Herpes Tests: What Affects The Test
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What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- If a culture sample is taken from a crusted, older sore.
- If a blood sample is taken before antibodies against HSV have formed. This period is called the window period or seroconversion period.
- If you are taking antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir.
| Last updated: | February 05, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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