Herpes Test Preparation
When you consult your doctor or gynecologist about the presence of sores or blisters in the genital area, you may have to undergo two or more of the laboratory tests for herpes. It is important that you know what to expect and you have prepared for these tests.
If a viral culture test, or a virus antigen test, or a PCR test will be conducted, expect that a clean cotton swab will be used to scrape a herpes sore in order to collect cells that will be used for examination. Expect also to feel pain when this is done because the ideal places where cell samples are collected will be from the small newly-formed sores. This procedure poses no risk to you.
If an antibody test or blood test will be done, expect an elastic band to be wrapped around your upper arm and a needle to be stuck into your vein, from which blood is drawn. You may feel a little sting, but some health workers are so skilled that you would feel almost nothing at all. There is a possibility that a bruise will develop at the site where the needle punctured your skin. You can avoid this by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes once the needle is removed. On rare occasions, the puncture site may be inflamed and this condition is called phlebitis. You may take care of it by applying a warm compress over it.
The greatest problem with a blood test occurs when you have a blood-clotting problem. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture wound will continue to bleed. This happens when you have been taking medication that thins the blood and prevents it from clotting, such as aspirin and warfarin. If you are taking these medications, inform your doctor before any needle finds its way to your skin.
Results from these herpes tests take several days. In the meantime, avoid any sexual contact so that you may prevent the disease (if you have it) from spreading. “Abnormal” results mean positive results. That is, the presence of HSV was detected, antigens were found, and antibodies exist in the blood. “Normal” results mean that the tests came out negative or that no HSV, no antigens, and no antibodies were found. A normal result, however, could still mean that there is HSV infection and the viruses were just not detected by any of the tests conducted. This may happen, especially if you have been taking antiviral medications, such acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. The doctor would suggest conducting the tests again.