Screening for Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)En Español (Spanish Version)
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.
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Last Reviewed September 2012