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Blood testing for herpes

Posted , 3 users are following.

as666
as666

Hi

I was recently diagnosed with HSV-2 which must have been dormant in my system for about three years. I asked my boyfriend to go to the sexual health clinic to get a blood test taken to see if he also carries the virus as he's never shown any symptoms. They turned him away saying they'd only take a swab if there were blisters present, but blood tested him for everything else which I found incredibly frustrating because I know there is a specific blood test available for the purpose of detecting HSV antibodies even though the carrier shows no symptoms. Is it possible for GPs to do this or will they turn him away too?! It's ridiculous and I'm losing my mind over it. If we were ever to break up he could potentially have it and be spreading it around unknowingly. Surely doctors would prefer anyone who has been exposed to it for so long to be tested to be on the safe side. Thanks.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • vickieonfire
    vickieonfire

    Posted

    Most GPs will send you straight to a sexual health clinic as they are not well enough equipped for it and prefer you to see a specialist.

    Some clinicians at GUM clinics will say they need to swab the sores as it's 100% effective in a diagnosis. Most typical std blood tests do not include the herpes test as it is more specific and need an extra test which can take up to a month to come back.

    If you are persistent with them and you go with him and say that you have it and wants see if you've passed it on then they shouldn't turn you away. That's why they are there!

  • as666
    as666

    Posted

    Yes I was gobsmacked when he came back and said they refused to test him at the clinic. He's reluctant to go back as you have to wait about 5 hours before you are seen unless you make an appointment, for which there is a TWO MONTH waiting list. I have pretty bad anxiety problems and this has been a huge trigger for it, I'm really struggling.
  • vickieonfire
    vickieonfire

    Posted

    Don't stress your self out too much chick as hard as it is cause you'll set yourself off with an outbreak. Same thing happened to me this week. Is there lot another local clinic. Mine covers a huge area and only has a week long waiting list!

    I don't know what else to suggest. Try calling your GP and asking if you can speak to a doctor or nurse over the phone to ask if they can do it.

    Best of luck

  • izzyb3
    izzyb3

    Posted

    You could look for a different clinic although travel is annoying. Also, you've been to a GUM clinic but is there an NHS walk in centre near you? My city has both and they both do the tests.

    Apart from this maybe calling your GP and see if they'll order the test.

    You have every right to be upset. If nothing else you think they'd run the test for peace of mind, so you know one way or another. It's frustrating.

  • as666
    as666

    Posted

    Thanks for your replies you two. I spoke to a doctor on the phone who said they wouldn't do it because "there's no point if there's no symptoms" (again) which I still find ludicrous but I've just had to accept it. My boyfriend doesn't care so I guess I'll have to try and not care either!
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