Sexuality Stack Exchange Archive

Which STDs can’t be reliably detected in a blood test?

• posted by: Jay Bazuzi on 2012-01-20
• tagged: std, testing
• score: 0

Before a couple decides to fluid bond, they may decide to get tested for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. It would be nice to be able to show a “clean bill of health”.

However, I read that blood tests don’t detect genital herpes reliably. What other STDs have this limitation?

Answer 156

• posted by: Tom Squires on 2012-01-21
• score: 1

HIV in the early stages is not detected by standard blood tests. It takes a few weeks after infection before it can be detected, it’s one of the reasons regular STD checks are recommended.

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