
Learn more about the link between genital herpes and HIV in this fact sheet. Studies show that HIV risk is not lowered by genital herpes testing or treatment.
#Western blot test for herpes how to#
Providers can also tell patients how to lower the risk of transmitting herpes to sex partner(s).ĬDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms in most situations. This includes talking about medications that help with symptoms. Testing allows a healthcare provider to talk with patients about what to expect in the future. Shouldn’t CDC recommend testing for everyone?ĬDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms to confirm if they have it. When someone gets genital herpes, it can take up to 16 weeks or more after an exposure for the current tests to detect it. In addition to recommending specific tests, they can also help guide when you should get tested. They can help you decide what is best for you based on your sexual and medical history. If you’re sexually active, talk openly and honestly with your provider about testing for herpes and other STIs. A wrong result is also possible when the person has a low risk of infection. For example, if a person gets a blood test too soon after an infection, the result could be wrong.

If a patient has no blisters or sores, providers may use a blood test to see if they have herpes.


#Western blot test for herpes skin#
However, most people with genital herpes do not have symptoms or can mistake them for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. In fact, the tests that use these samples work best. They can also take a sample or swab from a blister or sore that is not already crusted over or healing.
