Herpes viral culture of lesion

Herpes Viral Culture of Lesion

A herpes viral culture of lesion test, also commonly referred to as a herpes simplex virus culture, is a lab test used to diagnose a herpes infection. A viral culture test is necessary to accurately diagnose a herpes infection because other tests such as antigen tests and swab tests, only test for antibodies or the genetic material of the virus.

The viral culture test requires a sample from the suspect area on the body, usually a swab of fluid from a blister or the affected skin. The sample is then sent off to a laboratory to be tested and examined under a microscope.

The skin sample is sent to the laboratory and cultured on a special medium. The virus is then allowed to grow in the lab. If the herpes virus is found in the sample, it can often be taken from the culture and examined further to determine if it is the herpes simplex virus.

• HSV-1, or oral herpes, typically affects the mouth or face. It can cause cold sores and fever blisters.
• HSV-2, or genital herpes, typically affects the genitals or anal area. It's a sexually-transmitted disease.

Though herpes viral cultures are generally considered safe, they can be uncomfortable. The testing site may be sore or tender and cause some mild irritation or itching. There is also a chance of infection at the site if the swab is not taken properly.

The herpes viral culture is necessary to accurately diagnose a herpes infection because other tests such as antigen tests and swab tests, only test for antibodies or the genetic material of the virus. In other words, the culture test detects live virus in a sample.

A herpes viral culture should be considered in people who suspect they have a herpes infection. It is often used to confirm a suspected infection or in cases when the individual has only minimal or atypical signs and symptoms of the infection.