Herpes Tests

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• If the sample is taken from a crusted, older sore.
• Taking antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 4, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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