Herpes Testing Center in Kathmandu — PCR & Serology Lesion PCR for Fresh Sores, Typed Serology for Status

Herpes Testing — the Two Methods for the Two Questions

Herpes testing is correct test matched to question: lesion PCR (a swab on a fresh sore — reliable acute diagnostic, ~2–12 day window) for "is this lesion herpes"; typed serology (blood antibodies — ~3–12 week window) for "have I been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2".

The commonest testing errors: serology used to diagnose a lesion (a positive shows exposure, not sore — many people are seropositive), PCR on a healing lesion ( window has closed — false negative), and testing inside window for either test ( too-early inconclusive).

At Thamel Clinic test is matched to question at consultation — lesion assessed for freshness, timing assessed for window — with honest guidance on which test answers what.

Lesion PCR — for a Fresh Sore

For a fresh lesion — blister or ulcer — lesion PCR is reliable acute diagnostic: ~95%+ sensitive on correct specimen, typed HSV-1 vs HSV-2, standard for question "is this herpes".

The window is ~2–12 days — lesion carries most virus early, declining as it heals — so attending while lesion is fresh is highest-value action.

Serology — for Status Without a Lesion

For status question — have I been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 — typed serology is correct test: detecting antibodies that indicate prior infection, ~3–12 weeks post-exposure (antibodies need that long to develop).

The honest framing: serology answers status, not a current lesion — a positive serology does not prove a sore is herpes because many people are seropositive from prior exposure.

The Timing Constraints

Lesion PCR ~2–12 days: fresh lesion carries most virus; healing lesions produce false negatives. Serology ~3–12 weeks: antibodies need time to develop; early is inconclusive. A very recent exposure without a lesion: neither is useful yet — attend if a lesion appears, or timed serology later.

The matching is done at consultation — lesion assessed for freshness, exposure dated, and correct test at correct time selected.

After the Result

A positive is managed at same service: episodic or suppressive antivirals, honest counselling (common, manageable, ~50% transmission reduction with suppression, barriers limit not eliminate), and partner guidance.

A negative is interpreted — against timing and lesion freshness — with retest or serology advice where result was a healing-lesion false negative or an early-window inconclusive.

Herpes Testing & Costs

Transparent pricing; confirm when booking.

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