) in the blood.

For the most accurate blood test result, it is recommended to wait 12 - 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, FDA-approved type-specific IgM/IgG Elisa Test or the Western Blot blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.

Other Diagnostic Tests

The ultimate test is PCR of spinal fluid, it is the most accurate test for viruses in existence to detect viral DNA. The PCR test can be done on blood but it is uncertain, more reliable on spinal fluid where the virus hides between outbreaks.

The test called the PCR DNA (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, can identify the DNA from viral particles to an extremely high degree of accuracy and can differentiate between the two types.

The PCR DNA test tracks viral DNA and can find herpes simplex virus even when no symptoms are present. The PCR tracks Viral DNA. Absence of DNA means no Virus.

PCR testing is likely to replace the viral culture in the future, in some countries the PCR DNA test is not routinely available to the clinician in the office at this time. However if your doctor has the ability to perform a spinal tap, then ask for PCR DNA test instead of an IgG blood test.