What Is The Swab Test For Herpes

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U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Understanding Genital Herpes

Overview Cause Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications Overview Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, one of every five teenagers and adults is infected with genital herpes. Women are more commonly infected than men and it is estimated that one of every four women has herpes. Although at least 45 million...

Ask the Experts

Will Herpes test detect HIV?

Doctor Bob,I have had a genital swab test done for Herpes. The test being done is a PCR test.Because HIV can be detected by PCR does this mean that this test will detect HIV if it is present in my body?Thanks...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Will a herpes test detect HIV? No, of course not. If it did, it would be called an HIV test, right? PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It's a laboratory technique used in many tests. It is not specific for HIV.If you're concerned... Read more »

Oral swab test vs. Oral blood test

I went for a general testing yesterday. The rapid oral test came out positive to my shock. I was then taken from the clinic to the hospital for a more detailed blood test including the Weston Blot.The rapid blood test came out neg. The lady at the...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi.If you've had "very few sexual encounters and zero unprotected ones," your chances of being HIV infected are essentially nonexistent, assuming the latex condoms were used properly and didn't break. HIV cannot permeate intact... Read more »

Urethra Cotton Swab Test

Hi,I went to my local health department to get STI testing. One of the things they did is shove a cotton swab up my urethra and turn it. I was in severe pain, and got dizzy afterwards, and then threw up. I just wanted to know that if it was possible...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,The cotton swab rammed up the one-eyed monster is not exactly a pleasant experience. I've seen a few folks get dizzy and lots of folks curse like Al Sweringen on Deadwood, but I haven't seen anybody barf afterward. I'll bet that... Read more »

oral swab test- done wrong?

i had an oral swab test done at 9 months post incident.. when i went to the testing site the lady had me swab my own gum line. I accidentally swiped my cheek before she saw and had me change technique. I then die my gum. She came back in the...

Response from Shannon Southall

Rocky Mountain CARES

HiThanks for the question. There are two lines on the test a "c" and a "t". If there is a line in the "c" this means the test was done correctly. The test is picking up antibodies that your body makes against HIV.... Read more »

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oral swab test - elisa + western blot

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Does anyone know about this oral swab test they give at free clinics? Are they as sensitive as a real blood test? The test consists of an oral thing you hold against your gums for awhile, and then they do 2 elisa screens on it, followed by a western... Read more »

No Symptoms, but Tested POS mouth swab

Posted by Guest8923, 2 Replies

I just need a little encouragement. I took a mouth swab in May 2008 and it was + for HIV. I took a full blood test at my drs office tested neg, i waited 8 months to make sure and tested neg again. I still have anxiety about the pos. I have no... Read more »

oral swab testing concern

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I recently tested negative using quick at my nearest clinic. I tested outside of the window period which was 7 mths. My concern is that I may have performed the test wrong. I was told to brush my gums for a period o time, then the nurse put the... Read more »

oraquick advanced rapid hiv1/2 (oral swab)

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I have taken the test using the oraquick advanced rapid hiv1/2 antibody test (oral swab). I thought I was sure of the negative result that I rcvd at 15 weeks post expo. But I find my self doubting, since the symptoms are more convincing.
How much... Read more »

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