To Test or Not to Test: Understanding the USPSTF Recommendation on Herpes Screening
Should everyone be tested for herpes? The current body of research says no.
The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, provided an updated screening recommendation for genital herpes. Standing with its 2016 assessment, the USPSTF recommends against screening for herpes in individuals without symptoms.
How did they reach this conclusion? They review the existing body of literature in search of “new and substantial evidence” related to 1) Accuracy of screening tests; 2) benefits of early detection and treatment; 3) risk assessment, and 4) harms of screening and treatment.
As you might expect, a potential harm in screening for asymptomatic individuals alongside high false positive rate of testing results in “anxiety and disruption of personal relationships related to diagnosis.”
When you read the report, you’ll notice there were no new studies that fell in most of their research categories—and they recognize that. Ultimately, we need more reliable testing (better sex education, less stigma, etc. 😇).
Something interesting I found was that the USPSTF responded to public comments. When the article first appeared for public comment in September 2022, people felt that herpes is minimized and that people unknowingly transmit the virus. The USPSTF “understands these concerns and recognizes the importance of sexual health.” Again, calling for more research.