The health care provider collects the sample from a skin sore (lesion). This is done usually by rubbing a small cotton swab and on the skin lesion. Sometimes blisters may have to be opened in order to be cultured. The sample is sent to a lab. There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus, or substances related to the virus grow. Special tests may also be done to determine whether it is HSV type 1 or 2.

The sample must be collected during the acute phase of infection. This is the worst part of an outbreak. It is also when the skin lesions are at their worst.

When the sample is collected, you may feel an uncomfortable scraping or sticky sensation. Sometimes a sample from the throat or eyes is needed. This involves rubbing a sterile swab against the eye or in the throat.

The test is done to confirm herpes virus infection. Herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. It can also cause cold sores of the mouth and lips. Herpes zoster causes chickenpox and shingles.

The diagnosis is often made by physical examination (your provider looking at the sores). The cultures and other tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.

This test is most accurate when a person is newly infected, that is, during the first outbreak.

A normal (negative) result means that the herpes virus did not grow in the laboratory dish and the skin sample used in the test did not contain any herpes virus.

Be aware that a normal (negative) culture does not always mean that you do not have a herpes infection or have not had one in the past.

An abnormal (positive) result may mean that you have an active infection with herpes simplex virus. Herpes infections include genital herpes, cold sores on the lips or in the mouth, or shingles. More blood tests will likely be needed to confirm the diagnosis or the exact cause.

If the culture is positive for herpes, you may have recently become infected. You may have become infected in the past and are currently having an outbreak.

Risks include slight bleeding or discomfort in the area where the skin was swabbed.

Culture - herpes simplex virus; Herpes simplex virus culture; Herpes zoster virus culture

Marks JG, Miller JJ. Dermatologic therapy and procedures. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.

Plourde AR, Beavis KG. Specimen collection and handling for diagnosis of infectious diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 66.

Whitley RJ, Gnann JW. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 345.

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.