The Most Popular Cold Sore Test Is Usually Wrong
If you have had a positive blood test for herpes, the chances that you do have herpes are lower than you think.
As reported by the STAT, the most commonly used herpes test is so often flawed that the US Preventive Services Task Force says your doctor should not prescribe it for you if you no longer have herpes symptoms. This means that if you just need to get a few tests – let’s say you want to know your HIV status – adding a herpes test to your order won’t help.
If you get a positive result, make sure you discuss this with your doctor and ask how likely the test is to be correct. Also ask what other information they use to determine if you really have herpes.
Erroneous Herpes Tests Lead to Many False Positives and Needless Suffering | STATISTICS