Severe forms
Ordinary genital or labial herpes does not produce viremia - blood is tested in systemic clinical pictures, where the result changes emergency therapy (intravenous acyclovir). For routine diagnosis of rashes - PCR from the lesion, for status - IgG antibodies.
When is it appointed?
- suspected systemic (generalized) infection;
- examination for immunodeficiencies;
- fever of unknown origin - advanced search;
- planning pregnancy with questionable serology;
- control of viremia in special groups.
When a pathogen is looked for in the blood
Whole blood PCR answers the question of systemic spread of infection: local carriage in the genital tract and viremia are different clinical situations. Tests in this group are prescribed by a doctor specifically (immunodeficiency, fever, controversial serology during pregnancy), and not as a screening: in immunocompetent people, the blood is usually “clean” even with a local infection. Correct interpretation saves nerves and money.
