In nearly half of patients with commercial test results indicating that they were infected with the most common cause of recurrent genital herpes, herpes simplex virus 2 HSV-2 , a subsequent test showed that the initial diagnosis was incorrect, the researchers report in a paper published today in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The high rate of false-positive HSV-2 tests was particularly troubling, said Dr. Anna Wald , who led the research.
When the antibodies are detected, the test is positive, meaning that the person is infected by the virus. No detected antibodies indicates no infection. Electron microscope image of herpes simplex viruses. For HSV-1, the researchers found that, among the people whose immunoassay registered as positive, were confirmed infected by blot test, suggesting that a positive immunoassay result for HSV-1 is likely reliable.
However, the immunoassay missed about 30 percent of those whose HSV-1 infection was positively identified with the blot test.
More troubling were the antibody test results for HSV Of the patients who tested positively, only The accurate herpes blood tests detect IgG antibodies.
The challenge here is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach detectable levels can vary from person to person. For one person, it could take just a few weeks, while it could take a few months for another. So even with the accurate tests, a person could receive a false negative if the test is taken too soon after contracting the virus. For the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12 — 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.
There are currently several FDA-approved, gG-based blood tests that can give accurate results for herpes. Like any blood test, these tests cannot determine whether the site of infection is oral or genital. However, since most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, a positive result for type-2 antibodies most likely indicates genital herpes.
Herpes experts H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, and Kees Reitmeijer, MD, PhD, explain the types of herpes tests available, what tests are preferred for those with or without symptoms, and what test to avoid.
See more of their conversation on sexualhealthTV. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit Ask the Experts to learn how. Skip to content. Diagnosing Herpes. Testing with symptoms When a person has active herpes lesions a. The sensitivity and specificity vary by the type of test used:.
The likelihood of a false-positive result is low but can occur due to user error or improper storage or handling. By contrast, a false-negative result is likely if your body has not produced enough antibodies to reach detectable levels.
For this reason, people are advised to wait 12 to 16 weeks from the time of an suspected exposure before getting a test. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital herpes — CDC fact sheet detailed. Updated July 22, Screening tests: a review with examples.
Inhal Toxicol. Preventive Services Task Force. Serologic screening for genital herpes infection: recommendation statement. Am Fam Physician. American Sexual Health Association. Diagnosing herpes. Updated Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Accuracy by Test Type. Other Testing Options.
False-Positive Results. Sensitivity and Specificity in Medical Testing. Recap There are other ways to diagnose herpes that may be more accurate than a blood test.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Herpes?
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