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Different Types of Swab Tests?

Catt

By Catt
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Catt Honeycomb Member

Catt

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I recently realized that there are many types of swab tests (viral culture, PCR, etc.) and that not all distinguish type. Viral cultures, even, don't necessarily test for type unless certain steps are taken by the lab to do so, and it takes several more days to yield type (as opposed to just 1-2). PCR is the gold-standard and gives type, but is supposedly expensive, and rare for that reason. And there are other ones, too, and those don't test for type either. Its sounds like its a matter of how the doctor orders it and how much money and time the particular facility feels is worth spending, from what I read.

This all occurred to me later, since the lab only said I was positive for herpes. Maybe "herpes" is default language for hsv-2 but I can't assume (I did at first, because of where the infection shows up, but HSV-1 is so common, and the guy who gave me the virus has a regular cold sore problem). Plus the NP who did my exam thought I was crazy to think I needed a swab (minor symptoms) so I wonder if she didn't demand something more rigorous. But I have no idea how doctor's offices or labs work. Anyway, I feel like in everyone's story I read the person was given their type, so it seems odd to me that I wasn't told specifically. Right?

...(Of course, I will call the lab on Monday, but I can't help but obsess until then. If they don't know the type, I am running off to get a blood test.)

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Tiny Established Member

Tiny

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I am having issues with typing. I am super frustrated by unreliable tests at the moment and how dismissive the Drs are.

I got genital herpes from somebody with visible cold sore on there lips too. I have had 2 tests recently. The western blot (blood test) that says HSv-1 only...which makes sense given how I got it. And a PCR of a lesion which says HSV 2. I know that given the number of outbreaks I've had it would be impossible to have no HSV 2 anti-bodies. So one of those tests is wrong. I am PO'ed with the Dr and the nurse I'm currently dealing they both say--no big deal you have herpes, why do you want to know. But I am involved with a man who is HSV-1 positive...so I want to know I am not going to give him a whole new herpes in a whole new region--hardly unreasonable.

The long and short...I have had it 9 years and I have dealt with 2 nurses, 4 GPs, 2 midwives and an OB/GYN...and I am only getting typed now because the medical profession just don't care!

I'm planning on getting another PCR as soon as I get an OB but this time round I'm demanding that it not be identified as a genital swab--can't get out of my head that a lazy lab technician will just go with the obvious. Genital must be HSV 2!

BTW are you in the UK? I have read that they are very disinclined to type there.

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Catt Honeycomb Member

Catt

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Wow, that's very frustrating. You hear that both those tests are very reliable so that's puzzling they give different results. I'd be interested to hear the final verdict.

I'm in the US, actually. I learned from the lab that they have me down as hsv-2, but I felt a little rushed, and the first person I talked to at the lab didn't know what I meant by "typing" so I want to get a blood test some months down the line to know for sure. I agree that knowing type is important and you would hate for them to assume based on locale.

You know, I met someone who's had herpes 10 years. He had a blood test all these years later and it came up negative for hsv-2. He shrugged it off and found it funny, but I think thats extraordinary. I didn't want to pry too much, but I wondered if he's has hsv-1 this whole time...

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Tiny Established Member

Tiny

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It is all so confusing...only made worse when the Drs and labs are not on the ball! I remember having an HIV test once and calling in for the results and the person on the phone getting all flustered and rustling papers...in those 5 seconds seriously I felt like the bottom of my world had fallen out...They really don't understand emotions very well do they?

With my confusion at the moment I keep thinking if I do have HSV-2 what a nightmare it would have been if I had only had the blood test thought I had HSV 1 and then my boyfriend had got HSV 2--he would have thought I'd been cheating on him!

I read somewhere that rarely (like 5%) of people don't make antibodies--but I think it would be doubtful that a person can have antibodies for type 1 and not for type 2.

Yeah, you can't help being curious when you hear things like your friends results. I think it is becoming more common now days for people to get 1 on they genitals--the positive in that is that people are obviously having more oral sex ;-)

Good luck...I hope you stay outbreak free.

Me, I'm wishing santa brings me an outbreak so I can get a conclusive answer ;-)

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      What is the usual order of events in initial infection for GHSV?

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      What is the usual order of events in initial infection for GHSV?

      By WilsoInAus · Posted

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    • sgt98
      What is the usual order of events in initial infection for GHSV?

      By sgt98 · Posted

      Thanks @WilsoInAus I understand apologies for this but the only other thing I am worried about is that I did take a course of Famvir on day 1 as I felt like I was having an outbreak of cold sores and am worried that has suppressed the initial outbreak genitally 
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      What is the usual order of events in initial infection for GHSV?

      By WilsoInAus · Posted

      Hi @sgt98 it is not feasible to obtain a HSV-2 infection from receiving oral sex - only HSV-1 is feasible but you've already got that and immunity from any further infection with HSV-1. You do not need any further tests for HSV. You're feeling regret, try to forgive yourself and calm down, let the rational take over. You know the answer here and it won't be long until you believe it too.
    • WilsoInAus
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Without lesions, it is highly questionable that the ailment is related to herpes, yet testing is useful if you have concerns as you have done so.] About a month after that [herpes causes issues within days, if the first 'symptoms' are a month later - its extremely unlikely they are related to herpes], significant discomfort downstairs, however every test I have ever taken for HSV 1 and 2 has been negative. Here are the details: Face: Previously, some significant tingling and itching on the right side of my mouth, lips and chin (still there, but milder) [herpes does not cause general tingling and itching, it can cause a reasonably concentrated feeling of itch/throb from which a herpes lesion appears within hours]. Occasional hot flashes near my right eye, cheek and ear [herpes does not do this, it may be a immune response to something, or stress]. Sometimes it will feel like the skin is crawling on the right side of my face [herpes does not cause a general crawling sensation]. Never seen anything that looked like a traditional cold sore [that's extremely telling, even people with associated atypical symptoms will have experienced herpes lesions]. Occasionally, the left side of my face will have a momentary feeling of skin crawling, but it's so mild that I am not really worried about it. Downstairs: Thankfully, most of these are now milder than they were before. Occasional momentary pinch of pain at the base of my genitals. [herpes does not cause a general pinch feeling.] Aching pain in my boxer area (groin, leg folds) [nor this] Occasional feeling of cold in my boxer area, butt, or lower back. ( also in my shins and occasionally even my arms) [nor this] On 4/30/2022, I had been in discomfort for almost two months. I scratched an itch, noticed it hurt, and then checked - I did have an open ulcer down there. Took myself to the ER to get swabbed, came back negative. 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There are hundreds if not more than a thousand experiences on this website alone that are similar to yours that are truly negative for herpes I'm one of them!]  
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