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Herpes viral culture of lesion - Risks

Alternative Names

Culture - herpes simplex virus; Herpes simplex virus culture

What the risks are:

Risks include slight bleeding or infection in the area where the skin sample was removed.

Special considerations:

Viral culture for herpes is a poor test and is often falsely negative (but extremely rarely falsely positive). That is, even with a negative result, the person could still have herpes.

Newer herpes simplex fluorescent antibody testing may be an alternative. Please consult your doctor.

  • Reviewed last on: 12/3/2007
  • D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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