HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does A Swab Test Distinguish Between HSV1 And HSV2?

default
Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016
Question: I understand there are swab and blood tests for HSV. My question is whether swab tests distinguish between HSV1 & HSV2. I understand that blood tests can distinguish between HSV1 & HSV2 antibodies, but I don't know if that's true about swab tests. Could you please elaborate? In other words, if someone has genital HSV, can a swab test definitively tell whether the virus is HSV1 or HSV2?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Swab for PCR for type specific HSV DNA can distinguish between types

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have hone through your query and i have noted your concern

Yes, swab test which is a type specific PCR for Hsv DNA can very well distinguish between hsv types.

Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does A Swab Test Distinguish Between HSV1 And HSV2?

Brief Answer: Swab for PCR for type specific HSV DNA can distinguish between types Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us. I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have hone through your query and i have noted your concern Yes, swab test which is a type specific PCR for Hsv DNA can very well distinguish between hsv types. Regards