False positive results can occur with many diagnostic tests, including STD tests. The chances of false positive results increase as the likelihood of the infection decreases in the person being tested. False positive HSV-2 results can happen, especially in people who are at low risk for a herpes infection.

Does herpes have to be active to test positive?

If your test result is positive, it can mean that you have an active herpes infection without symptoms. It can also mean that you had an HSV infection in the past. The antibody blood test is not as reliable as culturing a sample from a herpes sore.

Can you test negative for herpes and still have it?

A “negative” viral culture or PCR result could mean you dont have genital herpes. But in some cases, a person could still have genital herpes and a negative result. Thats likely due to other factors related to how much virus there is in the sores. You dont need to do anything to prepare for these tests.