Can you be tested and the test is negative for herpes and still have it?

I believe that herpes can only be tested for by swabbing the lesion. There is no blood test for herpes according to my Dr. So, therefore, all blood will come back negative for herpes. Regardless of the true status of the testee. There is of course a blood test for herpes. Herpes is a viral infection in your blood streamso obviously, a blood test would be able to tell you if you have the virus or not. I'm not sure how long/soon after possible contact you should get a blood test that will give you an accurate reading but there are two ways to test if you have herpes: 1. If you have something that looks like a possible herpes outbreak then you can go to your Doctor and have him or her take a test swab. He or she will look at it under a microscope and can determine if it is herpes. Or

2. Get your blood drawn and ask your Doctor to test specifically for herpes. It takes about 5-6 days to receive the verdict but I'd trust a blood test over anything.

Good Luck!