When Is Herpes Testing Conclusive?

While early detection of sexually transmitted infections is crucial, performing the test too early might yield inaccurate results. So, when should you get tested, and when is a herpes test conclusive? Keep reading to find out the answers.

When Is Herpes Testing Conclusive?

Although early detection of herpes is essential for starting treatment, testing too soon after infection can result in a false negative. So, when is a herpes test conclusive?

A herpes test is conclusive when conducted after enough time has passed since exposure to the virus, allowing the body to develop a detectable immune response. 

To clarify in more detail, different types of tests are used to diagnose herpes, each detecting the infection differently and requiring different time frames for a definitive result. The following sections will explain this in detail.

Types of Tests Used to Diagnose Herpes

Several main diagnostic tests can be used to detect herpes, and the doctor typically chooses the most appropriate one based on the presence or absence of symptoms.

If herpes symptoms are present, the doctor may request a viral culture test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. If no symptoms are present, antibody tests might be requested. Here are the details of each type:

• Viral Culture Test

In this test, the doctor swabs one of the sores to take a sample, which is then examined in the lab for the virus itself. It's recommended to perform this test within 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms, as the virus levels in the sores decrease after this period, increasing the chances of a false negative. Results usually take 7 days.

Note that herpes symptoms typically appear 4 - 7 days after infection, and the initial symptoms include sores resembling blisters, known as herpes lesions, on the mouth and genital area.

• Blood Tests

These blood tests detect the presence of herpes antibodies in the blood rather than the virus itself. The presence of antibodies can indicate infection, even in the absence of symptoms. Some tests can differentiate between different types of herpes virus.

The time it takes for a blood test to detect a current herpes infection depends on the incubation period—the time the body needs to produce antibodies. Here are the details for when each test is conclusive:

1. Herpes IgG Test

This test detects IgG antibodies, the most common type of antibodies. The body produces these several weeks after infection, and they usually remain in the body for life. This test can distinguish between herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).

However, the time it takes for the body to produce sufficient levels of IgG for detection varies from person to person, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. For a more accurate result, it's advisable to wait 12 - 16 weeks from the last possible exposure before taking this blood test, allowing enough time for antibody levels to become detectable.

Blazma offers tests for HSV-1 Ab-IgG and HSV-2 Ab-IgG antibodies, which do not require any prior preparations.

2. Herpes IgM Test

This test detects IgM antibodies, which the body produces immediately after the first exposure to the virus. However, these antibodies do not last long and disappear within a few months.

It generally takes 2 - 12 days for the body to produce detectable levels of IgM antibodies. Thus, the best time for a herpes test is about 12 days post-infection or approximately two weeks.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

For this test, a specialist scrapes one of the sores or blisters to take a fluid sample or takes a blood sample to look for the herpes virus's genetic material.

Doctors typically request this test if more than 48 hours have passed since symptoms appeared. Test results are usually ready within 24 hours.

Tips for Waiting Until the Test

If someone suspects they have herpes but has not been conclusively diagnosed, they should:

• Stop all sexual activity until the test confirms or rules out infection.
• Consult a doctor to schedule the test once the virus incubation period has passed. If symptoms appear, diagnosis can be based on the visible lesions.