Need Clarification on Herpes Blood Testing

[FLNewH]

So my boyfriend has agreed to get a blood test. We've been sexually active for about a month now. I asked him to get a blood test within the next month to see what his status is. I've given him this time frame because if he gets tested now and comes back positive, then I know he had it before me. If not, then I'll know not. Selfish reason I know, but he is aware of why and is ok with it.

 

I gave him the info on where to get tested. And of course he is now Googling this and reads that a blood test only takes a few weeks to show positive. To be honest, other than being told here that it takes about 3 months to show positive on a blood test, I can't find that info online. There is plenty out there, just not on the length of time for the test - at least that I can find. I'm sure someone has a link they could share please? :-) and thank you :-)

[Dave1]

Good question, had to do a bit of googling. This website says 12-16 weeks from the last date of exposure.

http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/herpes/herpes-testing/

[FLNewH]

Great! Thank you

[mr_hopp]

Yep, it takes about 3 months for the herpes antibodies to reach detectable levels.

 

Here's another link from our site that should help:

http://herpeslife.com/herpes-tests

[WCSDancer2010]

I guessing that the 1 month info that he found was for IgM (as opposed to the IgG) ... which is meant to tell you early on if you have Herpes BUT it's notoriously inaccurate and any Dr that knows anything won't waste resources and money on it .

[FLNewH]

Thanks all. I checked out the info and was able to explain it better to him. He was just trying to research what the testing was all about and got a bit confused. Test was taken yesterday soooooo ... idk, fingers crossed?