Herpes swabbing technique
Good swabbing technique maximises the probability of achieving accurate diagnotic results. This video clearly demonstrates the AHMF’s recommended method.
The value of swabs
The gold standard for diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections is detection of HSV on a swab taken from the affected area. Swabs can:
- Confirm that a given lesion is due to HSV. This can be a useful way of clarifying the diagnosis of atypical lesions.
- Detect the presence of viral shedding, sometimes even when the patient is asymptomatic
- Microbiological detection of HSV is required in order to prescribe antiviral medications under Australia's Pharmaceutical benefits Scheme.
- Clarify to a patient that he or she “has herpes”—the condition, not just the virus. This can help ease confusion when the presence of IgG is detected on type-specific antibody testing.
Technique
Using the correct technique is important to maximise sensitivity of the swab test. In other words, incorrect technique can lead to false negative results, diagnostic uncertainty for the clinician and frustration for the patient.
To improve swab-taking technique by clinicians, the AHMF has produced a 6 minute video demonstrating the optimal technique for taking diagnostic swabs from lesions and areas suspected to be shedding HSV.
Video download instructions
The video may be downloaded in MP4 “podcast” format. This enables the user to:
- Save the file on to a computer
- View it using the QuickTime video player or iTunes software
- Load the video on to a portable video player such as an iPod
To download:
- On a Windows computer, right-click on the link and select Save Target As... to save the MP4 file to your computer.