Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) DNA in Serum/Plasma by Nucleic Acid Probe

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever blisters, recurrent oral sores, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with HSV-1. It can also be used to monitor treatment response or assess risk for complications in certain situations.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a probe-based method to detect viral DNA.

What the Results Mean

A positive result means HSV-1 genetic material was found in your blood, suggesting an active infection. A negative result means no detectable viral DNA was found at the time of testing. Results alone don’t confirm the cause of symptoms—your provider will consider clinical findings and other tests.

Common Uses and Limitations

This test is primarily used for diagnosing active HSV-1 infections, especially in cases where symptoms are unclear or recurrent. It’s not typically used for routine screening or to confirm past infection without symptoms.