There are a number of testing procedures to determine a Herpes infection. Proper diagnostic procedures include a physical examination of infected areas by a qualified health care professional. Most experienced practitioners are competent in identifying HSV by its visible characteristics. Cell cultures are the standard test for confirmation, and must be taken by sampling or swabbing an active lesion.
Cultures are best when taken on a fresh lesion.
Even then, the amount of virus present may not be enough to get an accurate result. Suspected Herpes infections that show negative in culture may require additional testing. However, a positive result by culture is a definite determinant of infection. Most commercially available blood tests and titer tests are not accurate for determining HSV type, the only exception being the Western Blot serology, which must be specially ordered and processed through the lab at the University of Washington. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks after initial infection for antibodies to develop in the blood.