How long does STI screening take to work for genital herpes?

A clinician may diagnose genital herpes by looking at the affected skin and taking a swab from a fresh blister or ulcer. The test checks the material on that sore, so a sample is harder to collect after it has healed. Blood testing has a different role and may not show when an infection began or which area is affected. Tell the clinician about the date of exposure, previous episodes and any antiviral medicine.

A negative swab does not always settle the question if the sore was healing, the sample was difficult to obtain or no lesion was present. The result is interpreted with the examination and your symptoms. Genital herpes can recur, and symptoms can improve before the result is reported.

Arrange an appointment while a new blister or sore is still present if possible. Avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex while sores or warning sensations are present, and use condoms or dental dams when advised because uncovered skin can still transmit infection. Keep the area clean and dry, wash your hands after touching it, and do not share towels. Ask promptly about antiviral treatment if symptoms are painful or severe.

Seek prompt care for severe pain, difficulty passing urine, rapidly spreading sores, fever, eye symptoms or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Contact a clinician urgently if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system and think you may have genital herpes. A partner's diagnosis also warrants confidential assessment, even if your skin looks normal.

Ask whether a sore swab is appropriate, whether treatment can start before the result, what a negative result means in your situation, and how to reduce transmission to partners.