Genital Herpes

Formal name: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

The test is looking for evidence of infection by the Herpes simplex virus, a common sexually transmitted disease that causes small fever blisters (vesicles) on the mouth or genitals. The blisters seen around the oral cavity and in the mouth are commonly called “cold sores” and are evidence of active herpes infection.

How is the sample collected for testing?

Your doctor will take a swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the mouth or genital area.

NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.

Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.

If you don't know what a word or a medical term means, try the Mondofacto Online Medical Dictionary .