Genital herpes

The test is looking for evidence of infection by the herpes simplex virus, a common sexually transmitted disease that causes small fever blisters (vesicles) on the mouth or genitals. The blisters seen around the oral cavity and in the mouth are commonly called “cold sores” and are evidence of active herpes infection.

Your doctor will take a swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the mouth or genital area.