American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of polymerase chain reaction testing in relation to herpes simplex virus?

1. It detects antibodies to the virus

2. It provides results within minutes

3. It is highly specific and sensitive

4. It is not available for genital testing

The correct answer is: It is highly specific and sensitive

The key characteristic of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV) is its high specificity and sensitivity. PCR is designed to amplify small amounts of viral DNA, allowing for the detection of the herpes simplex virus even when it is present in very low amounts. This molecular technique can accurately differentiate between HSV types and is particularly valuable in clinical settings where rapid and reliable diagnosis is necessary. PCR's high sensitivity means it can detect the virus early in infection or during asymptomatic periods, contributing to its effectiveness in both diagnosing active infections and confirming cases when the presentation is atypical. Its specificity ensures that the test results are not influenced by other viral pathogens, reducing the likelihood of false positives. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary attributes of PCR testing. While it may provide results relatively quickly compared to some traditional methods, it does not yield results within minutes as a standard, making that option less relevant. Furthermore, PCR can indeed be used for genital testing, and it does not detect antibodies, which is a characteristic of serological tests, not PCR.