To determine whether sores are being caused by the herpes simplex virus, different types of tests may be done.

Herpes viral culture. Cells or fluid from a fresh sore are collected with a cotton swab and placed in a culture container. A viral culture is regarded as the most specific method of diagnosing a genital herpes infection.

Herpes virus antigen detection test. Cells from a fresh sore are scraped off and then smeared onto a microscope slide. This test detects markers (called antigens) on the surface of cells infected with the herpes virus. This test may be done in addition to or in place of a viral culture.

Polymerase chain reaction (pcr) test. Pcr testing can be done on cells or fluid from a sore or on blood or on other fluid (such as spinal fluid). Pcr detects the genetic material (dna) of the hsv virus. This test can distinguish between hsv-1 and hsv-2. The pcr test is not commonly done on skin lesions, but it is best for testing spinal fluid, for rare cases in which herpes may be causing infection in or around the brain.

Antibody tests. Blood tests can detect antibodies that are made by the immune system to fight a herpes infection. Antibody tests are occasionally done but are not as accurate as a viral culture at identifying the cause of a specific sore or ulcer. Antibody tests cannot distinguish between a current, active herpes infection and a past infection. Because antibodies take time to develop after the initial infection, a positive antibody test may not be present if you have recently been infected. Some blood tests can diagnose the difference between hsv-1 and hsv-2. The results from an antibody test called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa, eia) may be available in about 2 hours.

Hope you're satisfied and you talk with your pcp about the best approach!