Can you test negative for herpes and have the virus?

Answer 1

First, there are STDs for which there's no reliable test:

• There is no commerically available test to tell someone they don't have HPV. HPV can be diagnosed if a person has genital warts, or may be found during a cervical HPV test or biopsy, but there's no way to say that someone doesn't have HPV. The overwhelming majority of people who have sex have had HPV at some point in their lives.
• It is difficult to say that someone has or doesn't have genital herpes if they don't have symptoms. A blood test can tell you if you have antibodies to type 1 or type 2 herpes, but can't tell you if the infection is genital or found elsewhere.

In addition, there are a few circumstances that might lead to a negative STD test when the STD is present.

• You can get tested too soon and you may not be able to tell what you have yet it would be too early to know.
• Tests are almost never 100% accurate. You shouldn't necessarily start doubting the tests but you should be tested regularly.

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible for the results of a herpes test to be false negative. This could happen if the test is taken too soon after the infection, if the sample provided was not adequate, or if there was a laboratory error. If you suspect you have herpes but tested negative, it is recommended to follow up with your healthcare provider for further testing or evaluation.

Answer 3

If you had a swab test, you can test negative for herpes and still have the virus if you were swabbed when the sores were already healing, or if the swab wasn't vigorous enough.

If you had a blood test for herpes antibodies, you could test negative and still have the virus if your infection was very recent.