CD21 Test

Complement receptor type 2 (CR2) also known as Epstein-Barr virus receptor and CD21 is a protein present in humans encoded by the CR2 gene. Although CR2 is present in all mature B-cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), this becomes readily apparent only when immunochemistry is performed on the frozen sections. In more paraffin-embedded tissue samples, only FDCs retain the staining pattern. As a result of this only CR2 also commonly known as CD21 in the context of immunochemistry can be used to demonstrate the FDC meshwork in the lymphoid tissue. In common terms, the disease is known as herpes which is a sexually transmitted disease. Herpes generally has no symptoms and so it can be infected and be contagious without knowledge. If you have sores on your genitals, there are chances of getting affected by herpes.

No special preparation is required for the test. The patient is advised to inform his/her medicine intake to the doctor prior to the test as some medicines can alter the test results.

Both the tests help in detecting if the patient is affected by herpes. If the test results are false-negative, it means the sores have begun to heal or if you were affected recently False-positive test results are also possible. If you test positive, but your risk of getting the virus is low, you may need to be tested again.

PCR blood test This test can tell if you have herpes even if you don’t have any symptoms. The PCR test looks for pieces of the virus’s DNA. It is the most common test used to diagnose herpes and is very accurate. A band is wrapped around the arm, preferably near the elbow pit such that vein is clearly seen The area is cleaned with 70% alcohol The needle is inserted into the visible vein causing a small prick and the required amount of blood sample is collected The collected blood is transferred into the blood container from the nozzle and the syringe is hygienically disposed immediately Cell culture During this test, the examiner collects sample cells from the sore and looks for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) The examiner will use a cotton swab or small brush to collect several samples of cell from the sore on the affected genital area The samples are later placed in a collection tube and sent for analysis