What are the other Names for this
Test? (Equivalent Terms)
- Herpes Blood Culture Test
- HHV-1 Blood Test
- HSV DNA Blood Test
What is Herpes Blood Test? (Background Information)
- Herpes viruses are a large group of
viruses, many of which cause human illnesses
- Herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1)
primarily infects the oral cavity and mouth, causing blisters and cold sores.
HSV-1 is mainly spread through the saliva
- Herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2)
primarily infects the region around the genitals and anus, causing painful
blisters. HSV-2 is mainly spread through sexual contact
- HSV-1 is also known to infect the
region around the genitals and anus, as HSV-2 is known to infect the oral
cavity and mouth. Herpes virus can also be transmitted to a newborn during
delivery
- Herpes virus causes symptoms within
3-5 days; some symptoms may persist for 2-3 weeks. They may be so mild, so as
to go unnoticed
- After this time, the virus enters a
period of dormancy, called the latent phase. The virus may emerge during times
of immunosuppression, such as illness and stress
- There are no known cures for herpes virus
infections. However, antiviral drugs are sometimes used to shorten the active
phase, or the period of time during which the virus “sheds”. This (virus
“sheds”) means the time of infection during which the herpes virus is actively
multiplying in the body and is released into various body fluids. During the
active shedding period, the virus may be transmitted or spread from one person
to another
- After infection by herpes virus, the immune
system creates antibodies specific to it. Antibodies are proteins that
recognize foreign objects, such as herpes, and help rid them from the body. The
presence of antibodies against herpes virus in the bloodstream is indicative of
a prior exposure to herpes virus. This is diagnostic of a current or past
infection
The Herpes Test detects the presence
of herpes virus in a sample of body fluid, using one of several methods. These
include:
- Culturing: The specimen is used to
infect test cells, which can be analyzed and further identified as either HSV-1
or HSV-2
- Antibody testing: The specimen is
analyzed for antibodies against herpes virus. These include short-term IgM
antibodies and long-term IgG antibodies, which continue to be produced for the
rest of an individual’s life
- DNA testing: The specimen is analyzed
for the presence of herpes virus DNA. The virus can further be identified as
either HSV-1 or HSV-2. This test is more sensitive than other tests
The Herpes Blood Test uses blood as a
sample for testing and analysis.
What are the Clinical Indications
for performing the Herpes Blood Test?
Following are the clinical indicators for performing a Herpes Blood Test:
- Blistering around the mouth, anus, or
genitals
- Sexual contact with an individual
known to be infected by HSV
- Fever, headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
How is the Specimen Collected for Herpes Blood Test?
Following is the specimen collection
process for Herpes Blood Test:
Sample required: Blood
Process of obtaining blood sample in
adults:
- A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4
inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow
pit)
- The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol
in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
- The needle cap is removed and is held
in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
- With a small and quick thrust, the
vein is penetrated using the needle
- The required amount of blood sample is
collected, by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
- The wrap band is removed, gauze is
placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
- The blood is immediately transferred
into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot
activator/anti-coagulant
- The syringe and the needle are
disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal
Preparation required: No special
preparation is needed prior to the test.
What is the Significance of the
Herpes Blood Test Result?
The significance of Herpes Blood Test
is explained:
- A positive test may indicate an infection
with HSV-1 or HSV-2
- A negative test may indicate:
- Not enough time has passed to allow for the production of detectable levels of anti-HSV antibodies
- There may be an infection by a similar virus
- The individual is incapable of producing anti-HSV antibodies and may be too young
The laboratory test results are NOT to
be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results
have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and
additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will
explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical
scenario.
Additional and Relevant Useful
Information:
- Herpes virus usually causes a self-limiting
disease; in other words, it resolves without the need for significant medical
interventions. However, the symptoms may be alleviated through rest,
consumption of fluids, and with proper medications
- Herpes virus is a common infectious
agent. An estimated 50% of US adults are infected with HSV-1 and 17% with HSV-2
Certain medications that you may be
currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important
to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including
any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare
provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary
chances of a misdiagnosis.
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