Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test: Types, Uses, Procedure & Result

What is an HSV Test?

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes Herpes. It is a skin infection with painful blisters or sores in various body parts, caused by HSV. Different types of the HSV test are herpes culture, HSV-1 antibodies, herpes simplex viral culture, HSV-2 antibodies and HSV DNA. 

What are The Types of HSV?

HSV infection is of two types:

• HSV-1 or Oral herpes: It causes blisters or cold sores in and around the mouth.
• HSV-2 or Genital herpes: It causes blisters in the genital area.

Herpes spreads when in direct touch with the blisters. HSV-1 is transmitted via contact with the virus in cold sores in and around the mouth. HSV-2 spreads through oral, vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. In some cases, herpes can even spread despite the lack of sores. 

Both types of herpes are regular and recurring infections, which means even if your first outbreak gets cleared, you can expect more outbreaks in the future. However, the severity and outbreak occurrences tend to reduce over time. 

Apart from being highly uncomfortable, the HSV virus does not have any major health issues. However, these infections are more serious than you think. In some extreme cases, HSV can infect other body parts, also including the brain and the spinal cord. A mother infected with the virus can pass on the virus to her baby during the time of delivery, which can prove a serious life threat to a baby. 

An HSV Test is positive if your body has traces of the HSV virus. Sadly, there is no cure for herpes, however, you can effectively manage the condition with medicines. 

What is The HSV Test Used For?

An HSV Test is used to-

• Investigate the cause of blisters on the mouth or genitals
• Diagnose HSV-infected pregnant women
• Identify if a baby has been infected with the virus. 

Why Do You Need an HSV Test?

It is not recommended to do an HSV test if you are asymptomatic. However, you need to get tested if-

• You are experiencing HSV symptoms such as cold sores on your genitals or other parts of the body. 
• You have been in contact with an affected person. 
• You are carrying a baby and your partner has previously had herpes infection, in which case your baby needs to be tested too. 

HSV-2 can also increase the risks of AIDS and other STDs. You might be at a higher risk if you-

• Have had multiple sexual partners
• Are of any sexual orientation who does not practice safe sex.
• Has a partner who has been diagnosed with HIV or other STDs

In extreme cases, serious infections caused by HSV can result in signs such as

• Fever
• Stiffness in the neck
• Confusion
• Severe headache
• Light sensitivity

What You Should Expect During an HSV Test?

HSV test can be a swab test, lumbar puncture or a blood test. Your test depends on your symptoms and prior health history. 

During a swab, HSV 1 Test, your healthcare professional uses a swab to collect samples from a herpes sore. During an HSV Blood Test, your healthcare professional using a needle will draw a blood sample from your arm. A lumbar puncture is done in case the HSV infection reaches your brain or spinal cord, making it life-threatening.

During a lumbar puncture-

• Your healthcare provider will ask you to lie on your stomach. 

• A healthcare professional will sanitize your back and inject anaesthesia, to numb all pain. 

• Once the anaesthesia has affected the site, your healthcare professional will insert a thin needle between two vertebrae, in the lower part of the spine. 

• A small amount of CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) will be drawn which would take around five minutes. 

• Your doctor will ask you to lie on your back for an hour or two after the procedure is completed. This is so you can prevent a headache afterwards.

How to Prepare For Your HSV Test?

A swab HSV 1 Test and HSV Blood Test require no special preparation. However, for a lumbar puncture, you will have to empty your bladder and bowel before the procedure. 

Understanding The Results

Your HSV Test can have two results:

• Negative/ Normal

In case of a negative result, the herpes virus has not been found. You might still have the HSV infection even if your result is normal. It may mean that the sample did not have enough traces of the virus to be detected. If you are experiencing symptoms of herpes, you might need another test. 

• Positive/ Abnormal

In case of a positive result, it means that traces of HSV were found in your sample. This means you might have an active infection or have been infected in the past. 

In this case, talk to your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for herpes, if managed well, it can hardly be a serious health issue. The virus effect differs, someone might have a single outbreak their entire life, on the other hand, others might have outbreaks more often. To manage the virus, your healthcare professional will prescribe the necessary medication. 

FAQs

What is The HSV Test Used For?

The HSV test is used to identify if oral or genital blisters are caused by the HSV virus. It is also done to identify if a pregnant woman or the child is infected with herpes.

Why Do You Need an HSV Test?

If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with oral or genital herpes, you might need to be tested. You will also have to ask your sexual partners to get tested for herpes. 

What Does HSV Positive Mean?

HSV positive means you have tested positive for the HSV virus. It also means that even if you are currently not showing any symptoms, you are infected with the virus. 

Should I Be Worried If I Have HSV-1?

HSV-1 is oral herpes which results in blisters or cold sores inside and around the mouth. However, with medication and proper medical procedures, your symptoms can be effectively managed.