My sore is crusting over. Should I still come?

Yes, today. Sensitivity falls as the lesion heals, and we would rather tell you that up front than run a test that cannot help.

Can PCR tell HSV-1 from HSV-2?

Yes, and the distinction matters for counseling.

It cross-reacts and produces false positives, and it does not reliably indicate recent infection. CDC does not recommend it.

Yes — antiviral therapy suppresses outbreaks and reduces transmission. The physician decides what is appropriate.

Should Herpes Be Tested by Lesion PCR or by Blood?

Medically reviewed by our MD Laboratory Director (a role required by CLIA; the director's name is on file in the CMS CLIA database, #45D2048957, and can be verified independently) · Editorial policy

Molecular fluorescence imaging — Auspicious Laboratory, Houston

Swab the sore. If there is no sore, think hard before ordering a blood test you may misread.CLIA #45D2048957 · CAP #8722734 · Same-day results · Walk-ins welcome

Lesion PCR when a sore is present: it identifies the virus and its type, directly. Type-specific IgG tells you only that you were exposed at some point in your life — not when, not where, and not whether the sore in front of you is herpes. HSV IgM is not recommended by CDC; it is a well-known generator of false positives and unnecessary panic.

Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808

3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome

Matching the test to the question

Your situation	Right test
You have a sore right now	Lesion PCR — come in today, while it is fresh
No symptoms, general screening curiosity	Routine serologic screening is not recommended by CDC for the general population
Partner has HSV; you want to know your status	Type-specific IgG — discuss interpretation with the physician first
Anyone offering you an IgM test	Decline, and ask why

A positive HSV-1 IgG in an adult is close to meaningless on its own — a large share of the population carries it, mostly from childhood oral exposure.

We name drugs, never doses. Treatment statements follow CDC guidance; the physician decides what you actually take.

Same day, start to finish. Sample by 1:00 PM → results at 4:30 PM → if treatment is clinically appropriate, a licensed physician in our partner network sees you between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, a few minutes away. That window is reserved for patients tested here, and your slot is held the moment we take your sample — the slot is held, not hunted. On your own, a same-day appointment is nearly impossible; at an urgent care, you wait in the queue. STAT: ~2 hours, sample in by 3:00 PM.

FAQ

My sore is crusting over. Should I still come?: Yes, today. Sensitivity falls as the lesion heals, and we would rather tell you that up front than run a test that cannot help.
Can PCR tell HSV-1 from HSV-2?: Yes, and the distinction matters for counseling.
Why is IgM bad?: It cross-reacts and produces false positives, and it does not reliably indicate recent infection. CDC does not recommend it.
Is there treatment?: Yes — antiviral therapy suppresses outbreaks and reduces transmission. The physician decides what is appropriate.

Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808

3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome

References

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