When it comes to STD testing, herpes is not usually included in the standard panel. This is due to the limits of a blood test for herpes and the possibility of obtaining an incorrect result. Research shows that diagnosing herpes in a person with no symptoms does not change that person's sexual behavior or prevent herpes from spreading, so the CDC doesn't recommend testing for herpes for people without symptoms in most situations. Currently, there are several FDA-approved blood transfusion-based blood tests that can give accurate results for detecting herpes.
Like any other blood test, these tests cannot determine if the site of infection is oral or genital. However, since most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, a positive result for type 2 antibodies is likely to indicate genital herpes. To obtain the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12 to 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before taking an accurate and specific blood test for each type of organism, so that the antibodies have enough time to reach detectable levels. The CDC recommends including herpes testing when patients request a comprehensive STI exam, especially if they have had several partners.
STDs are a public health problem, so testing for STDs must be accompanied by education, which can help reduce stigma. In conclusion, it is important to understand why herpes is not included in standard STD tests. The chances of getting the wrong test results are higher for people who have a low risk of infection and diagnosing herpes in a person with no symptoms does not change that person's sexual behavior or prevent herpes from spreading. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 12 to 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before taking an accurate and specific blood test for each type of organism.
