Genital Herpes Testing Singapore | HIV PEP
Genital Herpes Testing in Singapore: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. Painful sores appear on the genitals. Sexual contact is the main route of viral spread.
Diagnosis of genital herpes
Your doctor can often diagnose genital herpes based on the physical examination, although certain diagnostic tests may also be used.
- Viral culture – This test involves collecting fluid or tissue from the sores. The sample is cultured in the laboratory under special conditions, to look for the virus.
- Blood antigen test – This test involves analysis of a blood sample for the presence of human simplex virus antibodies (immune response) to diagnose present or previous infection with herpes.
- Polymerase chain reaction test (PCR test) – PCR is a DNA amplification test that involves isolation of viral DNA from the blood or the sores. The presence of viral DNA indicates HSV infection; the test can also determine whether the infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2.