What happens during an HSV test?HSV testing is usually done as a swab test, blood test, or lumbar puncture. The type of test you get will depend on your symptoms and health history.For a swab test, a health care provider will use a swab to collect fluid and cells from a herpes sore.For a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is only done if your provider thinks you may have an infection of the brain or spinal cord. During a spinal tap:You will lie on your side or sit on an exam table.A health care provider will clean your back and inject an anesthetic into your skin, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Your provider may put a numbing cream on your back before this injection.Once the area on your back is completely numb, your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your lower spine. Vertebrae are the small backbones that make up your spine.Your provider will withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. This will take about five minutes.Your provider may ask you to lie on your back for an hour or two after the procedure. This may prevent you from getting a headache afterward.
