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Hello Doctor I Had An Exposure With A Girl Whom

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Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2019
Question: hello doctor i had an exposure with a girl whom i suspect to have herpes. its been 15 days today. since there is a window period for antibody test i would like to know if i can get PCR blood test since i have no symptoms as yet.

Are PCR tests accurate at 15 days.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding herpes testing

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

PCR for HSV is only done from a clinical lesion, if you have one, like a herpes blister or a sore on genitalia. Not from blood. Blood testing in herpes is only for antibodies which may be detectable at 2-3 weeks initially IgM and subsequently IgG against HSV which appears later at 4-6 weeks.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Hello Doctor I Had An Exposure With A Girl Whom

Brief Answer: Regarding herpes testing Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern. PCR for HSV is only done from a clinical lesion, if you have one, like a herpes blister or a sore on genitalia. Not from blood. Blood testing in herpes is only for antibodies which may be detectable at 2-3 weeks initially IgM and subsequently IgG against HSV which appears later at 4-6 weeks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.