Herpes Tests

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.

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Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: January 13, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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