Re: Herpes simplex virus

Oral Herpes (HSV-1) Diagnosis

A doctor will base a presumptive diagnosis on information provided by the patient and on the physical examination. The characteristic appearance of the herpes sores leaves little doubt about the diagnosis. Further testing is usually not necessary.

If a definitive diagnosis is needed, because, for example, the infection involves other organ systems, the doctor may conduct laboratory tests listed below:

* A sample (tissue or fluid) from the sores to identify the virus as HSV

* A viral culture analysis

* A staining test called the Tzanck smear (shows nonspecific cell nucleus changes due to HSV)

* Antigen and antibody studies (serologic and PCR tests to determine if infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV- 2)