Blood analysis
A patient’s blood sample is analyzed for the presence of HSV antibodies in order to determine a previous herpes virus infection. Anti-HSV antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces in response to HSV virus infection. In order to confirm the presence of genital herpes using the direct fluorescent antibody method, a solution containing a fluorescent dye and HSV antibodies is combined with a sample of cells. If the HSV virus is present, the antibodies will fluoresce under a microscope and adhere to the sample.
