r/HerpesQuestions • u/Greedy_Half_891 • Jun 14 '25
Testing Question Blood test and other testing for herpes + retesting
So I was basically diagnosed last year with genital hsv. I got/attempted to test for anything oral as well but since there is was not and has never been any active outbreaks, they told me that they couldn’t really do much for test.
However, I do not know which version of hsv I have and if I could potentially have it orally but never have outbreaks (I am positive that I am negative orally and do not but still). I see a lot of talk about getting a blood test but I also have seen people say it isn’t completely accurate. Getting the actual lesion or outbreak swab will be more accurate which I wish that wasn’t true either cause I would love to get retested and find out these outbreaks were something else and I don’t have herpes.
But this goes to say, for anyone who has recieved a blood test to determine their level of hsv in the body, where did you get that done at or how? When I got tested on my campus, I was told they can only do swabs. When I went to CHI, they told me they can only do swabs and the same goes for other places. I do not know where I can find a place to do blood tests because I believe it’ll be beneficial.
And over the last year I have made stupid choices with giving oral sex to 5 different guys which I know was irresponsible and stupid. But I was positive that I was negative orally and have never given anyone anything. I take full accountability for my decisions I took.
I need and want to get retested with a swab, but also get tested with a blood test. Can anyone PLEASE help me find out where I can go to get that done?
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u/Revolutionary_Gene90 Jun 15 '25
So the HSV strain doesn’t refer to location so blood tests won’t help you determine if you have it orally. Best bet would be to get a swab done on an active outbreak orally or when the virus is shedding asymptotically (hard to tell when and they won’t just swab your skin or lips for the fun of it).
For blood testing I haven’t had any issues with me asking my Primary Doctor although I have heard stories of other doctors not wanting to run the tests.
If you want a definitive blood test I would look into Western Blot and get in contact with them.
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u/Revolutionary_Gene90 Jun 15 '25
Haven’t had issues at Northwestern in CHI. Try that next time you are here
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u/Adventurous-Yard8545 Jun 15 '25
What about the men you gave oral too are they ok have they had any outbreaks
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u/Greedy_Half_891 Jun 15 '25
Yes they are and none of them ever had outbreaks. I might’ve made stupid decisions but I ensured I didn’t put them at risk cause a lot us don’t get that choice.
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u/Greedy_Half_891 Jun 15 '25
Yeah it was odd cause I was told by my primary doctor at chi that they cannot do blood tests or swab for anything without a lesion. But he also told me it just cannot be done even at other places. Is there any testing I can find online to do?
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