The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently conducted new studies to evaluate scientific evidence and found that routine screening for genital herpes using blood tests is not supported with evidence.
According to the latest research, the harms of the screen outweigh the benefits for people who are asymptomatic.
"While genital herpes is relatively common, testing is not generally helpful for people who have not experienced symptoms, in part because the tests are often inaccurate," Dr. Maureen Phipps, USPSTF member, said. "Further, because there's no cure, there isn't much doctors and nurses can do for people who don't have symptoms."
Within the U.S., one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 years old is infected with genital herpes simplex virus (HSV). This figure is a serious concern, as the disease is incurable.
In light of this research, the USPSTF published a new draft recommendation statement as well as a draft evidence review about routine screening for genital herpes.
After evaluating the new evidence, leaders with the USPSTF released a recommendation saying that people should not accept routine serologic screening for genital HSV infections. This applies to asymptomatic adults as well as adolescents, particularly pregnant women.
