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Can Herpes Be Detected Through Urine Sample?

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Posted on Sun, 16 Jun 2019
Question: can herpes be detected through urine sample?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the simple answer is no...

Herpes can be detected (with PCR) in the blood or in the cerebrospinal fluid. A viral culture is also possible after taking a sample from a lesion. This is the least useful method though. Microscopic examination of a fresh sample from a lesion may reveal abnormal cells (Tzanck smear). The microscopic examination is not as accurate or sensitive as the PCR based methods.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (37 minutes later)
and the blood work for it is called just an STD blood testing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
please read the full answer

Detailed Answer:
Herpes can be sexually transmitted, so it's an STD but herpes is just one of many STDs. The actual blood test is either a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for herpes or antibodies against herpes (IgG/IgM). Detecting the antibodies is a less accurate way to diagnose herpes.

STD tests always include a test for herpes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (9 minutes later)
and the blood work for it is called just an STD blood testing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no...

Detailed Answer:
As already explained in my previous answers the tests for herpes are:
- viral culture
- antibodies against herpes (IgG/IgM)
- PCR for herpes
- Microscopic examination of lesion scrapings.

STD testing should include herpes tests (the antibodies usually) but "STD blood testing" is not a standard testing procedure. Different labs may do different tests. If you want to test for herpes then you should either do the antibody tests (particularly if you want to detect past infection) or the PCR for a very recent infection. If you've already done tests then please upload them and I'll be glad to explain the results.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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Can Herpes Be Detected Through Urine Sample?

Brief Answer: no Detailed Answer: Hello, the simple answer is no... Herpes can be detected (with PCR) in the blood or in the cerebrospinal fluid. A viral culture is also possible after taking a sample from a lesion. This is the least useful method though. Microscopic examination of a fresh sample from a lesion may reveal abnormal cells (Tzanck smear). The microscopic examination is not as accurate or sensitive as the PCR based methods. I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Kind Regards, Dr Panagiotis Zografakis Internal Medicine Specialist