If you think you have genital herpes, it’s important to see your doctor. There are several diagnostic tests available, each with different degrees of accuracy. During your visit, note which diagnostic test you are undergoing for future reference.
Swab tests
The best time to seek a swab test is when you have a visible outbreak and the sore hasn’t developed a crust yet. Your doctor will take a swab from the fluid of the lesion and send it off to a laboratory. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to get your results back.
- Either test – viral culture or PCR – can confirm if you have HSV-1 (cold sores) or HSV-2 (genital herpes).
- If you get a negative result, it does not mean that you don’t have genital herpes. You may have to have repeat tests to be sure.
