Screening for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually given to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases.

There are no screening guidelines for cold sores.

A simple antibody blood test can show if you have been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. If you test positive, it means you could get a cold sore in the future. However, most people test positive for herpes simplex type 1. Therefore, this test is not very useful for screening purposes.

References

Herpes. American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/sti/091.html . Updated October 2009. Accessed August 13, 2012.

Herpes labialis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated March 27, 2011. Accessed August 12, 2012.

Herpes simplex. DermNet NZ website. Available at: http://dermnetnz.org/viral/herpes-simplex.html . Updated June 2008. Accessed August 13, 2012.

Kuehl B. Cold sores: how to prevent and treat them. Skin Care Guide.ca website. Available at: http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/herpes/to%5Fprevent%5Fcold%5Fsores.html . Accessed August 13, 2012.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.