Herpes Tests: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A test for herpes may be done to:
- Find out whether HSV is causing sores around the mouth or in the genital area.
- Determine which virus type (HSV-1 or HSV-2) is causing sores around the mouth or in the genital area.
- Find out whether the sex partner of a person with genital herpes may be infected with HSV.
- Diagnose a herpes infection in a newborn baby whose mother has genital herpes.
| 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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