Serum herpes simplex antibodies

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Herpes biopsy

Herpes serology

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

While herpes virus 1 or 2 are usually only active episodically, once in your system, they remain for the rest of your life. Consult your medical provider about special measures you may need to take if you develop symptoms as well as how to decrease your risk of transmitting the virus(es) to susceptible people. Condoms may not fully protect against HSV viruses.

Review Date: 06/17/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.