Real-Time PCR for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1&2 (Viral Load)

A positive result indicates an active HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. The viral load number can help assess the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment.

Symptoms may include painful blisters or open sores in the mouth or genital areas, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness and painful urination.

HSV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the sores or body fluids of an infected individual, often through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, and also by sharing lip balm or razors.

Using protection during sexual activity, avoiding sex during an active outbreak, and not sharing personal items like razors can help prevent HSV transmission.

A6: This test involves a routine blood draw, which may cause mild discomfort and bruising at the injection site.

A high viral load suggests an active or severe infection. This information helps your healthcare provider decide on the best course of treatment.

A8: Yes, if you're pregnant and have or suspect you have an HSV infection, testing is essential as HSV can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

The test is generally safe, with slight risk of bruising, infection, or fainting during the blood draw.

There's currently no cure for HSV infection, but medications can manage symptoms, reduce outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission.

A negative result generally suggests no active infection, but it doesn't rule out the possibility of past or future HSV infections.

HSV itself usually causes mild symptoms, but it can lead to severe complications in people with weakened immune systems and can increase the risk of acquiring HIV.

Yes, HSV is a lifelong infection with intermittent outbreaks.

Factors include stress, fatigue, other infections, hormonal changes, or trauma to the affected area.

An abnormal result should be discussed with a healthcare provider, typically a dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist, or infectious disease specialist.

Yes, the test can detect both HSV Type 1, typically responsible for oral herpes, and HSV Type 2, which usually causes genital herpes.

While PCR is a highly sensitive test, it may not always detect HSV when the virus is dormant and not actively producing viral particles.

The frequency of testing depends on your symptoms and your doctor's recommendations. If you're on antiviral therapy, your doctor may schedule regular tests to monitor the viral load and treatment efficacy.

Free virus' refers to active viral particles capable of causing infection, while 'latent virus' refers to a dormant state of the virus that remains in the body but does not cause symptoms.

Yes, HSV can be transmitted from an infected individual to an uninfected individual even if sores are not present, through a process called asymptomatic shedding.

As of now, there is no approved vaccine for HSV. However, research is ongoing to develop an effective vaccine.

No, there are no dietary restrictions before taking the test.