Genital Herpes Testing Singapore | Shim Clinic
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As genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, please refer to herpes simplex testing
LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS
Viral isolation in cell culture
This is considered the ‘Gold standard’. The test is both sensitive and specific, but sensitivity declines as lesions heal; viral typing is possible.
Type-specific serological tests (TSSTs)
Based on recombinant type-specific glycoproteins gG1 (HSV-1) and gG2 (HSV-2). Good sensitivity and specificity and are useful in certain clinical situations e.g. confirming a diagnosis of genital herpes, counselling of sexual partners of infected persons, detection of unrecognised infection and for seroepidemiological studies. TSSTs are also useful in high risk populations such as MSM, individuals with multiple sex partners and HIV positive individuals. Screening for HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the general population is not indicated. Examples of these tests are HerpeSelect 1 and 2 ELISA (Focus Technologies, USA) and Immunoblot test kits.
As nearly all HSV-2 infections are sexually acquired, the presence of type-specific HSV-2 antibody implies anogenital infection. Most persons with HSV-1 antibodies have oral HSV infection acquired during childhood, which might be asymptomatic. The presence of HSV-1 antibody does not distinguish anogenital from orolabial infection.
HSV antigen detection
By Direct Immunoflouresence techniques. Results may be available in 1 to 2 days. HSV type is reported if the test is positive.
PCR detection of viral nucleic acid
Highest sensitivity viral typing possible; but expensive and not widely available. Test of choice for detecting HSV in spinal fluid.
Serology
Many commercial tests for HSV antibodies are not type specific and are of NO value in the management of genital herpes.
| Genital Herpes Testing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CODE | TEST / PROFILE | TaT* | SPECIMEN | PRICE |
| HSVPCR | Herpes Simplex Virus I & II (PCR) | 1 | Dry Swab | $190 |
| HSV | STD PROFILE HSV | 1 | 6P | $65 |
| HS1 | Herpes Simplex Type I IgG | 2–4 | 6P | $35 |
| HS2 | Herpes Simplex Type 2 IgG | 2–4 | 6P | $35 |
TaT* – Turnaround Time is in working days.
Price(s) are raw lab costs in SG$, subject to GST, service charge, procedure fees, consumables and consultation.
Sexual risk (of HIV/STD/pregnancy), and what you can do before and after exposure.
| Timeline | HIV | STD | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before exposure | |||
| Contraception (females only) |
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| HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) – Stop HIV infection before exposure |
STD vaccine: – Hepatitis vaccine – HPV vaccine |
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| STD / HIV exposure | No condom / Condom broke / Condom slip |
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| 0-72 hours | HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) – Stop HIV infection after exposure |
STD testing * – Screening test – to look for asymptomatic infections – from previous exposures |
Emergency contraception with the morning-after pill (females only) |
| 2 weeks | HIV DNA Test | ||
| 1 month | HIV 4th Generation Test – SD Bioline HIV Ag/Ab Combo – Fingerprick blood sampling. – 20 minutes to results |
||
| 3 months | HIV 3rd Generation Test – OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Antibody – Oral fluid or – Fingerprick blood sampling. – 20 minutes to results |
STD testing * – Full & comprehensive – diagnostic test – to look for current infections |
|
| Watch for | HIV Symptoms | STD Symptoms | |
| If infected | HIV Treatment | STD Treatment | Abortion |
* Males: Do not urinate for at least 4 hours before arriving.
* Females: testing is more accurate when you are not menstruating.
References