Screening

Genital Herpes Simplex

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
1996


Recommendation

Routine screening for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection by viral culture is not recommended for asymptomatic persons, including asymptomatic pregnant women.

There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the examination of pregnant women in labor for signs of active genital HSV lesions, although recommendations to do so may be made on other grounds.

Recommendations on counseling to prevent sexually transmitted diseases are provided in Counseling to Prevent HIV Infection and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases.


Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd Edition
Screening for Genital Herpes Simplex, 1996 (PDF File, 84 KB)


Return to Quick Menu: Topic Index
Return to USPSTF Home Page